2013 Nissan Juke Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The 2013 Nissan Juke again brings a funky and fun approach to the world of the small crossover with its splashy exterior styling and perky...

The 2013 Nissan Juke again brings a funky and fun approach to the world of the small crossover with its splashy exterior styling and perky performance. Some call its unique blend of angles and lines quirky, even weird, and don’t think much of its appearance. Others, though, appreciate its dare-to-be-different appeal and speculate that Nissan may be on to something with the Juke’s futuristic look, even while readily acknowledging that it’s not for everyone.

Under the covers, the 2013 Nissan Juke draws largely positive reviews for the sporty features and punch it brings to the party. The 2013 Nissan Juke S continues to kick things off for a trim lineup that moves next to an SV and then up to the top-of-the-line SL.

A 1.6-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque provides plenty of power for the Juke, and it is hooked up to either a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) or a 6-speed manual. Most Jukes are front-wheel drive (FWD), but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available in versions with the CVT.

Set up with the manual transmission and FWD, the Juke pulls EPA estimated mileage numbers of 25 mpg city/31 highway. The numbers go to 27/32 with the CVT and FWD and to 25/30 with the CVT and AWD.

The 2013 Nissan Juke is not only fun to look at—for those who don't hate its looks, that is—but especially with the manual transmission, most agree it’s also enjoyable to drive. That’s partly because of its turbo power and partly because of Nissan’s Integrated Control System (I-Con), which lets the driver choose between three modes: Normal, Sport and Eco. The I-Con comes in the Juke’s top two trims, and the different modes dictate throttle response, steering speed and transmission settings.

Some experts feel the 2013 Nissan Juke handles extremely well and is as fun to drive as many sports cars and at least as practical.

The various Juke trims receive updates for 2013. The Rockford Fosgate sound system in the SV and SL trims gets an upgrade, and the SV trims that have a navigation package now get a backup camera, too. A new Midnight Edition package featuring black 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and side mirrors is also available.

The 2013 Nissan Juke has a small back seat, and the car does have some hard plastics, but the cabin gets points for its interior design, too. It seats 5, but things are tight for three in the back seat. Cargo space is limited with seats up but expands to 35.9 cubic feet when the back seat is folded down.

Standard features in the 2013 Nissan Juke S include remote keyless entry and an AM/FM/CD sound system with auxiliary input and Bluetooth, along with power locks, mirrors and windows. Moving up to the 2013 Nissan Juke SV brings a moonroof, the I-Con system, push-button start, automatic temperature control and satellite radio. The 2013 Nissan Juke SL adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and navigation.

The 2013 Nissan Juke scores well in insurance industry crash tests. Federal government tests drop it down a grade in frontal tests, though, while giving it top marks in crashes from the side. The Juke comes with a full array of airbags, traction and stability control, antilock brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system.