In its second year of production, Nissan has made no significant changes to the standard or optional equipment for the 2012 Juke. This compact crossover comes with a number of optional features not found in some competitors, such as heated leather seats, navigation and push-button start.

Three trim levels are available for the 2012 Nissan Juke: the S, SV and SL, each of which can be configured with front-wheel drive (FWD) or Nissan’s Intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. All come standard with a 1.6-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder turbocharged and intercooled direct injection gasoline engine that generates 188 hp and 177 lb-ft or torque. The FWD trims equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission are estimated to get 24 mpg city/31 highway, while the FWD trims equipped with an automatic Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) with sport mode are rated at 27/32. AWD trims with the CVT are estimated to attain 25/30.

Similar to the 2011 version, the 4-door, 5-passenger hatchback Juke gets air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power exterior mirrors, remote keyless entry, a multifunction steering wheel, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, an AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers and MP3/WMA CD playback capability with an auxiliary audio input and iPod interface system, Bluetooth HandsFree system, rear-window defroster and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with all-season tires as standard equipment for all trims.

Moving up to an SV trim adds a power-sliding glass moonroof, rear privacy glass, Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button ignition, Integrated Control (I-CON) system with automatic temperature control, Sirius XM satellite radio, premium cloth seat trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob and passenger seatback pocket as standard equipment. For those selecting an SL trim, the Juke also gets the Nissan Navigation System, with a 5-inch color touchscreen monitor and Sirius XM NavTraffic, rear-view monitor, upgraded speakers with Rockford Fosgate powered 8-inch subwoofer, USB connection port for iPod, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped shift knob, automatic on/off headlights and front fog lights. Optional equipment choices for all trims include a rear spoiler, while the Nissan Navigation System and Rockford Fosgate powered 8-inch subwoofer can be added to the SV trim for an additional cost.

As for safety and security features, the 2012 Nissan Juke comes with 6 airbags (dual front-impact airbags, dual front side-impact airbags and front overhead airbags), tire pressure monitoring system, antilock braking system with brake assist, panic alarm, remote security system, engine immobilizer and vehicle dynamic control with a traction control system.

The biggest complaint from owners of the 2012 Nissan Juke is that its highway fuel mileage does not measure up to the EPA’s estimates. Many note getting between 5 and 7 mpg less than estimates, and with the Juke’s smallish gas tank (13.2-gallon capacity), more trips to the gas station are the result. That said, the turbocharged inline-4 engine generates a lot of power and, especially in AWD trims, is described as punchy and nimble.

Competition is stiff in the crossover utility vehicle class, with the 2012 Nissan Juke facing off against rivals such as the Kia Soul Sport, Mazda Mazda3, Scion xB and Suzuki SX4 Sportback. Juke’s turbocharged engine puts it well ahead of that pack, with the possible exception of the Mazda3, and it finds itself comparatively priced, even when configured with AWD.