The 2017 Nissan Juke is fun to drive, but that’s about the only good thing we can say about it. Its tiny passenger and cargo holds, poor safety scores, and limited features list make this a bad buy. The Honda HR-V has class-leading cargo space, while the Kia Soul has excellent safety and reliability ratings. Even vehicles like the Volkswagen GTI and Mazda CX-3 match the Juke for driving excitement while adding in abundant space and features.
There are numerous other options on the market that will ultimately serve you better than the Juke. Don’t just take our word for it. Check out comments from some of the reviews that drive our rankings and analysis.
Pros: Potent turbocharged engine Athletic handling
Cons: Rough ride quality Small rear seat and cargo, even for the class Low-rent interior Requires premium fuel
The Nissan Juke makes no apologies for its controversial styling, which is a part of its appeal. Nissan took it a step further in 2015, introducing a new Color Studio program that allows you to mix and match colors like an unsupervised kid at a soda fountain. Think what you will about the Juke's styling; the bottom line is it's one of the most capable performers in the compact crossover segment, which means big fun in the driver seat.
A lot of what makes the Juke so enjoyable is what lies beneath the surface, namely a healthy turbocharged engine that is powerful yet efficient. An available all-wheel-drive system with genuine rear-axle torque-vectoring means the Juke can vary power delivery between the front and rear axles as well as the left and right rear wheels for optimum traction. A taut suspension makes for great handling when the roads start to curve and there are even 7 inches of ground clearance to help keep the body free of scrapes on rough roads. One of the few downsides to the Juke is interior space. Rear passenger legroom and cargo space aren't very generous, so if you often carry a full passenger load, the Juke will feel cramped.
pros: Lively performance Sporty handling Unique interior/exterior color customization options Available all-wheel drive.
cons: Not much cargo capacity Limited rear head- and legroom Poor rear visibility Lots of hard plastic trim Relatively stiff ride.
The 2017 Nissan Juke is a smart, spunky compact-crossover SUV that continues to stand out with its expressive styling, feature-rich interior and turbocharged engines. No longer alone in the segment it started, the Juke now faces fierce competition from performance-oriented subcompact-crossover SUVs like the Mazda CX-3 and Fiat 500X, as well less aggressive makes like the Honda HR-V and Chevrolet Trax. Nissan keeps the Juke competitive by offering even more standard features this year, keeping the Juke’s price low and offering a high-performance Nismo RS version that pumps out 215 horsepower. Unique to the Juke is the Color Studio option that allows for personal color customization of certain interior and exterior pieces.
Pros: If you’re looking for a fun, sporty and affordable subcompact, and the idea of added ground clearance and all-wheel drive (AWD) sounds appealing, the 2017 Nissan Juke subcompact SUV has you covered. You can even get a manual transmission, for those who still know what that is.
Cons: If you need space for passengers and cargo, a larger compact like the Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue makes more sense. Still desire a subcompact? You’ll get better off-road ability in a Jeep Renegade and better fuel economy plus more interior room in a Honda HR-V.
In the highly competitive compact luxury SUV segment, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is definitely worth your consideration. It combines a practical size, strong performance and a luxurious cabin with a long list of optional amenities.The existing Mercedes-Benz GLC300 comes off its debut year with a minor shuffling of features. The big news is the addition of the high-performance AMG GLC 43, with a potent V6 engine.
Pros Balance of comfort and performance makes it an appealing daily driver Solid fuel efficiency from the standard four-cylinder engine Plenty of room for adult-sized passengers in back Elegant design inside and out gives it a true luxury appearance.
Cons Technology interface isn't always easy to use Only one four-cylinder engine offered unless you step up to the ultra-high-performance AMG model.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class makes a terrific combination of the features and practical needs most buyers want in an attractive package. Complementing the automaker's C-Class sedan, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is a well thought-out compact crossover that offers its own swoopy styling and attractive range of engines.
Pros Spacious, attractive interior Wide range of engine and body choices "Coupe" bodystyle is unique Comprehensive available safety features
Cons Safety features come at a price "Coupe" loses some practicality Base GLC300 can feel numb Diesel model delayed (again)
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class ranks 3 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. If you're looking for refinement – both inside and out – you'll want to look at the 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLC. This polished luxury compact SUV comes with more standard features than many of its competitors and has a handsome interior that emphasizes simple elegance.
Pros Comfortable, elegant interior Abundance of standard and optional safety features Quiet, refined ride
Cons Below-average cargo capacity behind rear seats
