The old Nissan Juke is below par but still sells well, so it wasn’t nearly as important how nice the new car was. The interior is well-finished and more practical than before. It’s also more fun to drive than the original Juke, although neither the petrol nor the hybrid engines are particularly class-leading.
Nissan claims that by 2023, electric vehicles will account for 75% of its sales. That’s not such a wild boast for a company that has sold one of the best-selling electric vehicles for the previous decade, but it does entail huge changes for its popular SUVs, such as the Nissan Juke, which we reviewed here.
But don’t be concerned. The modifications are minor. The Nissan Juke will not be all-electric (though the Nissan Ariya electric SUV is on the way), and the Juke will not even receive the sophisticated e-Power configuration that will soon be introduced to the Nissan Qashqai lineup. Instead, the Juke will be available with a traditional self-charging hybrid powertrain, similar to those used in the Toyota Yaris Cross, Honda HR-V, and Hyundai Kona Hybrid.
The co-developed technology combines a normal 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, a 1.2 kWh battery, and a revolutionary automatic transmission. According to Nissan, the result is a 25% increase in power while using 20% less gasoline. Officially, it will go up to 56.5 mpg.
If hybrid power isn’t your thing (or you just want to save money on the purchase price), a more conventional petrol-powered Nissan Juke is still available. This employs a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 114 PS, comparable to engines seen in competitors such as the SEAT Arona and Ford Puma. This engine feels snappy enough in town and is also quite economical, but it begins to seem out of its element on the highway. This engine is offered with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, both of which are far superior to the CVT transmission used in the previous Juke.
It’s a simple vehicle to drive in town, thanks to a high seating position that provides an excellent perspective of the road ahead. High-end versions have a 360-degree camera, which is useful while parking. On the highway, though, competitors are more polished, with the Ford Puma and SEAT Arona seeming more nimble.
Aside from the engines, the Nissan Juke is a highly popular (and odd) compact SUV. If you’re coming from an older Nissan Juke, you’ll notice a big improvement in quality. The inside of the Juke is no longer horribly plasticky and poorly constructed; it now feels rather comfortable and looks very elegant.
It’s also simple to get used to the newest Juke. The original model’s steering wheel only moved up and down (rather than in and out), making it difficult for some people to become comfortable. There’s lots of flexibility in both the steering wheel and the driver’s seat now, so most individuals will be able to find a comfortable driving position.
There’s substantially more room for rear-seat passengers now (the Juke is just over 4.2 meters long and 1.8 meters wide), but the curving shape means you’d be better off searching elsewhere if you often transport people in the back. This is meant to be a fashionable city vehicle rather than a replacement for your family’s Ford Focus. Nonetheless, the trunk is rather huge—20% more than the previous generation, in fact—and the Nissan Juke’s cargo capacity is a respectable 422 litres. However, the hybrid model reduces this to 354 litres.
The Nissan Juke’s greatest difficulty is the calibre of its competitors. We like the Ford Puma, Skoda Kamiq, and Volkswagen T-Cross, and there are also great compact electric SUVs on the market if you want to save money on gas (for example, the Hyundai Kona Electric). Nonetheless, the Nissan Juke continues to sell well, and it’s a better all-arounder than the previous generation.
Is the 2022 Nissan Juke the ideal vehicle for you?
The Nissan Juke is a terrific alternative if you want a sleek little SUV. Its enhanced cabin makes it simpler to justify than before, but its relatively average engine lineup restricts its appeal. Still, if you mostly drive around town or aren’t concerned with smooth performance, you might do worse. You might want to purchase the previous model.
Which Nissan Juke model and engine should I get?
If you’re in the market for a new Nissan Juke, the hybrid model will add a minimal amount to your monthly payments and is likely worth more for its slightly increased performance and higher fuel efficiency. If you’re searching for a used car, the 1.0-litre engine is adequate, especially for city driving.
We’d steer clear of the base Nissan Juke VISIA trim level. A Nissan Juke Acenta is worth looking for only for the eight-inch infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), as well as a useful rear-view camera and 17-inch alloy wheels. With a Bose sound system and a complete suite of driver-assistance equipment, the Juke Tekna is the vehicle for tech aficionados, while the top-of-the-line Tekna+ looks the fanciest with its two-tone paint and 19-inch alloy wheels.
What other vehicles are comparable to the Nissan Juke 2022?
While the Nissan Juke was a market pioneer in the compact SUV class, the industry is now saturated with some very capable rivals. If you’re thinking about buying a Juke, you should also investigate the new Renault Captur. It shares a chassis with the Juke, but it has a less contentious style and a greater range of engine options.
The new Peugeot 2008 is another excellent option, with a striking cabin, while the Ford Puma is the small SUV of choice for those who adore driving. The Skoda Kamiq, Volkswagen T-Roc (and smaller T-Cross), and SEAT Arona are all formidable competitors for the Volkswagen Group. Meanwhile, the Citroen C3 Aircross is a pleasant option, and the Honda HR-V is a highly adaptable option, albeit it seems a little archaic in comparison to newer competitors. Don’t overlook the fast Mazda CX-3 or the elegant Fiat 500X.
Nissan Juke interior design and comfort
“While the old Nissan Juke was quite cramped and claustrophobic on the inside, the new model is far superior.” Rear-seat passengers in the Nissan Juke will benefit the most from these enhancements, as they will get approximately 60mm more legroom and another centimetre of headroom. Every little bit helps, but it’s still not the roomiest option.
Things are looking up in the front. You sit high up (not something you take for granted in a tiny SUV; witness the Skoda Kamiq’s hatchback-like driving posture), and the seats and steering wheel are highly adjustable. Unfortunately, the Nissan Juke lacks adjustable lumbar support, although we found the seats to be quite accommodating on lengthy rides. The boot can hold up to 422 litres of baggage, which is comparable to the SEAT Arona’s (400 litres) and the Renault Capture (455 litres).
The majority of Nissan Jukes include an 8-inch infotainment system with navigation on higher-spec versions. The system is simple to use, albeit the visuals aren’t as crisp as those seen in the Skoda Kamiq or Volkswagen T-Roc. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which is convenient.
Finishing and quality
While the previous Nissan Juke’s interior had a slew of hard plastics, the only hard materials in the new one can be found on the tops of the doors and in the bottom reaches of the cabin—hardly unheard of at this price range. The primary elements of the Juke’s dashboard, on the other hand, are fashioned of squidgy, expensive-feeling materials.
Mid-range The leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, as well as the ambient interior lighting, make the Juke N-Connecta models seem a little more upscale. Interior colour packs, including Engima Black, Energy Orange, and Light Grey with half-leather seats, are available on top-spec Juke Tekna+ vehicles.
Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo
The Visia model is the first in the Nissan Juke lineup, and it stands out for its vintage stereo. It has a tiny, non-colour screen and lacks most of the beneficial features found on the rest of the range’s infotainment displays; however, it does include a small TFT display between the dials on the instrument binnacle.
Acenta models are much more similar. They include an eight-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can use your phone’s applications on the large screen, giving you fast access to things like Google Maps, Waze, and Spotify. N-Connecta variants include a seven-inch TFT display between the dashboard dials.
Tekna variants retain the same infotainment but add Bose audio with eight speakers, two of which are located in the front seat headrests and are meant to surround you with sound.
Nissan Juke cargo space and functionality
The Nissan Juke’s seat and steering wheel are both adjustable, making it simple to find a comfortable driving position, and there’s plenty of space for another tall adult in the front passenger seat.
The rear-seat room is where this new model distinguishes itself from the previous one. Tall adults will have extra knee space because of the longer wheelbase—two six-footers will sit in the rear seat—but they won’t have much headroom due to the Juke’s stylish roofline. There are three seats in the rear, but three people will struggle to sit without being permanently wedged in.
When it comes to installing a kid seat, there are ISOFIX hooks on the two outer rear seats, making it simple to secure a seat, but if it’s big, you may need to push the front seat forward. ISOFIX mounts are also available on the front passenger seat of higher-end Juke models.
If you have kids, you’ll like the Nissan Juke’s large 422-litre cargo area, which is larger than the Volkswagen Golf. Its high-load lip makes loading difficult, but it comes with an adjustable boot floor and enough room to conceal the parcel shelf beneath when set to its maximum level. Fold down the rear seats, which divide 60:40, and you’ll have enough space to haul an adult’s bike.
The batteries of the Nissan Juke Hybrid are located under the cargo floor. This implies that passenger space remains unaffected, but total baggage space is reduced to 354 litres.
In terms of storage capacity, the front doors have large door pockets and a spot to keep your phone, while the glove box and rear door pockets are modest. Overall, the inside of a Volkswagen T-Cross is simpler to keep clean.
What about the Nissan Juke’s handling and ride quality?
The Nissan Juke has a higher suspension, which provides a sense of security that a smaller vehicle of the same size does not provide. That comes in handy while navigating busy city streets, yet the Nissan Juke’s sloping nose and restricted vision out the rear make it not the simplest SUV to park. However, only the base model lacks a reversing camera, whereas Juke Tekna models go a step further with a 360-degree camera.
That camera is part of a safety package that allows the Juke to drive itself on the highway, accelerating, braking, and directing you in the right lane as long as you maintain your hands on the wheel. Even if you choose a high-spec model, the Juke isn’t ideal on the highway, where it suffers from wind and tyre noise. The ride might also be bumpy in rough conditions, particularly if you choose a vehicle with 19-inch alloy wheels.
The Nissan feels secure and predictable in corners, with none of the apparent body lean that you would anticipate from a higher vehicle like this. To be honest, it’s not a lot of fun, but if you want a tiny SUV that will have you grinning like a Cheshire cat, you’ll want the Ford Puma.
What engines and transmissions are available for the Nissan Juke?
The 2021 Nissan Juke was originally available with just one engine: a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with 117 PS. It may be paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The manual transmission in the Juke is adequate; however, the gear shift does not seem as accurate as it would be in, say, a Ford Puma. The dual-clutch transmission is much superior to the CVT transmission used in the previous Juke, although it does reduce performance (on paper, at least).
The 1.0-litre engine can propel the Juke to 62 mph in 10.4 seconds with the manual transmission. That’s adequate if not revolutionary (the similar Skoda Kamiq is about a half-second faster). With the automatic transmission, this time drops to 11.1 seconds. In contrast, a Skoda Kamiq 1.0 DSG sprints to 62 mph in less than a second.
The Nissan Juke Hybrid, a hybrid variant, will be available in 2022. This combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to create 143 PS—enough to go from 0 to 62mph in roughly 10.1 seconds. It’s still not lightning fast, but the Juke Hybrid shines in town. The 1.2 kWh battery enables the Juke Hybrid to start on just electric power. It won’t go very far on electricity (unlike plug-in hybrid options like the Renault Captur E-Tech PHEV), but Nissan claims it can reach 34mph before the gasoline engine kicks in.
The inclusion of an e-Pedal button, similar to the Nissan Leaf electric vehicle, speeds up regenerative braking and slows the car down when you pull off the accelerator in the Nissan Juke Hybrid (which comes standard with a clever multi-model automatic gearbox). The deceleration isn’t as dramatic as it is in the Leaf, and we doubt you’d be able to drive about the town without touching the brakes.
Noise levels and refinement
As previously said, the Nissan Juke can be pretty loud on the highway, so if you plan on doing a lot of lengthy journeys, you should avoid vehicles with 19-inch wheels, which emit the most noise into the interior. The 16- and 17-inch wheels are quieter and, in general, more comfortable. You’ll also hear some wind whistles, but Nissan’s small 1.0-litre engine is hardly audible over the roar of the wind and road.
At lower speeds, the hybrid variant is quite smooth, especially as it can start in traffic on electric power. If you press hard on the pedal, the 1.6-litre petrol engine roars to life; a pure-electric option, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, is a far better choice if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
Safety features: How secure is the Nissan Juke?
One of the safest compact SUVs on the market is the Nissan Juke, which received five stars for safety in Euro NCAP’s evaluation using the 2019 test criteria. Even the entry-level model has lane departure warning, traffic-sign recognition, lane assist, and an emergency call that will summon assistance if the vehicle is involved in an accident.
Juke Tekna models have active cruise control, rear cross-traffic warning (which prevents you from reversing into oncoming traffic), and driver alertness recognition, which alerts you when you need to take a break.
How much does it cost to operate a Nissan Juke?
In WLTP fuel efficiency testing, the Nissan Juke Hybrid achieves up to 56.5 mpg, while the 1.0-litre petrol achieves 47.9 mpg with the manual transmission and 46.3 mpg with the automatic transmission.
During our time with the Juke Hybrid, we achieved late-40s MPG with minimum effort, which is commendable but still falls well short of what the Toyota Yaris Cross (which achieves up to 64mpg in official testing) can do. If you have access to a charging station, consider the plug-in hybrid Renault Captur E-Tech, which can go up to 30 miles in electric-only mode (ideal for the commute or school run).
The entry-level engine, like other dotty little 1.0-litre turbocharged engines, might be a lot thirstier than its official ratings in the real world. That’s because it takes effort to create speed; nevertheless, drive cautiously, and it should be pretty efficient.
How dependable is the Nissan Juke?
The new Nissan Juke is still too young for us to know how reliable it will be in the long run, but its dual-clutch automatic transmission should outperform the previous CVT auto gearbox. In terms of dependability, this was a particularly poor aspect of the prior model.
Nissan ranks rather low in the HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index, with a dependability score of 9.04.
Costs and insurance groups
The cheapest Nissan Juke to insure is the 1.0-litre with manual transmission in Acenta specification, which is classified as Insurance Group 13. The Nissan Juke Hybrid, with its larger 1.6-litre engine, maybe a bit more costly to insure; however, insurance groups have yet to be verified.
Standard trim levels and features
The Nissan Juke lineup starts with Visia. With 16-inch steel wheels, cloth seats, and a four-speaker DAB radio, this is a truly basic car. A 4.2-inch digital display and LED headlights (with daytime running lights) are also included. Cruise control (with speed limit), lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition are all examples of driver assistance technology.
When the Nissan Juke Acenta is new, it starts at $28,390 for the base SUV Juke ST trim level to $36,890 for the top-of-the-line SUV. And it has desirable options like 17-inch alloy wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen media system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a rearview camera.
The N-Connecta trim level has a larger 7-inch digital screen as well as navigation for customers looking for a more affordable option. It has keyless entry and ignition, as well as an electronic handbrake. Automatic climate control, leather steering wheel and shift knob, and ambient interior lighting are all excellent touches.
When new, this Nissan Juke Techna costs around $28,390. It has 19-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a heated windshield, and a high-end Bose sound system. It also has a 360-degree camera, Intelligent Driver Alert, Blind Spot Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Moving Object Detection as part of the Advanced Safety Shield package.
Tekna+ cars are the best of the lot, featuring two-tone paint and different contrasting body components (on the front and rear bumpers and side skirts). Interior finishes come in a number of colours, including Enigma Black, Energy Orange, and Light Gray.
The premiere edition is also available for a limited time. This package includes 19-inch alloy wheels, two-tone paint (Black Pearl with Fuji Sunset Red roof and door mirrors), Exterior Customization Package (Fuji Sunset Red inserts on the front bumper, rear bumper, and side skirts), and Interior Customization Package (Black Leather Seats). ). Enigma and Alcantara seats). A Bose surround sound system is also included.
