The 2014 Nissan Juke ranks 10 out of 22 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of the Nissan Juke, as well as reliability and safety data.
2014 Nissan Juke Review
The Nissan Juke turns heads with its unique styling and sporty dynamics, but rival crossovers offer roomier cabins and more cargo space, reviewers say.
The 2014 Nissan Juke is equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that reviewers say provides ample power and zippy acceleration, especially in the more powerful, performance-tuned Nismo trim. Test drivers report that the standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) is responsive and that the optional six-speed manual has a shifter that feels a bit rubbery at times. Equipped with a CVT and front-wheel drive, the Juke gets an EPA-estimated 27/32 mpg city/highway, which is excellent for the class. The Juke is one of the few affordable compact SUVs that calls for premium gasoline. Reviewers like the extra grip provided by the all-wheel drive system, which is available on all trims. In addition, test drivers say that responsive steering, strong brakes and nimble handling make the Juke fun to drive.
The automotive press agrees that the Juke’s cabin is stylish and sporty, though some say the use of hard plastic materials can make it feel cheap. Front seats are well-bolstered and comfy, reviewers say. Critics note that the lack of a telescoping steering wheel makes it hard to find a good driving position. A low roofline makes the back seat cramped and headroom is at a premium, reviewers say. The Juke has roughly half the cargo space of many rivals in the class, and some test drivers say this makes it a less practical choice. Standard features include a six-speaker audio system, an iPod interface, Bluetooth phone connectivity, keyless entry and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Optional features include a USB port, a Rockford Fosgate audio system, satellite radio, a touch-screen navigation system, push-button start, a moonroof and a rearview camera. Reviewers say that the Juke’s audio and climate controls are well-placed and intuitive and large dials make them easy to operate.
Details: 2014 Nissan Juke
The 2014 Nissan Juke seats five and is available in four trims: S, SV, SL and Nismo. All models have a turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. A continuously variable transmission is standard, and a six-speed manual is available on the SV trim and standard on the Juke Nismo. All-wheel drive is optional on every trim. The Juke has seen few changes since its introduction in the 2011 model year, so this overview uses applicable research and reviews from the 2011 to 2014 model years.Nissan Juke Performance
According to the automotive press, the 2014 Nissan Juke’s peppy turbocharged engine and athletic handling make it fun to drive. It hugs the road nicely, they say, especially when equipped with all-wheel drive. An Integrated Control System with four driving modes (Normal, Sport, Eco and D-Mode) broadens the Juke’s appeal, reviewers note, letting driving enthusiasts customize their experience behind the wheel.
Acceleration and Power
The 2014 Nissan Juke has a turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower. The Juke Nismo has a comparably-sized engine that produces 197 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard, while a six-speed manual transmission is available on the SV trim and standard on the Nismo trim. Equipped with a CVT, the front-wheel-drive Juke gets an EPA-estimated 27/32 mpg city/highway, which is excellent for an affordable compact SUV. All-wheel drive models yield 25/30 mpg. All models use premium gasoline, which is unusual for a non-luxury crossover.
Reviewers say that front- and all-wheel drive Juke models both have peppy acceleration and plenty of power. While test drivers like the Juke’s responsive CVT, some say the shifter feels a bit rubbery on models equipped with the manual transmission
Handling and Braking
Reviewers are impressed with the Nissan Juke’s responsive steering and firm brakes, and note that the Juke has a comfortable, controlled ride. At the same time, the Juke is nimble around curves, test drivers report. The available all-wheel drive gives the Juke excellent road grip and a sport mode adds some fun behind the wheel, reviewers note.
Nissan Juke Interior
Reviewers generally like the 2014 Nissan Juke’s cabin for its innovative design and sporty styling, but a few critics say that the sheer number of different surfaces can make the design feel incoherent. Others note that the use of hard plastic materials makes the cabin feel cheap. Test drivers agree that the front seats offer adequate space, but a low roofline leaves little headroom in the back seat, which is already cramped, they say. Test drivers note that audio and climate controls are generally accessible and intuitive, the navigation system is hi-tech and a premium audio package adds great sound. Though one reviewer points out that the Juke has sufficient room for gear, it has a small amount of cargo space for the class. Another reviewer says that the interior lacks storage compartments for small items.
The Nissan Juke seats five and comes standard with a manually-adjustable driver seat and a tilt steering wheel. Options include heated front seats, sport bucket front seats, faux-suede seat trim, leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Reviewers say the Juke’s front seats are adequately comfortable and supportive and visibility is good. Test drivers report that the rear seats are cramped and lack headroom due to the low roofline. Some are disappointed in the lack of a telescoping steering wheel, saying it can be hard to find a good driving position.
Interior Features
The 2014 Juke comes standard with a six-speaker CD audio system, an auxiliary input, an iPod interface, Bluetooth phone connectivity, keyless entry, a security system and steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Optional features include a USB port, a Rockford Fosgate audio system, satellite radio, a touch-screen navigation system, push-button start, a moonroof and a rearview camera.
Reviewers say that the Juke’s audio and climate controls are well-organized and simple to use thanks to oversized knobs. Test drivers say the optional navigation system is hi-tech and the premium audio package offers great sound.
Cargo
The Nissan Juke has 10.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in use and 35.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. That’s poor for the class, with many rivals offering twice the amount of space. Reviewers are disappointed with the small size of the cargo bay, saying it practically defeats the purpose of buying a crossover. One reviewer points out that though rivals have more space, the overall cargo room in the Juke is sufficient. Another test driver notes that the Juke lacks interior storage compartments for small items.
Nissan Juke Safety
Safety Features
- Driver Air Bag
- Passenger Air Bag
- Side Head Air Bag
- Rear Head Air Bag
- Side Air Bag
- 4-Wheel ABS
- 4-Wheel Disc Brakes
- Brake Assist
- Electronic Stability Control
- Child Safety Locks
- Traction Control
Just the Facts:
The 2014 Nissan Juke starts at $19,800, as the Japanese automaker holds the line on base Juke pricing.
Pricing on the midlevel 2014 Juke SV FWD and AWD models has increased by $50.
The 2014 Juke is offered with three custom equipment packages: the Midnight Edition, Navigation package and Sport package.
The full line-up of prices is below:
JUKE S CVT FWD
|
$19,800 USD
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JUKE SV MT FWD
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$20,990 USD
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JUKE SV CVT FWD
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$22,040 USD
|
JUKE NISMO MT FWD
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$22,990 USD
|
JUKE SL CVT FWD
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$24,290 USD
|
JUKE S CVT AWD
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$20,990 USD
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JUKE SV CVT AWD
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$23,740 USD
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JUKE NISMO CVT AWD
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$25,290 USD
|
JUKE SL CVT AWD
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$25,990 USD
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