Used Nissan Juke 2010-2019 review

When the Nissan Juke was launched in 2010, it in effect created the segment for small SUVs, in much the same way the Nissan Qashqai had done for family SUVs. Its unconventional styling and raised driving position won it many admirers, while its keen pricing and competitive finance deals won it many sales.

It actually stayed on sale for nine years, only being replaced by an all-new model in 2019, and this popularity when new has resulted in there now being a healthy supply of used examples to choose from.

Engine options include a diesel and two petrols, with the top-of-the-range turbocharged 1.6 DIG-T offering sprightly performance. It's also available with four-wheel drive, although only with a CVT automatic gearbox. For those in the market for a performance SUV, Nissan also offered a tuned Nismo version of the Juke.

The three main Juke trim levels are Visia, Acenta and Tekna, with the entry-level Visia offering 16in wheels, air conditioning, traction control and six airbags. Acenta adds 17in wheels, climate control, a USB port and Bluetooth, while the range-topping Tekna includes leather seats, Nissan Connect (a sat-nav and audio upgrade) and a rear-view camera. An N-Connecta trim level was introduced in 2013 with the Tekna’s sat-nav, a DAB radio and a reversing camera.

Then there are the special-edition models, such as the Ministry of Sound, Pulse, Style and Kuro, to name but a few. These generally feature special colours and trim pieces but aren't necessarily worth seeking out.

On the road, the Juke is an easy car to drive, thanks to light steering and a good view ahead, but visibility to the rear and over your shoulder is restricted, so consider finding a model with parking sensors. It also has a jittery ride, and while its body doesn’t lean too much in corners, it isn't a particularly entertaining car to drive.

Where the Juke doesn’t fare so well compared with rivals is in interior space. Put simply, there isn't a huge amount of it, particularly in the boot. As a guide, the Ford Fiesta small hatchback offers more room for luggage. Rear passenger space is tight, too, so taller adults will find their head brushing the roof. The Juke is also too narrow to sit three adults side by side.

Boot space on facelifted cars from 2014 onwards is better, but it’s still by no means class-leading. On every Nissan Juke, the shape of the boot opening itself limits what you can carry. Trim and build quality were improved on the facelift, mind you, and an additional 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine was offered.

If you're interested in finding a used Juke, or any of the other small SUVs mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.

It's possible to buy a Nissan Juke for less than £3000, but the majority of these have more than 100,000 miles on the clock or are low-spec 1.6 petrol models. Up the budget to between £4000 and £5000 and there’s plenty of choice of non-turbo 1.6 petrols and 1.5 diesels with less than 60,000 miles, from 2014 or 2015. Up that to between £6000-£8000 and that will see you in either a 1.6 DIG-T or a post-facelift 1.2 from 2015 or 2016. Spend between £8000 and £10,000 on a Juke from 2018, and between £10,000 and £12,000 on the last 2019 cars.

Prices for the Nismo start at £6000 for a standard version or £8000 for a Nismo RS.

Check the value of a used Nissan Juke with What Car? Valuations

The 1.5-litre diesel engine is reasonably parsimonious, returning about 50mpg in normal driving, but the two 1.6 petrols can be quite thirsty. The range-topping turbocharged DIG-T can go as low as 25mpg if it's paired with four-wheel drive and the CVT gearbox, while a non-turbocharged 1.6 petrol will return high 30s. The later 1.2 DIG-T engine is also a little disappointing in real-world driving conditions; don’t expect to see much more than 35mpg.

As far as road tax is concerned, for cars registered before 1 April 2017, the amount you'll be charged is based on CO2 emissions. So, if you want to pay the least amount in tax, go for a post-facelift 1.5 dCi, because it’s the best performer with just 104g/km. At the other end of the scale is the four-wheel-drive 1.6 petrol CVT, which pumps out 169g/km, while the less powerful 1.6 petrol comes in at either 139g/km for a manual version or 145g/km for the automatic CVT model. The 1.2 DIG-T is a bit better than the earlier 1.6 petrols at 126g/km.

If you're buying a Juke registered after 1 April 2017, it'll be charged at a flat rate yearly fee. This is currently £165 a year. Find out more about road tax costs here.

Nissan service costs for the Juke are average, with a minor service costing £199 or £229 (petrol and diesel respectively) and a major service bring a little more costly at £279 or £329. That's a little pricey compared with some rivals, but it does at least include a year's worth of European roadside assistance in that cost to help soften the blow.

Models built after the 2014 facelift benefited from improved interior quality and a slightly smoother ride. In terms of engines, we’d recommend the 1.5 diesel, which is dependable, has the lowest running costs and feels brisk enough on the move. If you’d prefer a petrol, the 1.2 DIG-T engine that arrived midway through the Juke’s life is quieter and marginally faster than the diesel but considerably thirstier. If you’re tempted to go for the superior performance of the 1.6 DIG-T, consider sticking with the manual gearbox rather than the potentially troublesome CVT automatic.

Our favourite Nissan Juke: 1.5 dCi N-Connecta (2014 onwards)

Although it doesn't have the funky styling of the Nissan Juke, the Skoda Yeti fights back by being significantly roomier inside, with a huge boot and a flexible interior. There’s a wide range of engines to choose from and, while the ride is a little firm, the Yeti handles much better than Juke does.

Elsewhere, the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008 have much to offer. Both are comfortable and have significantly larger boots than the Juke. The Captur is also available with sliding rear seats. However, neither has a four-wheel drive option.

The Mazda CX-3 is a later rival to the small SUV party, but it’s attractively styled, has an upmarket interior and is great to drive. If you’re considering a newer Nissan Juke, the CX-3 should be on your shortlist too.

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