Item: 2016 Nissan Juke
Author: John Diether

Overview

Is the Juke a mini-sized crossover? Or is it a rather tall hatchback? Ever since its debut for 2011, this distinctive compact people-carrier has been tough to categorize. Nissan dubbed it a “sport cross,” which doesn't exactly clarify the quandary.

Whatever it’s called, the Juke stands apart in the defiant good-looks department, while delivering surprisingly feisty performance -- especially considering its price. This segment has been growing lately, with new entrants like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3.

What's New for 2016

Largely a carryover for 2016, the Juke sees only minor updates related to personalization and technical integration. New Siri Eyes Free provides turn-by-turn directions when using a compatible Apple device. The optional Personal Package comes in Black or Yellow Stinger, featuring a distinctive yellow center console, plus yellow interior stitching and seat inserts.

Choosing Your Nissan Juke

the Juke one of the more distinctive small vehicles on sale. Hidden rear door handles help, too. Inside, the center console was inspired by a motorcycle’s fuel tank. Jukes also get a sport-tuned suspension.

Even though a Juke might not hold as much cargo as other small hatchbacks, it definitely delivers the goods in performance. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection makes 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.

Most models use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which works like an automatic. The gearless, belt-operated CVT has a D-Step sport mode that provides simulated shifts like a conventional automatic. Some trim levels can have a six-speed manual gearbox as an option.

Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is an option. The standard Juke is impressively quick for its class, capable of accelerating to 60 mph in about 7.3 seconds. According to the EPA, fuel economy with the CVT is estimated at 28 mpg in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway (26/31 mpg with all-wheel drive). With manual shift, the front-drive estimate is 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway.

The Nismo (or NISMO) version gets the same engine as other Jukes; but the Nismo RS, aimed at enthusiasts, gets a more potent rendition that makes 215 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. (With CVT, output is 211 hp and 184 pound-feet.)

The Juke is available in five trim levels:

The Juke Color Studio lets buyers select various interior and exterior color packs for a highly customized appearance.

CarsDirect Tip

Both the S and SV trim levels provide a fine balance of affordability and standard features. We'd pick the SV, since its upgrades add only $2,050 to the price. The SL is for buyers with a more emphatic taste for luxury amenities. Nismo models appeal to enthusiasts who crave all the performance that can be extracted from a Juke -- especially the RS.

Get your price on a Nissan Juke »

Read our review on the Nissan Juke »

James Flammang

Contributing Editor - January 06, 2016

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Expert Review

Expert Rating

Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

John Diether

Automotive Editor - February 08, 2016

The Juke doesn't fit neatly into any vehicle category, which has always been part of its charm. You can think of it as a mini crossover or a stylish hatchback with guts. What we know for sure is that the Juke offers a lot of looks and performance for the money.

Pricing and Equipment

The Juke is available in the typical Nissan trims, plus sporty NISMO variants:

The entry-level S comes decently equipped with a rearview camera, keyless ignition, a six-speaker sound system, and 17-inch alloy wheels for $20,250.
The $22,300 SV carries an upgraded interior, a sunroof, and selectable driving modes. You can add a $1,490 Tech package with audio upgrades and navigation, and a $250 Cold Weather package with heated seats and mirrors.
The high-trim SL ($25,240) comes standard with the SV's options, plus a leather interior and a Rockford Fosgate sound system.
Starting at $24,830, the NISMO gets the full sport treatment, including aggressive suspension tuning and summer performance tires. Other equipment is similar the SL.
The NISMO RS ($28,020) gets a boost in horsepower, additional chassis bracing, and upgraded brakes.

Performance Pros

Every Juke gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 188 horsepower (or 215 in the NISMO RS only). All-wheel drive can be added to any model for about $1,700.

Performance highlights include:

Transmissions: A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is used on most models. NISMO and NISMO RS models without all-wheel drive get a six-speed manual.
Steering/Handling: Thanks to the standard sport-tuned suspension, the Juke offers athletic handling from the start.
Acceleration: The Juke scoots from zero to 60 mpg in 7.3 seconds, which is downright fast in the world of small hatchbacks and crossovers.

Performance Cons

The sporty suspension makes for a firm ride, which can get annoying on long commutes.
The CVT feels indecisive at times, requiring a stomp on the pedal when you need more power.

Interior Pros

Buyers drawn to the Juke's feisty looks will feel right at home inside, where the theme is equally youthful and irreverent.
The tall driver seat provides a commanding view of the road, a benefit we didn't expect in a car this size.

Interior Cons

No amount of clever packaging can disguise the fact that the Juke is small inside. The backseat isn't really useful for adults, and cargo space trails what you'll find in conventional hatchbacks.
With its liberal use of color and curves, the interior might be too hipster for the mass market.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The Juke delivers a blend of performance and features that's mighty rare in this price class.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

In around-town driving, we could do no better than 24 mpg. That might sound fine if you're in the market for a sporty car, but abysmal if looking at hatchbacks of similar size.

The Bottom Line

If style and performance are your top priorities, you'll find the Juke's shortcomings easy to overlook.

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

1.6L I-4 / 188 HP / 177 ft.lbs.

Transmission

2-spd sequential shift control CVT w/OD

Drive Type

Front-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

28 / 32 / 30 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	1.6L I-4 / 188 HP / 177 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	28 / 32 / 30 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Strut
Rear Suspension	Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel	Compact Steel
Fuel Tank	13.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$50

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	35.9 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	87 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	162.4 "
Exterior Width	69.5 "
Exterior Height	61.8 "
Front Headroom	39.6 "
Rear Headroom	36.7 "
Front Legroom	42.1 "
Rear Legroom	32.1 "
Front Shoulder Room	53.6 "
Rear Shoulder Room	51.4 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	2,959 Lbs.
Wheel Base	100 "
Turning Radius	18.2 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	17.0 " Silver Aluminum / 17.0 " Painted Aluminum / 17.0 " Black Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote
Bumpers	Body-colored
Grille Moldings	Black W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler	Wing
Exhaust	Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel With Polished Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5
Seat Trim	Cloth
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	4-way
Front Armrests	6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats	60-40 Bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers	6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror	Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Driver
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	1

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Immobilizer

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months	36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2016 Nissan Juke for Sale

2 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area

2016 Nissan Juke

Get a CARFAX Record Check

Color: Silver

Price

$8,488

Mileage

99,046 mi

American Motors (26 mi)

Phone: (949) 436-2276

2016 Nissan Juke

Free CARFAX Report

Color: Brilliant Silver

Price

$13,995

Mileage

55,952 mi

Toyota Of Norwalk (19 mi)

Phone: (831) 682-2166

Other Nissan Juke Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Nissan Juke years that you might be interested in.

2017 Nissan Juke

Free CARFAX Report

Color: Bordeaux Black

Price

$13,978

Mileage

66,536 mi

Beach Cities Toyota Westminster (27 mi)

Phone: (714) 894-3322

See All Used Car Listings

2016 Nissan Juke

Overview

What's New for 2016

Choosing Your Nissan Juke

S

SV

SL

Nismo

Nismo RS

Expert Review

Pricing and Equipment

Performance Pros

Performance Cons

Interior Pros

Interior Cons

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The Least Pleasant Surprise

The Bottom Line

Specs & Features

Used 2016 Nissan Juke for Sale

2016 Nissan Juke

$8,488

99,046 mi

American Motors (26 mi)

2016 Nissan Juke

$13,995

55,952 mi

Toyota Of Norwalk (19 mi)

Other Nissan Juke Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Nissan Juke years that you might be interested in.

2017 Nissan Juke

$13,978

66,536 mi

Beach Cities Toyota Westminster (27 mi)

All Model Years

Find More Information on Nissan Vehicles