Used 2015 Nissan JUKE

From the spec sheet, the 2015 Nissan Juke sounds like many other compact- crossover SUV models out there, with room for five, 4-cylinder engines and available all-wheel drive. But one glance at the Juke’s styling is all it takes to convince you that Nissan marched to a different beat when it designed its little SUV. Its out-there exterior and interior styling may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s appealing enough that the Juke has proven to be a sales success. Couple it with a sporty suspension and turbocharged engine, and the 2015 Nissan Juke is a fun and flashy alternative to not just compact SUVs, but to other fashion-forward vehicles like the Kia Soul.

The 2015 Nissan Juke’s sporty suspension, available all-wheel drive and turbocharged 188-horsepower 4-cylinder engine sound more like a sporty hatchback than a compact-crossover SUV. Time behind the wheel does nothing to dispel that notion, as the Juke’s quick steering – some might say twitchy – stiff and sporty suspension, and cool vroom-vroom noises make it seem like Nissan targeted the Volkswagen GTI not the Kia Sportage. However, the Juke still gets good fuel economy and its sporty suspension is good enough at absorbing bumps. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) models get a solid rear axle and notable torque steer under acceleration, but opt for the torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive (AWD) system and you’ll get an independent rear suspension and no torque steer. The new Juke Nismo and Juke Nismo RS models offer a 6-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential on FWD models, while Nismo RS models get more power and improved handling.

The 2015 Nissan Juke’s interior is just as outrageous as its exterior styling. 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. It’s a lot of fun for the driver and front passenger, but rear-seat passengers will be cramped. Instead, just fold down those rear seats to expand the otherwise paltry 10.5 cubic feet of cargo space to a more usable 35 cubic feet, which should be enough to fit all of your toys.

It’s fun to try to figure out what the 2015 Nissan Juke looks like. Is it a frog? Some sort of insect? Maybe some kind of alien fish? Whatever it is, you won’t soon forget it, and a lot of people think it’s downright cool. This year, the Juke gets revised headlights (the big round orbs on the bumper) that now feature projector-beam lenses, new body cladding, a new grille design and new taillights in the rear. From the side, the roofline squats as it moves rearward, accented by color-keyed, integrated rear-door handles giving the 5-door Juke a coupe-like appearance.

I-CON (ADVANCED-INTEGRATED CONTROL) SYSTEM INTERFACE
The I-CON display is available with the SV and SL models, and allows the driver to select among multiple functions. That means the same display is used for climate control and "D-mode" adaptive throttle settings. Not only is it functional, it looks pretty cool, too.

INTELLIGENT AWD WITH TORQUE VECTORING
While Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive is good for enhanced traction in foul weather, it’s just as good for improving handling on dry pavement, and should be a must-get for those looking for the ultimate in cornering from their compact SUV.

Base Nissan Juke models come standard with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT automatic transmission, air conditioning, 6-speaker audio system with iPod connectivity and Bluetooth, cruise control, keyless entry and push-button start. The SV models add better cloth upholstery, a power moonroof, automatic climate control and the I-CON multifunction controller, satellite radio and a USB port and privacy glass, while SL trim includes the Navigation Package, leather upholstery, heated front seats, fog lights and auto on/off headlights. Nismo models come with model-specific styling, while the Nismo RS adds more power and Recaro seats.

Adding options to the Nissan Juke means moving up trim levels, as there are virtually no stand-alone options. A Tech Package adds the navigation system, NissanConnect and all-around-view cameras to the SV model, while a cold weather package adds heated front seats and outside mirrors. Otherwise, options are limited to how many wheels you want to get engine power, and on Nismo models, your choice of manual or automatic transmissions. However, Nissan does offer extensive accessories (including special color combinations) that allow a wide degree of personalization.

Two engines are now available for the 2015 Nissan Juke. 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 new Juke Nismo RS gets a more powerful version of the same engine, offering 215 horsepower with the manual transmission and front-wheel drive, or 211 with the automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CVT automatic includes an S-mode that serves up six "virtual" gears, simulating gear changes.

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: 28/34 mpg (FWD, manual), 28/32 mpg (FWD, automatic), 26/31 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
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/31 mpg (FWD, manual), 25/29 mpg (AWD, automatic)