Nissan’s subcompact crossover gets a mild refresh for the 2015 model year. The Juke has new front and rear styling, more features and there’s a new Color Studio program that lets buyers customize select elements of their vehicle.
The midcycle styling changes don’t dramatically alter the Juke’s distinctive appearance; it’s still one of the most radical-looking vehicles on the road today. Changes include new headlights with LED accents, a thinner grille with a bolder V-shaped element and new styling for the lower intake. The side mirrors now incorporate LED turn-signal indicators and the taillights also have LED elements. The rear bumper styling is new, too.
Standard features include 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and body-colored side mirrors. Fog lights, a power moonroof and heated side mirrors are optional.
Performance-oriented NISMO and NISMO RS models are distinguished by unique front and rear styling, body-color wheel flares, red side mirrors and a rear spoiler. They also get 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with summer tires.
The Color Studio program lets owners choose accent colors for the side mirror caps, headlights, side sills, rear spoiler, door handles, front and rear bumpers, and wheels. There are eight color choices, and the pieces are sold individually at Nissan dealerships and can be financed along with the vehicle.
The five-seat cabin again features front bucket seats and a 60/40-split folding backseat. Fabric upholstery is standard while leather is optional.
New standard features for 2015 include a backup camera, keyless access with push-button start, a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. Additional standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, steering-wheel audio controls and a CD stereo.
NissanConnect with Moble Apps is available. The system includes a 5-inch dashboard screen and incorporates Bluetooth streaming audio and text messaging functionality. Other options include heated front seats, satellite radio, a navigation system with a 5.8-inch touch-screen, automatic air conditioning and a Rockford Fosgate stereo. Color Studio accessories are offered for the cabin vents and other trim pieces.
NISMO models have red accents, a leather-and-Alcantara steering wheel and front sport seats. The NISMO RS is fitted with Recaro-brand sport seats.
All trim levels of the Juke are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Most models are rated at 188 horsepower, but the engine makes 215 hp in the front-wheel-drive NISMO RS, which has a six-speed manual transmission. The all-wheel-drive NISMO RS makes 211 hp and has a continuously variable automatic transmission; Jukes with the 188-hp engine have a CVT, too.
Front-wheel drive is standard. The optional torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system can direct torque between the rear wheels for better handling.
The NISMO RS features unique suspension and steering tuning and different brakes, and front-wheel-drive versions have a limited-slip differential.
The Juke has six airbags and, as required by law, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system. A surround-view camera system with moving-object detection is optional.
