2014 Nissan Juke Review

Nissan Juke 2014 Reviews

The 2014 Nissan Juke is one of the more unusual cars on the market today, a genre-bender that blends a portion of adventurous urban crossover with a pinch of unusual performance car, seasoned with many dollops of wild-style design verging on modern sculpture. It occupies a unique segment: While it’s nominally a subcompact hatchback with optional all-wheel drive, it’s the in-your-face looks and available Nismo RC hot-hatch performance model that make it appealing to diverse buyers.

• Interior / Exterior »

The Nissan Juke lives up to its name. It’s weird; it’s small; and it’s clearly an outlier in the automotive landscape. The Juke’s almost concept-like exterior still seems futuristic. The shape is certainly polarizing, yet it’s gained this model a cadre of loyal followers who enjoy its unlikely design.



The look of the Juke is all hips and bulges, swells and angles. It could even be called cartoonish. The tall, swooped fenders up front, the low-mounted headlights, blade-like turn signals, the predatory grille. Inside, it’s more of the same with motorcycle-inspired gauges and shiny nylon upholstery.
But despite these odd choices on Nissan’s part, there are many who love the Juke’s look. It’s irreverent, alternative, funky, and futuristic. There’s an element of alien or insect organic inspiration throughout, at times edging up to superhero-like self-parody.
Inside, the Juke is a bit shiny, verging on gimmicky, with ccolor-shifting seat upholstery that looks a bit cartoonish; and while the plastics and switches across the dash and console are intelligently designed, it’s not nearly as practical as the cabin of a Kia Soul or Fiat 500L.

• Performance »

Is it a crossover permanently hamstrung by a teensy cockpit and a stiff, almost sportscar ride? Or is it a far more practical take on what the younger set wants in a coupe? It’s really both, and the oxymorons keep coming in full-on, bi-polar fashion when you focus on how it drives.

Under the hood there’s a 188-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with either front- or all-wheel drive, and a choice of manual or continuously variable (CVT) transmissions. You’d think this powertrain would yield a quick little urban runabout, yet it’s oddly ponderous–and rather noisy.
Both transmission variants (in SL and SV models) come with the I-CON adjustable steering and transmission response system, which offers Eco (sluggish), Normal (well, normal), and Sport (which actually feels sporty). Sport mode raises the idle speed, reduces turbo lag, and sharpens steering, but it takes a bite out of the Juke’s already somewhat lackluster fuel economy.

But what about that all-wheel drive system? It’s not really meant for off-loading (or even soft-roading); in fact, it’s barely suited to a steep driveway covered in snow. Instead, it’s a performance option for street use, bringing with it independent rear suspension instead of the front-drive model’s torsion-beam rear. That would make it the enthusiast’s choice despite the added weight, complexity, and cost–except that it means you can’t get the six-speed manual transmission at all, as it’s only available in front-drive Jukes.
Handling redeems the package, somewhat; the relatively light weight, rapid steering, and firm suspension combine to give the Juke a sporty feel. However a rather hard ride and a suspension that bounds and bounces at times make this an acquired taste, if at all, for daily commuters. The all-wheel drive here isn’t really for performance and handling, rather for all-weather traction–which isn’t this model’s forte anyhow so we recommend you skip it. And going with AWD means you have to accept the CVT.
For 2014, anyone who wants to get the most performance in this unapologetically bold package should get the Juke NISMO. In addition to a 197-hp specially tuned version of the engine, the NISMO Juke adds nearly 100 other revised components, including a specially tuned suspension, more downforce, more aggressively bolstered sport seats, and exclusive lightweight 18-inch alloys.
Now in its fifth year, the Juke’s almost concept-like exterior still seems futuristic. The shape is certainly polarizing, yet it’s gained this model a cadre of loyal and passionate followers who enjoy its unlikely design to the point that they might not consider any other car. Some may see it as a tall and uncomfortably quirky economy car–until they learn about its sub-par gas mileage ratings–but others treasure it because they view as a racy, performance-oriented hot hatch that also offers crossover capabilities.

Is it a crossover permanently hamstrung by a teensy cockpit and a stiff, almost sportscar ride? Or is it a far more practical take on what the younger set wants in a coupe? It’s really all of the above, and the contradictions keep coming when you focus on how it drives. Under the hood there’s a 188-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with either front- or all-wheel drive, and a choice of manual or continuously variable (CVT) transmissions. You’d think this powertrain would yield a quick little urban runabout, yet it’s oddly ponderous–and rather noisy. Likewise, gas mileage isn’t anything to beam about, at 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway at best.
Handling redeems the package, somewhat; the relatively light weight, rapid steering, and firm suspension combine to give the Juke a sporty feel. However a rather hard ride and a suspension that bounds and bounces at times make this an acquired taste, if at all, for daily commuters. The all-wheel drive here isn’t really for performance and handling, rather for all-weather traction–which isn’t this model’s forte anyhow so we recommend you skip it. And going with AWD means you have to accept the CVT.

For 2014, anyone who wants to get the most performance in this unapologetically bold package should get the Juke NISMO. In addition to a 197-hp specially tuned version of the engine, the NISMO Juke adds nearly 100 other revised components, including a specially tuned suspension, more downforce, more aggressively bolstered sport seats, and exclusive lightweight 18-inch alloys.

The Juke’s subcompact proportions and urban sensibilities are surely assets with respect to parking and maneuverability, but inside there’s less space than you might think. Front seats have a nice, upright driving position despite the somewhat confined quarters, but in back space is extremely tight even for two (officially there are three seating positions). Those back seats are probably best left folded down–to 35.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Overall, we find the interior to be price-appropriate

In the instrument panel’s center stack is the so-called I-CON control system, which lets you choose the attitude for steering boost, throttle response, and CVT behavior (if so equipped) to either improve fuel economy or make it more responsive. Climate controls are changed with the same screen. Overall materials and design are sharp and modern, with price-appropriate finishes. Shiny, color-shifting seat upholstery looks a bit cartoonish; and while the plastics and switches across the dash and console are intelligently designed, but can feel a bit cheap.

Base Juke S models are essentially well-equipped small cars. But stepping up to the mid-range Juke SV, you’ll take advantage of some of the better features, including a moonroof; push-button start; satellite radio; the I-CON system; automatic temperature control; and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SV also includes a rearview camera system. The top-trim Juke is the SL, which adds navigation; leather-trimmed seats; and an 8-inch Rockford Fosgate subwoofer with six upgraded speakers.
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