2017 Nissan Juke review

1. Eye-catching styling and exterior colors

One thing is for certain right away, there's nothing else on the road that looks quite like the 2017 Nissan Juke. The distinctive styling sets it apart from other compact crossovers, with the four front headlights, chunky wheel arches, and squat rear end. It's not exactly designed to be subtle, and Nissan leans into that with the choice of nine exterior colors, including striking and eye-catching tones like Red Alert, Solar Yellow, and Cosmic Blue, as well as the premium Pearl White — so look out for a used model that suits your style.

2. Spritely and versatile engine

Backing up the unique styling on the 2017 Nissan Juke is a potent 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, which manages to be both versatile for daily driving while still adding some excitement to your life. You'll get 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque on all models (aside from the NISMO RS performance trim), which means you won't be hanging around at the stoplights. Yet in front-wheel-drive configuration with the standard continuously-variable automatic transmission, it is capable of achieving an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined and 32 mpg on the highway with the 1.6L.

3. Well-equipped across the range

There's a choice of five trim levels available on 2017 Nissan Juke models, and regardless of which one you pick, you won't be left feeling short-changed. Even base S models include equipment like cruise control, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and Siri^® Eyes Free iPhone integration as standard. The SV trim adds a sunroof, automatic climate control, and heated front seats among other features. SL models include everything on the S and SV trims, topped off with leather upholstery and automatic headlights and foglights.

4. Performance NISMO trims

Coupled with the distinctive styling and zippy engine, the 2017 Nissan Juke also includes two performance-orientated premium trims: the NISMO and NISMO RS. Both trims include all the creature comforts found on SL models, while also adding various sporty features to really maximize the amount of fun you can have behind the wheel. The regular NISMO trim adds tuned sports suspension and unique styling details, while the NISMO RS goes even further by cranking up the output of the standard engine to 215 horsepower with 211 lb-ft of torque, as well as adding enlarged brakes and Recaro^® sports seats.

5. Optional all-wheel-drive system

The 2017 Nissan Juke is the compact crossover that wants to drive like a sporty hot hatch, so with sharp handling already the order of the day, all-wheel drive is available across the entire lineup. Additionally, rear-axle torque vectoring allows the all-wheel-drive system to adjust and vary power output between the front and rear wheels, as well as the left and right rear wheels, to maintain optimum traction at all times. Not only is this great for overall handling, but it also makes tackling slippery surfaces such as wet or icy roads that little bit easier.