2014 Nissan Juke Pros vs Cons

With a unique flair for style and head-turning curves, the 2014 Nissan Juke is definitely a change in how a car can or should look. Nissan has always been on the edge of styling and creating new body styles for more sports-oriented consumers. The Nissan Juke is no exception with its crossover and hatchback styling mixed with sporty interior.

What's New for 2014

The 2014 Nissan Juke features extra horsepower and a stiffer, sportier ride. The year 2014 brought a few changes to the Juke. A few new turbo-charged models enhance the already standard sporty ride. The Nissan Juke also features comparable features to its competitors such as the Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CRV. The 2014 Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CRV show a slight improvement in all terrain driving versus the Juke. However, the Juke outperforms the Equinox and CRV in terms of braking distance and performance. There are a few performance improvements and styling features for the 2014 Nissan Juke. While the Juke is definitely a head turning quirky vehicle, it is also becoming a mainstream crossover to appeal to a wider audience.

• Performance

The 2014 Nissan Juke excels this year in some changes to the drivetrain. The base trim comes in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive 188 horsepower 1.2 liter engine. Don't be too surprised by what appears to be a paltry engine. The 1.2 liter engine uses the high-torque CVT transmission to deliver quick acceleration. All-wheel drive performance does not sacrifice the MPG (mile per gallon) rating, which is 25 in city and 30 on the highway.
The Juke lineup also includes a high performance vehicle model. The 2014 Nissan Juke NISMO has a turbocharged 1.2 Liter 197 horsepower engine. The higher compression ratio of this engine is rated at 6,000 RPM's. The combination of a high torque engine and all-wheel drive capabilities make the Juke a 4-season vehicle in colder climates as well. Although the all-wheel drive system can be hungry on the gas, the 1.2 liter engine is nimble and allows for hugging tighter curves in the road.

The 6-speed manual transmission option has unique advantages over the standard CVT (continuously variable transmission). It allows for better maneuverability in rough road terrain due to the slightly boxy style of the car.

• Styling

The styling of the 2014 Nissan Juke is unlike any other car in the crossover market. The curved lines and stout roof look like a cross between a typical compact SUV and a MINI Cooper. The Nissan Juke NISMO model features a sporty aerodynamic spoiler that enhances the already powerful turbo engine. The 2014 Nissan Juke comes in 5 flavors. The S is the base model. The SV and SL models include the enhanced navigation features and the NISMO and NISMO RS feature a more sporty tuned suspension. The SL model is no match for those cloudy or foggy days. The dusk-sensing headlights operate independently for road navigation safety.

While the sporty crossover features a strong appeal in SUV-like characteristics, it is less roomy in the rear and cargo. The rival MINI Cooper Countryman features less torque but a more expansive cargo space at 16.5 cubic feet versus Juke's 10.5. Luckily the Juke features folding seats to expand hauling capacity. The seats in the front are supportive and feature an upgrade to leather trim in the SV and SL models. The NISMO also features leather wrapped steering wheels and seating. Considering the support of the front seats, it is surprising that the rear seats feature less legroom and support overall.

• Key Features

The 2014 Nissan Juke includes an array of high-tech features such as bluetooth hands-free calling and the integrated i-Con control center by Nissan. Drivers can select from various driving modes such as eco or sport mode to save gas or increase acceleration. Although the quirky vehicle has similar framing as the Nissan Versa, the interior is crisp and clean. An optional glass sunroof now opens up the sky into the interior cabin and an increased visibility from the windshield improves safety ratings. This has been a minor complaint from previous owners of older models.

The SL model features a ramped up continuation of the high-tech amenities. A powerful subwoofer and audio system is located in the cabin and the rear. The Rockford Fosgate stereo system delivers premium bass and feedback to any tune. A backup camera system is coupled with an in-dash navigation system for full control of the vehicle safety and maneuverability. The SL and SV also include the option for a push button start system to compete with the many other sporty vehicles that integrate this feature.

Ten Reasons to Buy a 2014 Nissan Juke:

1)High-torque and sporty drive handling
2)AWD capability
3)Head-turning aerodynamics
4)Excellent fuel economy
5)Turbocharged engine
6)Unique body style
7)Various driving modes for different purposes
8)Above-average manufacturing quality in the frame
9) Integrated hands-free technology
10) Easy car entry with wheelbase height
11) Wide range of prices with 5 base models to choose from

Reasons you may not want to buy a 2014 Nissan Juke:

1) Limited room in the trunk and rear seats

2)Initial lower resell value compared to other crossover models

3) Sporty looking interior lacks in high-quality components

4) Stiff ride may not be for everyone

One of Nissan's most interesting and aggressive compact cars upgraded the engine design for a more sporty market. The 2014 market has defied boundaries in terms of how cars can look and feel when driving. The Nissan Juke features a few improvements to the drivetrain as well as compatibility to compete with the marketplace of crossovers as a whole. The 2014 Nissan Juke is a perfect vehicle for those looking to move beyond the typical crossover experience and create a unique driving experience.