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There have been months of speculation regarding the future of the Juke, with rumors suggesting it might be discontinued. While Nissan hasn’t officially confirmed this, it has introduced what appears to be the potential successor to the compact crossover, referring to it as the “sixth” member of its lineup— notably omitting the Juke from the list. The automaker has started to highlight its more conventional offering as an “adventure-ready” entry among its other crossover vehicles and SUVs. However, upon further inspection, it seems this new model lacks the adventurous spirit that characterized the Juke, potentially dethroning it as the most distinctive vehicle in Nissan’s lineup.
Let me be clear: I’ve never been particularly fond of the Nissan Juke. Its design resembles that of an oversized frog, the rear seats feel cramped for anyone who isn’t very short (which I am not), and the hatchback seems to have just enough room for a small furniture item to require multiple trips from the store. Nevertheless, it’s hard to deny that Nissan made some commendable choices with the Juke.
As a crossover, it’s surprising that Nissan managed to keep the manual transmission option alive. You could shift through all six gears while ferrying your kids to school after they missed the bus on science fair day. Equipped with a small turbocharged engine, the Juke’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivered an impressive 188 horsepower instantly, turning the mundane drive to the grocery store into something thrilling. Power was sent to all four wheels, allowing drivers to emulate Ken Block by performing all-wheel-drive donuts in their neighborhoods. For the adventurous few, Nissan even fitted a powerful 600 hp VQ38DETT engine in selected models, branding them as the Juke-R. Sadly, many versions of the Juke were bundled with dull packages that left the driving experience feeling, well, bland.
In contrast, the Kicks seems to deliver a standard package of mediocrity. It still features a 1.6-liter engine, but it sacrifices much of its output due to the absence of a turbocharger, yielding a disappointing 125 horsepower transmitted solely through a lackluster CVT. Nissan has also eliminated the option for an all-wheel-drive model, limiting power to just the front wheels.
The Kicks does have a couple of minor advantages over the Juke: improved fuel efficiency and a lower price point. It promises an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 33 miles per gallon, which is 4 mpg better than the Juke. The base model is also $2,000 less expensive, starting at $19,000. Additionally, Nissan is reviving some nostalgic two-tone color options for the Kicks, harkening back to the simpler times of the ’90s when cars had a bit more character.
So, with the absence of a manual transmission, a lack of excitement in the engine, no all-wheel-drive for those tricky snow days, and a design that lacks the unique charm of the Juke, who exactly is Nissan targeting with the Kicks? According to a recent press release, the answer seems to be tech enthusiasts.
I’ll admit that the Kicks’ interior is rather appealing. The dashboard has premium-looking stitching that adds a sporty touch to a flat-bottom steering wheel reminiscent of those found in more dynamic cars like the Volkswagen GTI. The centerpiece of the technology suite is a substantial 7-inch display, featuring a Bose sound system that plays your chosen music, as well as a 360-degree bird’s-eye view—yes, a nod to the Juke’s notable camera system—thanks to four strategically placed cameras. Nissan also mentioned three options for tech-savvy drivers to access social media, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or NissanConnect—because that’s essential while driving.
Compared to the Juke, the Kicks simplifies the driving experience and updates the interior with a variety of quirky features that might appeal to the tech-focused consumer. It offers a more spacious environment for passengers, yet this comes at the cost of the unique character and power that many enthusiasts hold dear. The Kicks seems to strike a balance between various qualities, but isn’t that what crossovers aim to achieve?
More importantly, I think I’ve found a new appreciation for the Juke.
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