As compact crossovers continue to grow in popularity, many automakers are scrambling to bring innovative new products to market. Luckily for Nissan, it already has a well-established player in the field, one that continues to set the bar for styling and performance. The 2017 Nissan JUKE combines quirky styling and a powerful turbocharged engine in a small but versatile crossover SUV perfect for cramped urban confines. Toss in the option of all-wheel drive and the JUKE becomes a year-round go-kart undeterred by snow-covered thoroughfares. Add a nice dose of cutting-edge electronic features, as well as the performance-oriented NISMO and NISMO RS models, and the JUKE's appeal becomes nearly irresistible to people of all ages.

For those who appreciate the JUKE's qualities, there's one more that may help seal the deal: affordability. The JUKE has a base price that starts at around $21,000, which is lower than that of most small crossovers and a bargain for all the model has to offer.

What's New for 2017?

New for 2017 are updated 17-inch alloy wheels on SV and SL grades. The SV adds heated cloth seats and side mirrors to its list of standard equipment.

What We Like

Quick-footed handling; responsive engine; available all-wheel drive; comfortable seats; custom personalization program

What We Don't

Limited cargo space; some cheap interior materials; lack of rear-seat headroom; love-it-or-hate-it styling; ride can be rough

Fuel Economy

The 2017 Nissan JUKE for sale and JUKE NISMO are fitted with a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine. Output is 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. On the high-performance NISMO RS model, horsepower jumps to 215, with 210 lb-ft of torque. Energy is channeled to the front wheels by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The JUKE also offers a 6-speed manual transmission, but only on front-drive NISMO trims. All-wheel-drive (AWD) models are only available with the CVT automatic.

The Environmental Protection Agency's fuel economy estimates for the front-wheel-drive JUKE are 28 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The AWD JUKE's fuel economy ratings are 26 mpg city/30 mpg hwy. The front-drive NISMO is offered only with the 6-speed manual and earns 27 mpg city/33 mpg hwy. The AWD NISMO comes only with the CVT automatic and earns 26 mpg city/30 mpg hwy. The NISMO RS earns 27 mpg city/31 mpg hwy with the manual and front-wheel drive, while the AWD NISMO RS with the CVT earns an estimated 25 mpg city/29 mpg hwy.

Standard Features & Options

Nissan offers five trim levels for the 2017 JUKE: S, SV, NISMO, SL and NISMO RS. All-wheel drive is available on all trims.

The JUKE S includes a CVT automatic, power windows, locks and mirrors, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with an auxiliary input port, a rearview camera, Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button start, Bluetooth, cruise control, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel with audio controls, Siri Eyes Free, a trip computer and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The JUKE SV adds premium fabric, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, the Integrated Control (I-CON) multifunction controller, automatic climate control, USB/iPod control, a power sunroof, rear privacy glass and SiriusXM radio.

The JUKE SL is loaded with navigation radio, NissanConnect with mobile apps, Rockford Fosgate ecoPUNCH audio with a powered subwoofer, Nissan's Around View Monitor with moving-object detection, leather upholstery, heated front seats, fog lights and auto-on/off headlights.

The JUKE NISMO adds sport tuning for the suspension and steering, a lowered ride height, 18-in wheels and unique NISMO exterior and interior treatments. Also standard are navigation, NissanConnnect with mobile apps, Rockford Fosgate ecoPUNCH audio and the Around View Monitor with moving-object detection.

The JUKE NISMO RS brings a more powerful engine, a limited-slip rear differential (for manual models) and sport brakes.

All-wheel drive is an additional option. The Tech package (navigation, Rockford Fosgate audio and the Around View Monitor with moving-object detection) can be added to the SV trim, as can the Black Pearl Edition by Color Studio.

Safety

Standard safety features for the JUKE include anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, active front head restraints and six airbags (front, side and head-curtain).

In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, the government gave the 2017 Nissan JUKE four out of five stars overall, with three stars for the front-end crash test, five stars for the side-impact test and four stars for the rollover test.

The JUKE earned the highest crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in all but the small-overlap front crash test, in which it received a Poor rating.

Behind the Wheel

The JUKE's turbocharged engine delivers a healthy dose of exhilaration. Both off the line and in midsprint, this energetic little hatchback has plenty of get-up-and-go power. Passing other cars is especially fun, as the drivers you overtake are sure to give the JUKE a look that says, "What in the world is that thing?"

To customize the driving experience, Nissan equips the JUKE with its I-CON System, which allows the driver to choose from three operating modes: Normal, Sport and Eco. Each mode alters throttle response, steering speed and transmission settings based on your preferred driving style.

The JUKE is an agile handler, benefiting from a precise steering system and a firm suspension. It's particularly nimble in corners, remaining stable and well planted even at higher speeds. And like most good sports cars, its performance seems to tighten up more as it's pushed harder. Add all-wheel drive and the JUKE becomes a capable 4-season vehicle. When there's no snow or mud to tread through, you can apply the all-wheel drive to a performance-oriented drive on a curvy country road.

The Nissan Juke for sale is available from Group 1 Nissan, so click here to see the Nissan range.