Drive with us: Nissan Juke Review

Join us as we take a closer look at the Nissan Juke, the compact SUV that started a revolution — and is still going strong

Launched back in 2010, the Nissan Juke kickstarted the compact SUV revolution with its marmite design. You either loved it or you didn't — but you couldn't ignore it.

That design has evolved over time. The second generation arrived in 2019, toning down some of the more polarising elements while keeping the character intact. And the 2024 facelift pushed things further still, bringing a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, an updated interior, a new N-Sport trim and the return of the iconic yellow paint option.

But the Juke's success came at a price. Competitors were quick to follow; and now the Ford Puma, Vauxhall Mokka, SKODA Kamiq and Toyota Yaris Cross are all vying for the same buyers in a class the Juke helped create.

But can the OG still compete? Let's find out.

What we drove:

Model: Nissan Juke Tekna+ DIG-T

Fuel type: Petrol

Engine: 1.0-litre DIG-T 117PS Start/Stop

Transmission: Manual

Colour: Fuji Sunset Red with Solid Black roof and door mirrors

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Or watch our video review over on YouTube:

Love it or hate it, it turns heads

The original Juke was a unique shape. Bulbous, bold and just a tad odd. It's styling created a divide: You either loved it, or you hated it.

The second generation toned things down considerably.

Sleeker indicators now sit lower, blending into a wider, more aggressive grille, while the circular headlights are retained but less pronounced. The rear is more angular and robust — less bulbous than before — and every model gets a sporty rear spoiler and black painted door mirrors as standard.

Our Tekna+ came finished in Fuji Sunset Red with a Solid Black roof and door mirrors, a sharp two-tone contrast that suited the Juke's character perfectly. The 19-inch Black Akari alloy wheels added to the visual impact.

One neat design detail worth noting? The hidden rear door handles. Easy to miss, but a clever touch that gives the Juke a cleaner, more distinctive silhouette.

The 2024 facelift keeps exterior changes subtle — a revised grille with a double outline, new alloy options up to 19 inches, and the return of Iconic Yellow paint, a nod to the original that'll delight long-time fans.

The new N-Sport trim also adds gloss black exterior décor and N-Sport badging for those wanting a sharper, more aggressive look.

A cabin with character

Step inside and the Juke's personality carries straight through to the cabin.

The seats are aesthetically pleasing, provide good support for legs and back, and are comfortable enough for longer journeys in the front. The rear is a little more cramped though, with limited head and leg room for anyone on the taller side.

The dashboard is logically laid out with easy to read dials, and the steering wheel controls are intuitive enough to navigate without taking your eyes off the road.

Our Tekna+ came with dual-zone auto climate control, a 12v socket and USB ports front and rear. Plus the Bose premium sound system with speakers built into the front headrests is genuinely exceptional. It's one of those details that makes you sit back and appreciate it every single time.

The 360-degree camera and heated front seats and steering wheel round off a well-specced cabin.

But it’s not without its flaws: The cup holders are a little too large and there's no USB port in the armrest. Small things, but worth knowing.

Storage is good throughout, with 422 litres of space. But access is a tad awkward compared to some rivals.

The 2024 facelift addresses some of the interior's biggest weaknesses.

A new 12.3-inch touchscreen replaces the older, smaller system — a significant upgrade in both size and responsiveness.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster joins it, and crucially, physical climate controls are retained rather than buried in a touchscreen menu.

Material quality is noticeably improved too, with more soft-touch surfaces throughout, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now included as standard.

Compact and capable

Put your foot down and the Juke is reasonably punchy off the mark and eager enough on the motorway. It won't set your pulse racing, but it does exactly what you need it to do for everyday driving.

The steering is a little light and flighty. A touch more weight behind it would help create a more connected feel. It falls short of the driving experience you'd find in something like a BMW X1, but for most drivers it'll more than suffice.

Nissan claimed to have reduced road noise in the second generation Juke, and while it's improved, it's still present at higher speeds. Thankfully, the Bose sound system more than compensates — crank it up and road noise becomes a distant memory.

The compact nature of the Juke works in its favour around town. It's agile, easy to manoeuvre and visibility is good enough that you won't always need to rely on the sensors. Tight parking spots and busy town centres are no trouble at all.

When the lane departure warning activates, the alert sounds like an Xbox controller vibrating when your character dies in a game, combined with the fuzzy, flickering sound of an old warehouse strip light.

Unexpected, but unforgettable.

Worth noting that the 19-inch wheels on our Tekna+ did make the ride feel a little fidgety, particularly on the motorway.

Other rivals like the SKODA Kamiq are better suited to longer journeys.

The 2024 facelift improves ride comfort slightly, and the hybrid option available on the updated model brings a smoother, more refined experience overall.

What's good, and what's not

The compact SUV that started it all still comes with some flaws:

The good bits:

• Distinctive, characterful design that still stands out in a crowded class
• Bose sound system with headrest speakers is genuinely exceptional
• Agile and easy to manoeuvre in town
• Good visibility for a compact SUV
• Logical, easy to use dashboard layout

The not-so-good bits:

• Rear headroom and legroom limited for anyone over 5ft 10"
• Steering is a little light and lacks feedback
• Road noise still present despite improvements made
• 19-inch wheels make the ride fidgety — particularly on the motorway
• Boot access is awkward compared to some rivals

What's the verdict?

The Juke started a revolution — and it's still a credible contender in the class it created.

It's not the most practical compact SUV on the market, and it's not the most exciting to drive either. But it's distinctive, characterful and well-specced, particularly at Tekna+ level. 

And in a class full of increasingly sensible, identikit rivals, that counts for a lot.

The 2024 facelift addressed some of the biggest weaknesses — better tech, improved interior quality and a smoother hybrid option — making the current Juke a stronger proposition than ever.

Top 5 reasons to consider the Nissan Juke:

1. Distinctive design that stands out in an increasingly crowded class
2. Exceptional Bose sound system with headrest speakers — a genuine highlight
3. Well specced at Tekna+ level — heated seats, 360-degree camera and more as standard
4. Five-star Euro NCAP rating for total peace of mind
5. 2024 facelift brings significantly improved tech and interior quality

Would we recommend leasing a Nissan Juke?

Absolutely. The Nissan Juke is ideal for urban drivers and those who want something with genuine personality rather than just blending into the crowd. It's compact, characterful and easy to live with day to day.

If you want to stand out, the Juke still delivers.