Vehicle Tested
2013 Nissan Juke Nismo Hatchback (1.6L I4 Turbocharger 6-Speed Manual)
Driven On
5/8/2013
Ratings Summary
The Juke Nismo, with its aero bits and red mirrors, only serves to draw more attention to the already-goofy styling. But get beyond that and you have a thoroughly fun-to-drive, reasonably-priced hatchback with more power, better handling and killer sport seats.
B
Performance
The Juke Nismo never feels overly quick, yet its acceleration is more like a car than a small SUV. Handling is decent, but we were expecting better from this Nismo version. With an easy clutch and shifter, driveability is excellent.
| Acceleration |
B
|
With 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, it's quick for the class, only slightly slower than a Ford Focus ST. A bit of lag from the 197-hp turbo 4-cylinder. Six-speed manual shifts easily. |
| Braking |
C
|
Exhibited a wild amount of ABS commotion during panic stops. But the brakes felt normal and reasonably powerful around town. Pedal spacing allows for heel-and-toe downshifting. |
| Steering |
C
|
We noticed some difference in assist level between the Normal and Sport modes, but not much. Overall the steering lacks feel and doesn't telegraph what the front tires are doing. |
| Handling |
B
|
With its short wheelbase, the Juke Nismo is a fun car to toss around. Plenty of suspension travel and ground clearance make it especially good on curvy, bumpy back roads. |
| Driveability |
B
|
With a light clutch, intuitive throttle delivery and and an easy six-speed shifter, the Juke Nismo is simple to drive. It would be a good stick-shift-learning vehicle. |
| Off-Road |
B
|
The Juke is actually a decent off-roader, with better-than-average front and rear clearance. The Juke Nismo, with its lower front airdam, side skirts and summer tires, is less so. |
B
Comfort
Slightly stiffer suspension and summer tires endow the Juke Nismo with a harsher ride than the regular model. The fantastically-comfortable and supportive sport seats partially make up for this. The lack of wind noise was impressive.
| Seating Comfort |
A
|
We've come across few seats better than these Nismo sport buckets. Not just laterally supportive, they're also cushy with a soft, grippy covering. Door armrests need more padding. |
| Ride Comfort |
D
|
The regular Juke can be a bit harsh. With 10 percent stiffer springs and dampers, the Juke Nismo is even more jiggly and things can get a bit rough and bouncy on torn-up surfaces. |
| Quietness |
B
|
Some wind noise around the side mirrors. Minimal road noise, despite summer tires. Short gearing means engine revs high. Seat squeaks against center console when pushed forward. |
C
Interior
Like its exterior, the Juke's cabin is a bit overstyled. Combining the a/c controls with the drive-mode selector is just weird. There's plenty of headroom up front, less in the rear, and the sloping roof means cargo space is limited.
| Ergonomics |
C
|
The integrated climate/drive-mode selector adds steps. Wider Nismo seats make it harder to grab seatbelt. Knobs need more obvious detents. Alcantara steering wheel feels great. |
| Ingress/Egress |
C
|
Long front doors and plenty of headroom make for easy ingress, though foot sometimes hits Nismo rocker panels. Small rear doors give tight entry/exit space. |
| Space/Room |
B
|
Plenty of front headroom, but restricted door elbow room. Good amount of space for driver's right knee. Tight rear seat, with cramped knee and headroom. No rear center armrest. |
| Visibility |
C
|
Narrow A- and B-pillars make for decent front/side vision. But sloping roof, short rear side windows, thick C-pillars and small rear window make rearward visibility a chore. |
| Cargo/Storage |
C
|
Good-sized optional armrest bin and door pockets. Small front bin. Cupholders do okay job without anti-tip. Tiny trunk, but rear seats fold down. Usable underfloor storage. |
B
Value
Surprisingly, Nissan is bringing the $23,780 Juke Nismo in below the top model, the SL. This, despite the Nismo version carrying an extra 9 horsepower, stiffer suspension, an aero body kit, new seats and a sportier interior.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
B
|
Some low-buck plastics around the cabin, and the optional center armrest feels chintzy. Front seats look and feel superb, as does the steering wheel. Noticed small rattle in dash. |
| Features(vs. $) |
A
|
There's a lot of car here at the Juke Nismo's $23,780 base. Push-button start, Bluetooth, satellite radio, along with an extra 9 hp, firmer suspension and a sportier interior. |
| Cost |
B
|
Nissan makes you pay $245 for a center armrest. The navigation package, which includes premium audio, USB port and rearview camera, tacks on another $1,170 for a total of $25,195. |
| MPG |
B
|
The EPA rates the Juke Nismo at 25 city/31 highway/27 mpg combined. We averaged 26.1 mpg over 1,020 miles of varied driving, including 32.4 mpg on the 116-mile Edmunds test loop. |
| Warranty |
B
|
Basic warranty is 3 years/36,000 miles, with 5 years/60,000 miles for the drivetrain. These are both about average, but well below what the Kia Soul offers. |
| Ownership |
B
|
Roadside assistance for 3 years/36,000 miles. Mini offers free maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles. Nissan offers none. |
B
Fun To Drive
The Juke, especially the Nismo version with the six-speed manual transmission, is surprisingly fun to drive. It gobbles up bumpy backroads like a rally car, and the grippy steering wheel and supportive seats are purely functional.
| Driving Experience |
B
|
We have no problem with the Juke's driving experience. It's sporty, fun, even engaging. But you always worry someone is pointing and laughing at you. Because it looks goofy. |
| Personality |
A
|
The Juke's frog-like love-it or loathe-it styling gives it personality. The zippy turbo power and willing handling lend credence to the saying, "it's what's inside that counts." |
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