2012 Nissan JUKE: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Nissan JUKE is a straightforward carryover with no major changes. It returns with the same three trims, turbocharged engine, and front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive layouts as the 2011 launch model.
About the 2012 Nissan JUKE
1st generation JUKE (2011-2017 U.S.), second model year.
Nissan positioned the JUKE as a turbocharged "Sport Cross" that mixed small-crossover ride height with hatchback-like size and a sport-bike-inspired cabin theme. The big draw was personality: bold styling, quick turbo power, and more playful handling than boxier small-car rivals. For most buyers, the JUKE was less about maximum cargo room and more about standing out, feeling nimble in town, and getting an available AWD system that added real grip.
The S is the simple city-focused version, with a turbo engine, automatic transmission, Bluetooth, cruise control, and folding rear seats. The SV adds a moonroof, push-button start, automatic climate control, and selectable drive modes, while the SL tops the range with leather, heated front seats, navigation, upgraded audio, and a rearview camera.
2012 Nissan JUKE specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/S-Mode | Automatic, CVT w/S-Mode | Automatic, CVT w/S-Mode |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 188 hp | 188 hp | 188 hp |
| Torque | 177 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 35.9 cu-ft | 35.9 cu-ft | 35.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.1 in | 32.1 in | 32.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Nissan JUKE compared with the 2011 model?
Nothing significant changed for 2012. The JUKE carried over its S, SV, and SL trims, 188-hp turbocharged engine, drivetrain layouts, styling, safety equipment, and technology.
Was the 2012 Nissan JUKE redesigned?
No, the 2012 JUKE was not redesigned or refreshed. It was the second model year of the first-generation JUKE introduced for 2011 in the U.S.
What engine does the 2012 Nissan JUKE use?
Every 2012 JUKE uses a 188-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The S has an automatic transmission, while the SV and SL pair with a manual or automatic transmission depending on the drivetrain.
Does the 2012 Nissan JUKE have all-wheel drive?
Yes, the 2012 JUKE lineup includes front-wheel-drive and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive versions. This drivetrain setup carried over unchanged from 2011.
Is the 2012 Nissan JUKE worth considering over the 2011 model?
The 2012 JUKE offers no major product advantage over the 2011 model because the two years are essentially carryovers. For a used example, condition, mileage, maintenance history, drivetrain, and trim matter more than the model-year difference.