Used 2017 Nissan JUKE

The 2017 Nissan Juke is a smart, spunky compact-crossover SUV that continues to stand out with its expressive styling, feature-rich interior and turbocharged engines. No longer alone in the segment it started, the Juke now faces fierce competition from performance-oriented subcompact-crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-3 and Fiat 500X, as well less aggressive makes like the Honda HR-V and Chevrolet Trax. Nissan keeps the Juke competitive by offering even more standard features this year, keeping the Juke’s price low and offering a high-performance Nismo RS version that pumps out 215 horsepower. Unique to the Juke is the Color Studio option that allows for personal color customization of certain interior and exterior pieces.

Thanks to its robust turbocharged engine, taut suspension and precise steering, the 2017 Nissan Juke crossover SUV feels more like a dialed-in subcompact hatchback than an all-purpose, all-wheel-drive SUV. The Juke is a blast to drive, tearing up twisting roads with ease and providing a big blast of power when the accelerator is mashed to the floor. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models use a solid rear axle and have notable torque steer under acceleration, but the AWD’s torque-vectoring system and independent rear suspension alleviate the problem. Opt for the Nismo trim and you’ll get a 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, but only on FWD models. The Nismo RS brings 215 horsepower and even better handling. However, over long stretches of highway the Juke can feel a bit rough and somewhat twitchy. If your commute is mostly highway driving, you may be more comfortable in something like the Nissan Rogue or Subaru Crosstrek.

The 2017 Nissan Juke’s 5-passenger interior is nearly as wild as its exterior. The molded plastic center console mimics a motorcycle’s fuel tank, and the multifunction ventilation controls change to become the Sport/Normal/Eco mode with just the push of a button on models with the nifty I-CON system. It’s a lot of fun for the driver and front passenger, but rear-seat passengers will be cramped. Instead, fold down those rear seats to expand the paltry 10.5 cubic feet of cargo space to 35.9 cubic feet, more than enough room for several shopping bags. The steering wheel tilts but doesn’t telescope.

For better or worse, the 2017 Nissan Juke looks like nothing else on the road. Try to describe it, and you’re bound to bring up an animal descriptor. Is it a frog? An insect? Whatever, a lot of people think it’s downright cool. The front end is an outrageous affair with streaking headlight housings, while its rear is nipped and tucked. From the side, the roofline squats as it moves rearward, accented by color-keyed, integrated rear-door handles that give the 5-door Juke a coupe-like appearance. Nismo variants can sport an aerodynamic body kit, while top-line Nismo RS versions boast red brake calipers.

I-CON (INTEGRATED CONTROL) SYSTEM INTERFACE
Standard on all but the S trim, the I-CON display presents multiple function controls simply by changing screens. The system controls climate functions on one screen and “D-mode” adaptive throttle settings on another. It’s a shame the turbo setting reverts to its default every time the engine is switched off.

INTELLIGENT AWD WITH TORQUE VECTORING
The 2017 Nissan Juke offers Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for improved traction in all weather, and a torque-vectoring setup for tenacious grip when cornering on dry pavement.

The 2017 Nissan Juke is available in five trims: S, SV, SL, Nismo and Nismo RS. The least expensive Juke S still comes nicely equipped with push-button start, rearview camera, AM/FM/CD/USB audio system with 5-inch color display and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, Siri Eyes Free compatibility, continuously variable transmission (CVT) and expected amenities like air conditioning and power windows. For roughly $2,000 more, we recommend the Nissan Juke SV trim, which adds the nifty I-CON climate/drive-setting controls, heated seats, heated mirrors, power moonroof, premium cloth seating, rear privacy glass, leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic climate control.

Climbing to the SL trim adds leather seating, larger 5.8-inch display with navigation and voice recognition, a pounding Rockford Fosgate audio system, automatic headlights and Nissan’s impressive AroundView bird’s-eye rearview monitor. The Juke Nismo gets sport tuning for better handling, 18-inch wheels, a unique front grille and synthetic suede seat trim, while the top-line Juke Nismo RS packs a more powerful engine, Recaro front bucket seats and Nismo-specific exhaust and brakes. A Tech packages is available for SV models. The "Color Studio" program for SV variants allows the choice of vibrant color schemes.

Two engines are available for Nissan’s 2017 Juke SUV. The standard-issue engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 188 horsepower; it’s in all Juke models except the Nismo RS. The top-line Juke Nismo RS gets a more powerful version of the same engine, offering 215 horsepower with the manual transmission and front-wheel drive (FWD), or 211 with the automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). In standard Jukes, the CVT automatic includes an S-mode that serves up six "virtual" gears, simulating gear changes; seven in the Juke Nismo, and eight in the Juke RS. The Juke is quite fuel-efficient, but Nissan recommends feeding it pricier premium unleaded gasoline.

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
188 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
177 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/32 mpg (FWD, automatic), 26/30 mpg (AWD, automatic)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Nismo RS)
215 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (FWD, manual)
211 horsepower @ 2,000 (AWD, automatic)
210 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600-4,800 rpm (FWD, manual)
184 lb-ft of torque @ 2,400-6,000 rpm (AWD, automatic)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/31 mpg (FWD, manual), 25/29 mpg (AWD, automatic)

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.