Used Nissan Juke 2019-present review

This second-gen Nissan Juke arrived in 2019, aiming to continue the sales success of the original, but improve upon what was a rather flawed small SUV. It's undeniably done the job, even if it's not quite become a class leader.

There's nothing overly complicated regarding the engines. Initially, there was only one: a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre petrol. To begin with, it had 115bhp, but this figure became 112bhp for 2021 and beyond (to improve CO2 emissions). A choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is available, unless you opt for the 141bhp 1.6 Hybrid that joined the range in 2021 – that's auto or nothing.

Your trim level choices are a little more diverse. Entry-level Visia has a basic infotainment system comprising of a DAB radio and Bluetooth phone connectivity, but at least LED headlights are standard, as are lane-keep assistance and traffic sign recognition. Acenta is probably a better bet with smart-looking 17in alloys, an 8.0in infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rear-view camera.

Mid-range N-Connecta steps things up with sat-nav, climate control and keyless entry and start. Top-tier Tekna and Tekna+ both have 19in alloys, a 360deg camera system, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, heated front seats and a Bose sound system. The only difference between them is that Tekna+ has two-tone paint.

• Looking for an older car? Read our 2010-2019 Nissan Juke used buying guide

Performance is satisfactory and similar to most rivals with 1.0-litre engines. However, many competitors – the Ford Puma and Seat Arona to name two – also offer up more powerful engines should you want one.

The only way to get more performance from your Juke is to opt for the Hybrid. It's slightly quicker than the regular Juke and near-enough on a par with the rival Toyota Yaris Cross. The 0-60mph sprint happens in 10.1sec, although the hybrid system can be hesitant to give you full power upon a hearty jab of your right foot. What's more, the engine is quite noisy and unrefined as you do so.

After reading that, you might think the Hybrid is a disaster, but it's not so long as you play into its strengths. Be gentle on the accelerator and drive it mostly around town and, because the engine doesn't need to get involved as much, it'll drive more so on quiet, smooth electric power. You don't have to plug this hybrid in, either.

In regards to all Jukes, handling is safe and surefooted, even if the steering could be a little more precise and, therefore, confidence inspiring. Stick with smaller 17in alloys in order to have a more comfortable time, because the bigger 19in wheels bring out the worst in its busy ride – the Juke's ride isn't a patch on the more compliant Skoda Kamiq. Wind and road noise are also greater than you'll find in a VW T-Roc.

Inside, the driving position is easy to set right, and the interior materials, especially on the higher-end trims, are pleasingly plush with swish features including Alcantara trim on the dashboard and seats, gloss black plastics and chrome-rimmed air vents.

There's a decent driving position thanks to a steering wheel that now can be adjusted both in and out, as well as up and down. Leg and head room are fine for those in the front, but head room is merely sufficient in the back for tall people, and they may have to duck to get in due to the sloping roofline. Weirdly, the boot is almost as big as that of the Nissan Qashqai, but a Kamiq, T-Roc and Ford Puma beats the Nissan Juke for luggage capacity.

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

The second-gen Nissan Juke can be found for as little as £12,000 on the used market. Have around £15,000 to £20,000 if you fancy a 2022 or 2023 model. You'll need that latter figure (or preferably upwards of it) if you're interested in the hybrid.

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MPG

The manual 1.0-litre version is best with a combined figure of 47.9mpg, while the auto drops this back to 44.1mpg. The Hybrid averages 55.4mpg – good, but the Toyota Yaris Cross is much better.

Road tax (VED)

All examples will be charged the current flat-rate fee for annual road tax. This is currently £180 per year, and £170 for hybrids.

Servicing

No Nissan Juke of this generation is old enough yet to qualify for the cheaper servicing that the brand offers for cars over five years of age, but you can set up a service plan online to help spread the cost of maintenance. Plans vary between two to four years and cost £19.99 per month for petrol models. Prices correct at the time of writing.

The Juke sits in insurance groups 13 or 14, depending on trim.

Engine

The hybrid is a good choice if you do mostly town driving, but if not, we'd save some money and opt for the 1.0-litre.

Specification

Acenta is as low as you should go because the entry-level Visia has steel wheels as opposed to alloy ones – in this day and age! That being said, the mid-range N-Connecta model is perhaps the best value because it adds valuable extras such as sat-nav.

Our favourite Nissan Juke: 1.0 DIG N-Connecta

The Ford Puma is a brilliant small SUV. It's quick, has really enjoyable handling, great fuel economy and efficiency, thanks in part to a clever mild-hybrid engine, and a large and very clever boot. It was our What Car? Car of the Year when it was new in 2020, plus we dubbed it SUV of the Year in our 2023 Used Car of the Year Awards.

The VW T-Roc rides wonderfully, has plenty of space in its surprisingly funky interior, is refined at motorway speeds and comes with a really good infotainment system. It's extremely comfortable and particularly good at isolating you from noise and the outside world.

For similar money to a Nissan Juke, you could go for one of the best small SUVs around with the Skoda Kamiq. It's significantly more practical due to a huge amount of rear passenger space in comparison, and a big boot. The interior is also far smarter with nicer materials.

If you want something that's good to drive (even if it isn't quite Puma good), the Seat Arona is your best-value choice. There are more hard plastics used inside, but the driving position is spot on, and there are far more engine options to choose from.

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