Nissan Juke
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a small SUV that’s impossible to ignore? The Nissan Juke might be exactly what you need. This quirky crossover has been turning heads since its debut with its bold, love-it-or-hate-it styling and surprisingly practical nature. It’s designed for drivers who want something different from the usual small SUV crowd. The Juke offers a high driving position and SUV practicality without the bulk of a larger vehicle.

The current Juke is a massive improvement over its predecessor. Where the original felt cramped and compromised, this new version offers genuine space for adults in the back and a boot that’s actually useful. It competes directly with rivals like the Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan, but brings its own unique character to the small SUV segment. The hybrid powertrain adds efficiency without sacrificing too much performance.

What makes the Juke special is its willingness to be different. The exterior design is bold and futuristic, making more conservative rivals look bland by comparison. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed cabin with good technology and comfortable seats. It’s a car that makes a statement about your personality while still being practical enough for everyday family life. The Juke proves you don’t have to choose boring to get reliability and efficiency.

What's the Nissan Juke Like to Drive?

The Nissan Juke offers two powertrain options, both designed for efficiency rather than excitement. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine produces 114 bhp and feels adequate for most driving situations. It’s smooth around town and has enough power for safe motorway driving, though it can feel strained when fully loaded. The 1.6-litre hybrid system is the star of the range, combining a petrol engine with electric assistance for 143 bhp total output.

The hybrid small SUV delivers the best balance of performance and economy. It feels more refined than the pure petrol engine and offers brief electric-only driving at low speeds. The CVT automatic transmission can feel sluggish compared to conventional automatics, but it’s smooth and suits the Juke’s relaxed character. Handling is predictable and safe, with light steering that makes parking easy. The ride quality is generally comfortable, though it can feel unsettled over harsh bumps at lower speeds.

Inside the Nissan Juke: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Juke and you’re greeted by one of the better interiors in this price range. The dashboard design is modern and user-friendly, with clear digital displays and intuitive controls. Material quality is impressive throughout, with soft-touch plastics on key surfaces and well-damped switches that operate with satisfying precision. The infotainment system features a responsive touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the range.

The front seats are supportive and offer good adjustment range for most body sizes. Rear seat space has improved dramatically compared to the old Juke, with genuine room for adults on shorter journeys. The cabin is impressively quiet at cruising speeds, with good insulation from road and wind noise. Higher trim levels add features like heated seats, wireless phone charging, and premium audio systems. The overall ambience feels more upmarket than the price suggests, competing well with more expensive alternatives.

The Nissan Juke succeeds in being different without sacrificing too much practicality. Its bold styling will divide opinion, but there’s no denying it stands out in a crowded market. The interior quality is genuinely impressive, and the hybrid powertrain delivers excellent fuel economy for real-world driving. The ride and handling balance works well for most situations, prioritising comfort over excitement.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Nissan Juke Expensive to Run?

The Juke’s running costs are one of its strongest selling points, particularly with the hybrid model. Real world fuel economy regularly exceeds 50 mpg with careful driving, making it genuinely economical for daily use. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, typically falling into groups 15-20 depending on the trim level. The hybrid qualifies for lower company car tax rates, making it attractive for business users seeking efficiency.

Purchase prices start from around £22,000 for the base petrol model, rising to £27,000 for top-spec hybrid versions. While this positions it as a premium option in the small SUV market, the strong equipment levels and hybrid efficiency help justify the cost. Nissan’s warranty coverage is comprehensive, and the brand has improved its reliability reputation in recent years. car finance options are widely available, with competitive rates often making monthly payments very manageable for most budgets.

Nissan Juke Practicality & Boot Space

For a compact SUV, the Juke delivers surprisingly good practicality. The 422-litre boot is a decent size for the class, easily accommodating the weekly shopping or holiday luggage for a small family. The rear seats fold flat to create a usable load space, and the wide tailgate opening makes loading bulky items straightforward. Interior storage is well thought out, with useful door pockets, cup holders, and a decent-sized glovebox.

The higher driving position gives excellent visibility in traffic, making the Juke feel confident and secure in urban environments. Rear passenger space is adequate for adults on shorter trips, though taller passengers might find legroom tight on longer journeys. For couples or small families, the Juke offers a good balance between compact exterior dimensions and usable interior space. Its size makes it easy to park and manoeuvre, while still providing the commanding view that many drivers want from their used Nissan cars.

The Nissan Juke has evolved into a genuinely accomplished small SUV that successfully balances style with substance. Its distinctive looks ensure it will never be mistaken for anything else on the road, while the improved interior space and quality make it a practical choice for everyday use. The hybrid powertrain is a particular highlight, delivering impressive fuel economy without feeling sluggish in normal driving.

You choose the Juke because you want something different from the mainstream SUV crowd. Its bold personality, efficient hybrid system, and well-equipped interior make it stand out from more conservative rivals. While it may not be the most spacious or fastest in its class, it offers a unique combination of character and efficiency. For drivers who appreciate distinctive design and strong running costs, the Juke represents excellent value in the competitive small SUV market, particularly when considering cars under £10,000 on the used market.