In-depth reviews

Nissan Juke SUV review

"The latest Nissan Juke is better to drive and more family-friendly, with improved space and a bigger boot"

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.3 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Price
£20,960 - £31,090

Pros

  • Good value
  • Improved interior space
  • Fun to drive

Cons

  • Hybrid is expensive
  • Noisy manual gearbox
  • Limited engine range

Is the Nissan Juke a good car?

It might have been a trendsetter, but the original Juke was far from perfect. The second generation makes a better family car: it's more spacious, better equipped, good to drive and well-priced. With so many great rivals, you’ll need to love how the Juke looks to choose it over the rest, but particularly in mid-level N-Connecta trim, it's a strong proposition in the packed small SUV class.

Nissan Juke range

The crossover craze rumbles on, and many credit the Nissan Juke for kick-starting the shift in buying habits from hatchbacks to small SUVs when it first arrived in 2010. It had a radical new design and went on to find more than a million customers, so you can't blame Nissan for evolving its styling for this second generation. The Japanese manufacturer has also concentrated on making its smallest SUV more family-friendly, economical and sharper to drive. With a new Nissan Juke Hybrid now available to buy, the Juke now promises to be greener and cheaper to run too.

The biggest design change for the second-generation model is the 'V-motion' grille that more closely links the Juke to the latest Nissan Qashqai SUV. Then, there are trademark oversized wheelarches and lots of black trim around the lower extremities of the car, helping fend off urban dings. Horizontal rear lights exaggerate the Juke's wide hips, and top versions get a contrasting roof colour.

2022 Kia Niro headerTop 10 best small SUVs 2023

The old Juke's interior looks very dated now, so the replacement has a large eight-inch infotainment touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard, along with metallic circular air vents. Material quality is better throughout, to the eyes and fingertips, and there's also noticeably more space. The latest version is bigger in all directions, so you won't now have to worry about asking friends or family to sit in the back. There's more legroom and knee room, and the 420-litre boot is a small step up in size from the average family hatchback. Some rivals are better in both respects, though.

Just a 1.0-litre petrol with 115bhp was offered to begin with, which should be quick enough for most and offers good fuel-efficiency. You can expect up to 48.7mpg with either its standard six-speed manual gearbox or around 47mpg with a dual-clutch automatic fitted, and business drivers will find it affordable too. Nissan has also addressed criticisms that the old car was a touch dull to drive, and the new car shares its basic layout with the latest Renault Clio. It feels a lot like a supermini to drive, with hardly any body lean and positive steering giving it an agile feel.

Trim levels are numerous but most buyers will want to avoid the rather basic entry-level Visia and head straight to Acenta for its 17-inch alloy wheels and eight-inch touchscreen. N-Connecta and Tekna trims add to the kit and safety features, while Tekna+ adds stylish design flourishes like a contrasting roof and colourful interior trim.

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.0 DiG-T Visia 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • Price
    £17,590

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.6 Hybrid N-Connecta 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £27,955

Fastest

  • Name
    1.6 Hybrid N-Connecta 5dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Auto
  • Price
    £27,955

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Recommended

The UK's top 10 best-selling cars 2023
Best-selling cars hero
Best cars
6 Dec 2023

The UK's top 10 best-selling cars 2023

Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV review
Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV front 3/4 tracking
In-depth reviews
6 Dec 2023

Alfa Romeo Tonale SUV review

Volkswagen ID.3 review - solid EV, but infotainment lets it down
Volkswagen ID.3 facelift UK
In-depth reviews
5 Dec 2023

Volkswagen ID.3 review - solid EV, but infotainment lets it down

Toyota Yaris Cross review - economical and reliable small SUV
Toyota Yaris Cross
In-depth reviews
5 Dec 2023

Toyota Yaris Cross review - economical and reliable small SUV

Most Popular

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light
Engine warning light
Tips and advice
1 Dec 2023

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
8 Dec 2023

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers

Top 10 best cars under £200 per month 2023/2024
Best cars for 200 per month
Best cars
28 Nov 2023

Top 10 best cars under £200 per month 2023/2024

More on Juke

The UK's top 10 best-selling cars 2023
Best-selling cars hero
Best cars
6 Dec 2023

The UK's top 10 best-selling cars 2023

The UK car market is showing strong signs of recovery in 2023 following a tough few years; we list the 10 top-selling models
New Nissan Juke goes electric – next-generation crossover previewed
Nissan Juke render CB watermark
News
27 Nov 2023

New Nissan Juke goes electric – next-generation crossover previewed

With a new Nissan Juke on the horizon, we take a look at what this upcoming EV crossover might look like in our exclusive images
Top 10 best small SUVs 2023
2022 Kia Niro header
Best cars
5 Jan 2023

Top 10 best small SUVs 2023

If you want the advantages of an SUV with the running costs of a family hatchback, our top 10 run-down explains which are the best small SUVs to buy
New Nissan Juke Hybrid priced from £27,250
Nissan Juke Hybrid
Nissan Juke
10 Jun 2022

New Nissan Juke Hybrid priced from £27,250

Nissan bolsters its small Juke SUV with a new hybrid petrol engine from the Renault Clio
Nissan Juke Enigma special edition launches
Nissan Juke
5 Jan 2021

Nissan Juke Enigma special edition launches

New Juke Enigma has 19-inch alloy wheels and Amazon Alexa compatibility
Special edition cars: the best, worst and weirdest
Jeep Cherokee SUV
15 Dec 2020

Special edition cars: the best, worst and weirdest

Take a look at the best and most memorable special edition cars
New 2020 Kia Stonic SUV: prices and specs
2020 Kia Stonic - front 3/4 view dynamic
Kia Stonic
7 Oct 2020

New 2020 Kia Stonic SUV: prices and specs

Mild-hybrid technology and upgraded infotainment for facelifted Kia Stonic SUV
Nissan Juke SUV: old vs new
Nissan Juke
18 Aug 2020

Nissan Juke SUV: old vs new

The first Nissan Juke kicked off the small SUV class; how does the new one compare?
Top 3 used small sporty SUVs for £16,000
SEAT Arona SUV
7 Aug 2020

Top 3 used small sporty SUVs for £16,000

“Dear Carbuyer, I want a small SUV that’s quick off the mark, what do you recommend for a budget of £16,000?”
2019 Nissan Juke: prices and specs confirmed
New Nissan Juke - front 3/4 view dynamic
Nissan Juke
7 Oct 2019

2019 Nissan Juke: prices and specs confirmed

The new Nissan Juke is on sale now with a starting price of £17,395
2019 Nissan Juke prototype review
Nissan Juke
19 Aug 2019

2019 Nissan Juke prototype review

We get behind the wheel of the all-new Nissan Juke to see how the small SUV is shaping up
Nissan Juke Nismo SUV (2013-2018)
In-depth reviews
12 Aug 2019

Nissan Juke Nismo SUV (2013-2018)

"The Nissan Juke Nismo RS is lots of fun to drive, without sacrificing everyday practicality"
Nissan Juke SUV (2010-2019)
In-depth reviews
5 Aug 2019

Nissan Juke SUV (2010-2019)

“Dramatic styling means the Nissan Juke still looks fresh, despite its advancing years. Poor running costs give its age away, though”
Top 3 used alternative SUVs for £15,000
Top 3 used alternative SUVs for £15k
Land Rover Defender
6 Dec 2018

Top 3 used alternative SUVs for £15,000

“Dear Carbuyer, I’m after an SUV under 50,000 miles, but I’d like something out of the ordinary. What can I get for £15,000?”
Updated looks and new tech for Nissan Juke: on sale now
Nissan Juke SUV
3 Sep 2018

Updated looks and new tech for Nissan Juke: on sale now

Tweaked Nissan Juke crossover SUV range starts at £15,505
2017 Nissan Juke set to get hybrid tech
Nissan Juke
31 Jul 2017

2017 Nissan Juke set to get hybrid tech

Next-gen Nissan Juke SUV expected to launch with a hybrid option
Used Nissan Juke buying guide: 2010-2014 (Mk1)
juke
Nissan Juke SUV
3 Nov 2016

Used Nissan Juke buying guide: 2010-2014 (Mk1)

The Nissan Juke ushered in a new generation of small crossovers, becoming a common sight on UK roads in the process
All-new Honda HR-V boasts low running costs
Nissan Juke SUV
11 Aug 2015

All-new Honda HR-V boasts low running costs

New compact crossover to be powered by frugal 1.5-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines
Watchdog: Nissan resolves dispute over Juke ignition problem
Nissan Juke SUV
4 Aug 2015

Watchdog: Nissan resolves dispute over Juke ignition problem

Maker provides replacement car after original repeatedly leaves owner stranded
Nissan Juke Acenta Premium
Car trim reviews
12 Jun 2015

Nissan Juke Acenta Premium

"In Acenta Premium spec, the Nissan Juke makes more sense over the normal Acenta trim."
Nissan Juke Acenta
Car trim reviews
10 Jun 2015

Nissan Juke Acenta

"The Nissan Juke Acenta has its benefits over the entry level Visia, but is priced against top-spec superminis."
Nissan Juke Visia
Car trim reviews
14 May 2015

Nissan Juke Visia

"The entry-level Juke is surprisingly well equipped and the small 1.5-litre diesel is very economical."
Nissan Juke Tekna
Car trim reviews
16 Apr 2015

Nissan Juke Tekna

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
20 Apr 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors 2022
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors 2022

Top 10 best electric cars 2023
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
15 Nov 2023

Top 10 best electric cars 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
17 May 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
18 Aug 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023