The
2011 Nissan Juke is a brand-new, small, moderately-priced crossover/sport utility vehicle (SUV) that is packed with power but has evoked controversy over its polarizing design. Powered by a 1.6 liter direct injection inline-four engine offering 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, the Juke base trim sports a continuous variable automatic transmission. However, in front-wheel drive configurations it offers a six-speed manual transmission.
The all-wheel drive (AWD) Juke offers a sport torque vectoring system dividing the torque 50/50 between the front and rear axles. It routes the torque across the rear axle from side to side as well, which this decreases problems with corner handling and under steering. Thus, the Nissan Juke is lauded for smooth handling and exceptional driving manners. Furthermore, the Juke provides a good array of standard safety equipment and has a good fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city/30 mpg highway.
New for 2011
Brand new for 2011, the Nissan Jute stands out in the growing small-crossover segment. The Juke's power train -- a direct-injected 1.6-liter turbocharged I-4 making 188-horsepower -- and its available torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system are firsts for a Nissan crossover in the U.S. Both inside and out, the Juke reveals a bold and edgy design.
Essentials
Engine: 1.6L I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Body Style: Crossover SUV
Trims: S Sport Utility, SV Sport Utility, SL Sport Utility
On the Outside
The Nissan Juke displays exaggerated, arched fenders, curvaceous tail lamps, and a rally-style front end with headlamps inset into the bumpers. To give it a coupe-like appearance, the rear door handles are "hidden," while 17-inch wheels are standard.
From the Inside
The Nissan Juke's bold exterior theme carrying into the inside, a motorcycle-inspired center console adds a bit of spice to the five-passenger seating. Also included are a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth phone, and USB/iPod connectivity. A navigation system, power moon roof, and a back-up camera are optional.
Driving Performance
The 2011 Nissan Jute is equipped with an all-new direct-injected 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with 188 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable automatic (CVT) comes standard, and a six-speed manual transmission is available on front-wheel drive trims. All-wheel-drive trims get a multi-link rear suspension, as well as a torque-vectoring system that helps rotate the rear end, while FWD gets a torsion beam.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety features on the 2011 Nissan Jute are driver and passenger front airbags, front side bags, and front and rear curtain bags. Also standard are front-seat active head restraints, electronic stability control, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
Gas Mileage
FWD (CVT): 28 mpg city/32 mpg hwy
FWD (manual): 24 mpg city/31 mpg hwy
AWD (CVT): 25 mpg city/30 mpg hwy
Plusses
- Assertive styling
- Turbocharged power
- Torque-vectoring system on AWD
- Bluetooth comes standard
- Available navigation system/back-up camera
Minuses
- Cramped back seat
- Lack of AWD with manual transmission
- Little cargo space
Rating
Fun crossover with lots of attitude, power and features
People Who Like the 2011 Nissan Juke Also Like
- Kia Soul
- Mini Countryman
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- Scion xB
- Suzuki SX4