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.
The 2017 Escape gets revised exterior styling, some minor interior improvements, a newly available 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a modified 2.0-liter engine with a bit more power. Models with Sync 3 also provide an ownership app (FordPass with Sync Connect) and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Safety features now include lane departure prevention, a drowsy driver warning system, and adaptive cruise control with forward collision alert.
Pros Optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine accelerates quickly New tech interface features advanced voice control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto Steering and handling feel more like that of a car than SUV More room for small stuff, and more power plugs
Cons New base engine lacks punch Dashboard design looks dated with many small, similar-looking buttons Base-model S trim available only with older, less efficient 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
The 2017 Ford Escape ranks 4 out of 18 Compact SUVs. The 2017 Ford Escape has a solid ranking in the top third of the very competitive compact SUV class. A well-balanced ride, an upscale interior, potent optional engines, and a long list of available features help the Escape outperform many rivals.
Pros Quality interior Lots of cool, user-friendly tech features Nimble handling Peppy and fuel-efficient turbocharged engine options
Cons Below-average fuel economy with base engine
Strategically updated for 2017, the Ford Escape becomes an even more attractive alternative in the popular compact-SUV segment that includes the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Toyota RAV4. Tasteful but effective exterior restyling enhances the Escape’s curb appeal while a comprehensive remake of its roomy, comfortable 5-passenger cabin elevates both visual sophistication and user-friendliness. Available in S/SE/Titanium trims and front- or all-wheel drive, the 2017 Escape also introduces a host of advanced tech touches including Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system with Sync Connect along with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. This versatile Ford offers three engines -- including two new, more powerful and more efficient EcoBoost 4-cylinders -- that help the Escape retain its best-in-class tow ratings.
Pros Buyers in the market for a stylish compact SUV that’s roomy, comfortable and capable with state-of-the-art infotainment features and class-leading tow ratings will find an ideal travel mate in the 2017 Escape.
Cons Save for personal styling preferences, there’s not a great deal to ding in this latest iteration of the Escape. The Mazda CX-5 has more sporting character and the Honda CR-V offers marginally more cargo space, but Ford’s highly adaptable hauler makes an impressive case for itself on every functional front.
