2021 Nissan Juke: The Quirky Crossover Reviewed
The 2021 Nissan Juke is a subcompact crossover that dares to be different. With its distinctive styling and surprisingly fun driving dynamics, it stands out in a crowded segment. But is it the right choice for you? Let's dive into a comprehensive review.
Overview of the 2021 Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke has always been a bit of an oddball, and the 2021 model year continues that tradition. It sports a polarizing design that some love and others hate, but there's no denying it's unique. Under the hood, you'll find a turbocharged engine that provides peppy performance, making it surprisingly fun to drive around town. The interior is more conventional than the exterior, but it offers a decent amount of space and features for its class. However, keep in mind that the Juke is a subcompact crossover, so it's not the most practical choice for families or those who need a lot of cargo space. But for those looking for a stylish and fun-to-drive urban runabout, the 2021 Juke is definitely worth considering.
The 2021 Nissan Juke is aimed squarely at younger buyers and urban dwellers who want something that stands out from the crowd. It's not trying to be the most practical or the most affordable option, but rather a stylish and personality-packed alternative. The Juke competes with other subcompact crossovers like the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, and Hyundai Kona. While some of those competitors offer more space or better fuel economy, the Juke sets itself apart with its bold design and engaging driving experience. It's a car that's meant to be noticed, and it certainly achieves that goal. If you're tired of boring, cookie-cutter crossovers, the Juke might be just what you're looking for.
The 2021 Juke is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and equipment. The base model comes with a decent array of standard features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration, and a suite of safety features. Higher trim levels add niceties like leather upholstery, heated seats, and a premium sound system. No matter which trim level you choose, you'll get the same turbocharged engine and distinctive styling that make the Juke unique. When cross-shopping, it's important to consider what features are most important to you and how much you're willing to spend. The Juke offers a good value proposition for those who prioritize style and fun over practicality and space.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the 2021 Nissan Juke is definitely its most polarizing feature. Nissan took a bold risk with the Juke's styling, and it's safe to say that it's not for everyone. The front end features distinctive circular headlights and a prominent grille, while the rear end has a sloping roofline and boomerang-shaped taillights. Some people find the design to be quirky and fun, while others find it to be downright ugly. There's no denying that the Juke stands out from the crowd, and that's exactly what Nissan was going for. Whether you love it or hate it, you can't accuse the Juke of being boring.
The Juke's exterior is characterized by its high beltline, muscular fenders, and hidden rear door handles. These design elements give it a sporty and coupe-like appearance, even though it's technically a four-door crossover. The overall look is intended to be youthful and energetic, appealing to buyers who want a car that reflects their personality. The Juke is available in a variety of bold colors, further enhancing its distinctive appearance. If you're looking for a car that will turn heads wherever you go, the Juke is definitely a contender. Just be prepared for some strong opinions, both positive and negative, from those who see it.
The 2021 Juke also offers a range of customization options, allowing buyers to personalize their car to their own tastes. These options include different wheel designs, exterior accents, and paint colors. You can even choose a contrasting roof color to further enhance the Juke's unique look. Nissan understands that the Juke is a car that's all about self-expression, and they've made it easy to create a Juke that's truly your own. Whether you prefer a subtle and sophisticated look or a bold and attention-grabbing one, you can configure your Juke to match your individual style. The level of customization available is just another way that the Juke sets itself apart from its competitors.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Moving inside, the 2021 Nissan Juke presents a more conventional but still stylish cabin. While the exterior might be a bit too adventurous for some, the interior offers a more mainstream design with decent materials and a user-friendly layout. The seats are comfortable and supportive, making it a pleasant place to spend time on long drives. The dashboard is well-organized and easy to read, and the controls are logically placed. While the Juke's interior isn't the most luxurious in its class, it's certainly functional and well-designed. The pops of color and unique trim pieces add a touch of personality to the cabin, making it feel more special than some of its competitors.
Technology is a strong point of the 2021 Juke. The standard touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and offers smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to seamlessly connect your phone to the car and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. Higher trim levels add features like a larger touchscreen, a premium sound system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Juke also comes with a suite of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to keep you safe on the road and provide added peace of mind. The Juke's technology offerings are competitive with other subcompact crossovers in its class.
The interior space in the 2021 Juke is adequate for its size, but it's not the most spacious option in the segment. Front seat passengers have plenty of room, but rear seat passengers may feel a bit cramped, especially on longer trips. Cargo space is also limited, but it's sufficient for everyday errands and weekend getaways. If you frequently carry passengers or cargo, you may want to consider a larger crossover. However, for those who primarily use their car for commuting and running errands, the Juke's interior space should be sufficient. The Juke's focus is on style and driving enjoyment, rather than outright practicality. However, don't get us wrong; the interior is well-equipped and comfortable for the size of the car.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the 2021 Nissan Juke packs a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 114 horsepower. While that may not sound like much, the Juke is surprisingly fun to drive. The engine is responsive and provides plenty of low-end torque, making it feel peppy around town. The Juke's small size and nimble handling also contribute to its fun-to-drive character. It's a car that's easy to maneuver in tight spaces and enjoyable to drive on twisty roads. While it's not a sports car, the Juke offers a more engaging driving experience than many of its competitors.
The Juke's suspension is tuned for a good balance between comfort and handling. It soaks up bumps and potholes reasonably well, while also providing decent body control in corners. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to place the car where you want it. Overall, the Juke is a fun and engaging car to drive, especially in urban environments. The small engine is surprisingly punchy, and the nimble handling makes it feel like a much smaller car than it actually is. If you're looking for a crossover that's fun to drive, the Juke is definitely worth considering. Just don't expect it to be a track star.
Fuel economy is another strong point of the 2021 Juke. It gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is excellent for a crossover. This makes the Juke a great choice for those who want a stylish and fun-to-drive car that's also fuel-efficient. The small engine and lightweight design contribute to the Juke's impressive fuel economy. You can enjoy the Juke's peppy performance without feeling guilty about wasting gas. The Juke is a practical and economical choice for those who want a car that's both fun and efficient.
Conclusion
The 2021 Nissan Juke is a unique and stylish subcompact crossover that offers a fun driving experience. While its polarizing design may not be for everyone, it's hard to deny that the Juke stands out from the crowd. With its peppy turbocharged engine, nimble handling, and decent fuel economy, the Juke is a great choice for urban dwellers and those who want a car that's both fun and practical. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped, and the technology offerings are competitive with other subcompact crossovers in its class. If you're looking for a car that's different and exciting, the 2021 Nissan Juke is definitely worth a look. Just be prepared for some strong opinions from those who see it.
Ultimately, the 2021 Nissan Juke is a car that prioritizes style and fun over outright practicality and space. It's not the most spacious or the most affordable option in its class, but it's certainly one of the most distinctive. If you're looking for a crossover that will turn heads and put a smile on your face, the Juke is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to weigh its pros and cons carefully before making a decision. If you value style, fun, and fuel efficiency, the Juke could be the perfect car for you. However, if you need a lot of space or prioritize practicality, you may want to consider a different option.
The 2021 Nissan Juke is a bold statement in the subcompact crossover segment. It's a car that's not afraid to be different, and that's exactly what makes it so appealing to some buyers. If you're tired of boring, cookie-cutter crossovers, the Juke offers a refreshing alternative. It's a car that's meant to be enjoyed, and it delivers on that promise. The Juke is a great choice for those who want a car that reflects their personality and stands out from the crowd. It's a car that's sure to get you noticed, for better or for worse. But if you're looking for a car that's both fun and stylish, the 2021 Nissan Juke is definitely worth considering.