“Hands free issues. Wish I could opt out of the explanation of how to make a hands free calling. The sound when the call is being placed should be different. It sounds like it's hanging up. The GPS voice directions: instead of saying "take a right in 2 miles" say "stay right in 2 miles."”
Nissan JUKE: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Nissan JUKE is a small five-seat crossover SUV that puts bold styling and playful road manners ahead of maximum practicality. U.S. versions use a turbocharged gas engine with front- or all-wheel drive, while NISMO models sharpen the performance focus.
Across its 2011-2017 U.S. run, the JUKE stayed true to its original idea: a small crossover with more attitude than utility. Its unusual shape and motorcycle-inspired cabin made personality a central part of the experience. Turbo power and available all-wheel drive gave it a lively feel, while NISMO versions pushed that character further.
Strengths
- Its bold exterior and motorcycle-inspired cabin give it a character that is hard to mistake for another small SUV.
- Every U.S. JUKE used a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, giving the regular models a lively foundation.
- Front-wheel drive keeps the basic layout simple, while all-wheel-drive versions provide another option for shoppers who want power sent to all four wheels.
- NISMO and NISMO RS models add meaningful performance upgrades rather than relying on appearance changes alone.
- From 2015 onward, every trim included useful basics such as a color display, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, a rearview camera, and push-button start.
Who it's for
The JUKE suits a solo driver, couple, or small household that wants an easy-to-park SUV with real personality. It makes the most sense for someone who values distinctive design and lively driving more than a roomy back seat or maximum everyday practicality.
Nissan JUKE lineup
S is the straightforward way into the JUKE’s core turbocharged formula. SV has a more comfort-minded identity; in 2017, it included heated cloth front seats and heated mirrors, while SL was the more feature-focused regular trim and had upgraded audio as standard by 2013. Pick NISMO for sport-focused suspension tuning and a more aggressive look. Step up to NISMO RS for the strongest performance treatment, including a more powerful engine, larger brakes, added body reinforcement, firmer tuning, and Recaro front seats.
Nissan JUKE generations
From 2011 to 2017, the JUKE spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation — F15 arrived for 2011.
1st Generation — F15 (2011–2017)
The first U.S.-market JUKE paired bold styling with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and front-wheel drive or AWD. A 2015 refresh updated the exterior and cabin technology, while NISMO models gave the lineup a stronger performance focus.
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2017
The limited Black Pearl Edition joins the lineup. The SV gains standard heated front seats and mirrors, while the SV and SL get new 17-inch wheels.
2016
New Stinger appearance editions join the lineup, and Siri Eyes Free phone voice control is added.
2015Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling arrives with updated lighting. A 5-inch display, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, a rearview camera, and push-button start become standard across the lineup.
2014Trim changes
The NISMO RS joins as the strongest performance model, with more power, larger brakes, added body reinforcement, firmer handling, and Recaro front seats.
2013Trim changes
The NISMO joins the lineup with more power, sport-focused handling, and more aggressive styling.
2012
Carryover year with the same S, SV, and SL trims, turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, and front-wheel-drive or AWD layouts.
2011New generation
The JUKE debuts in the U.S. as a new small crossover with bold styling, a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, and an S, SV, and SL trim lineup.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Nissan JUKE.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan JUKE a car or an SUV?
The Nissan JUKE is a small four-door SUV, often called a crossover. It has the higher seating and hatchback shape of an SUV, but its city-friendly size and playful handling make it feel closer to a sporty small car.
What is the Nissan JUKE known for?
The JUKE is known for bold styling, a lively turbo engine, and a more playful feel than a typical small SUV. Its cabin also uses unusual motorcycle-inspired design touches. It favors personality and driving fun over maximum practicality.
Who is the Nissan JUKE a good fit for?
The JUKE suits someone who wants a small, easy-to-place SUV with distinctive looks and energetic performance. It seats five, but its compact back-seat space means it makes more sense for singles, couples, or small households than buyers seeking maximum room.
Does the Nissan JUKE come as a hybrid?
No. U.S.-market JUKE models from 2011 through 2017 use gasoline engines. The lineup centers on a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder, with a stronger version in the NISMO RS.
Does the Nissan JUKE have all-wheel drive?
Yes. The U.S. JUKE was sold in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive forms. The all-wheel-drive system can send power between the front and rear wheels and from side to side at the rear to help the vehicle turn and find grip.
How many generations of the Nissan JUKE were sold in the U.S.?
The U.S. received one JUKE generation, covering model years 2011 through 2017. It received a styling and technology refresh midway through that run, but it was never fully redesigned before leaving the U.S. market.
Is the Nissan JUKE roomy enough for everyday use?
It works well for lighter everyday needs, with five seats, a folding rear seat, and up to 35.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the latest U.S. version. Rear legroom is 32.1 inches, so adults may find the back seat tight on longer trips.
Nissan JUKE Reviews
What owners are saying about the Nissan JUKE.
4.3
Nissan JUKE
(974 reviews)
“I really like it so far. I hope it stands up to the test of time as well as my KIA did.”
“I love my Juke! It suits my needs perfectly. Living in a rural northern area, I wanted all wheel drive and good gas mileage. The versatility with the D-mode is impressive! It is a unique body style that sets me apart from others.”
“The Nissan Juke is a cute small SUV, however, the interior styling would be far greater with more leather interior/color options. Also, storage is a huge complaint. It is very much lacking storage, cup holders and such compartments. There is nowhere to place or store much of anything.”
“I would just talk about pros and cons...to make sure it was right for them. I wanted a small car, decent gas mileage, good acceleration and pickup and AWD. small storage was ok for me, small seating was ok for me, usually just me in the car, maybe 1 other person.”
“I love the zippy driving and ease getting in and out. I don't love Nissans issues with transmissions and the repairs I've had to make.”