On the fence: Nissan Juke or CX-5?

[Andfx8]

I know I'll probably be mocked but...

I'm debating between the 2015 Mazda CX-5 and the Juke. I'm used to small, low-to-the-ground cars [1st generation tC (totalled early 2007) and a 2005 G-35 coupe] so I like that both the CX-5 and Juke have higher ground clearance, are fun to drive, and have decent gas mileage and are relatively bigger than what I'm used to.

I test drove both vehicles. I'm 50/50.

CX-5 with touring package: slightly higher visibilty than Juke, decent/good acceleration with 2.5L engine, takes turns well, better ride quality, more spacious, higher quality interior/dash area, rear camera and blindspot monitor, keyless, misc. (more power outlets, lit vanity mirrors).

Juke: Very fun to drive with responsive handling and acceleration (I'm assuming the salesperson put the drive mode to "Sport" or whatever), cool looking dash/music/climate control area with the SL package, seats are okay with leather only (did not see a vehicle with the "upgraded" cloth seats), more bumpy/loud of a ride (I do a lot of freeway driving here in L.A.), smaller than CX-5 (not a deal breaker as I have no children, might actuallty be a better transition for me coming from small vehicles).

So now I'm a bit torn. Price with the features I want in CX-5 comes to about the same with SL of model with Juke. Brain tells me Mazda, heart Juke. With a good deal I would buy the CX-5 but I'm waiting to see what issues Nissan addresses in the 2015 iteration of the car, but I'm getting a little antsy.

Can you guys please share your feelings about the car and your firsthand expierences driving the vehicle

Your thoughts, opinions, corrections, insults are all welcome and appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Beefy]

Nissan Juke? More like Nissan Puke! *hyuck*hyuck*

But in all seriousness, function is more important than form........ up to a point. The Juke is an abomination and a crime against nature, and should be shot from a cannon into the sun.

 

[Chris_Top_Her]

I was looking into the juke but partly was turned off by the styling and size; it doesn't look very good unless you drop some$ into it imo (and still I have only seen like 2 Jukes that looked good). I would expect a better handling characteristic from the smaller Juke but, my cx-5 is pretty tight on handling and I have only done basic suspension (springs, brace bar) mods. If you have no interested in mods then either one is a good choice, but if you are close to picking on or the other and like to mod .. more potential in the Juke (at least right now). A small car is fun but for me I need the utility offered by a slightly larger platform (and to tow if need).

 

[dergibog]

Definitely the Nissan.

 

[addabox]

Nissan Juke? More like Nissan Puke! *hyuck*hyuck*

But in all seriousness, function is more important than form........ up to a point. The Juke is an abomination and a crime against nature, and should be shot from a cannon into the sun.

I don't quite get the Juke. I know there are some performance oriented models, now, and I'm sure they're cool to drive, but that truncated rear hatch, shark bit the back off thing that's the main styling cue completely eliminates any utility from the crossover style. It just ends up being a hatchback with weirdly bulbous sheet metal, IMO, not that there's anything wrong with that. If it drives fun, you like the look and interior, don't need the space and it gets reasonable gas milage why not?

But for my money if I don't need the CX-5 (or crossover in general) hatch room and I'm looking for a fun driving experience I'll probably be looking at a much lower, smaller vehicle. Maybe a hot hatch if I need some carrying capacity. Seems like the Juke adds weight and dimension in ways that have no utility whatsoever.

 

[litojr]

Seems to me, your leaning towards the CX-5. A feature comparison and pro/con list would help your situation.

I was on the fence between CR-V, RAV4 and CX-5. I decided on the CX-5 FWD Touring w/ Tech. The sound system isn't that great, but can be improved. It handled much like my Lancer did, but with more power. The space and AFS HIDs will come in handy during the winter; my siblings and I try to make snowboard each weekend. My commutes are 25-30 miles (one way) and the CX-5 works well in LA traffic, making stop and go traffic less of a burden.

I didn't test drive the Juke since it wasn't on my radar. The style didn't attract my attention. The bumpy/loud ride doesn't sound appealing, neither does sun-baked leather seats during SoCal summer.
Out of curiosity, what in your heart says Juke?


Another note: The transition from the tiny Lancer to a CX-5 was not bad, only took a couple days to get used to the size. I can pretty much park anywhere like I did with my Lancer.

 

[SayNoToPistons]

I know I'll probably be mocked but...

I'm debating between the 2015 Mazda CX-5 and the Juke. I'm used to small, low-to-the-ground cars [1st generation tC (totalled early 2007) and a 2005 G-35 coupe] so I like that both the CX-5 and Juke have higher ground clearance, are fun to drive, and have decent gas mileage and are relatively bigger than what I'm used to.

I test drove both vehicles. I'm 50/50.

CX-5 with touring package: slightly higher visibilty than Juke, decent/good acceleration with 2.5L engine, takes turns well, better ride quality, more spacious, higher quality interior/dash area, rear camera and blindspot monitor, keyless, misc. (more power outlets, lit vanity mirrors).

Juke: Very fun to drive with responsive handling and acceleration (I'm assuming the salesperson put the drive mode to "Sport" or whatever), cool looking dash/music/climate control area with the SL package, seats are okay with leather only (did not see a vehicle with the "upgraded" cloth seats), more bumpy/loud of a ride (I do a lot of freeway driving here in L.A.), smaller than CX-5 (not a deal breaker as I have no children, might actuallty be a better transition for me coming from small vehicles).

So now I'm a bit torn. Price with the features I want in CX-5 comes to about the same with SL of model with Juke. Brain tells me Mazda, heart Juke. With a good deal I would buy the CX-5 but I'm waiting to see what issues Nissan addresses in the 2015 iteration of the car, but I'm getting a little antsy.

Can you guys please share your feelings about the car and your firsthand expierences driving the vehicle

Your thoughts, opinions, corrections, insults are all welcome and appreciated. Thanks.

Apply that to the CX-5 as well. If anything, the 2.5L CX-5 is actually quicker than the Juke unless it's the Juke Nismo. Perhaps the quick to upshift transmission of the CX-5 dulls things down a bit, but that can be easily fixed with a bit of throttling. Plus, the Juke has a freaking CVT! Putting it in "Sport" only holds it in lower gear (higher RPM's). The CX-5's transmission is definitely more direct when asked.

I do understand the "fun factor" of the Juke along with the small size. Unfortunately, it doesn't have much advantages over the CX-5.

 

[tibimakai]

Juke=Joke

 

[Andfx8]

Apply that to the CX-5 as well. If anything, the 2.5L CX-5 is actually quicker than the Juke unless it's the Juke Nismo. Perhaps the quick to upshift transmission of the CX-5 dulls things down a bit, but that can be easily fixed with a bit of throttling. Plus, the Juke has a freaking CVT! Putting it in "Sport" only holds it in lower gear (higher RPM's). The CX-5's transmission is definitely more direct when asked.

I do understand the "fun factor" of the Juke along with the small size. Unfortunately, it doesn't have much advantages over the CX-5.

To be quite honest my test drives may not have been the best basis of comparison. The CX-5 was driven primarily on the freeway (accelerating on the sloped onramp, staying on the furthest right lane, accelerating out of the 1st lane around a slower vehicle, acceleration there was impressive), while the Juke was driven exclusively on mostly uninhibited streets (few lights and vehicles). This allowed me to exploit the Juke's acceleration on a simple surface, without testing the upper range speed. I'll test drive both at least once more, along with perhaps a another vehicle, say, the Sportage.

 

[addabox]

I always prefer to do my test drives on uninhibited streets.

 

[Steel Magnolia]

Hi!
When I was researching new vehicles I fleetingly considered the Juke too! I thought it was cute n sporty. But after reading reviews it just seemed like a too small vehicle and the reviews weren't all that stellar. I believe some even called the Juke a "joke". Awwww....
Here's from one review about the Juke:

Other SUVs to Consider

The Mazda CX-5 gets excellent fuel economy and reviewers think it’s one of the most engaging compact SUVs to drive. Additionally, the CX-5 offers a lot more cargo space and reviewers say it has a roomy cabin that’s made with upscale materials.

I didn't like that the Juke didn't have 4 doors either. It's just more convenient (to me, anyways) to have 4 doors especially when driving around w/friends and family. The more I looked at the Juke and read about it the more I doubted it was the vehicle for me.

I liked the reviews about the CX-5 and when I saw it in person I just fell in love with it and there was no turning back. I love almost everything about it and my friends and family are constantly saying what a good-looking vehicle it is. I feel it is neither too big nor too small...but juuuuuuuust right!

But to each his own....if you really want the Juke and feel it is the vehicle for you, then get it! You're the one that will be making payments on it. But although it's good to listen to your heart, listening to your brain is also very important. Maybe join a Juke forum and see what Juke owners have to say??

Anyway, good luck with your decision! Hopefully you will end up joining our family.

 

[Andfx8]

Seems to me, your leaning towards the CX-5. A feature comparison and pro/con list would help your situation.

I was on the fence between CR-V, RAV4 and CX-5. I decided on the CX-5 FWD Touring w/ Tech. The sound system isn't that great, but can be improved. It handled much like my Lancer did, but with more power. The space and AFS HIDs will come in handy during the winter; my siblings and I try to make snowboard each weekend. My commutes are 25-30 miles (one way) and the CX-5 works well in LA traffic, making stop and go traffic less of a burden.

I didn't test drive the Juke since it wasn't on my radar. The style didn't attract my attention. The bumpy/loud ride doesn't sound appealing, neither does sun-baked leather seats during SoCal summer.
Out of curiosity, what in your heart says Juke?


Another note: The transition from the tiny Lancer to a CX-5 was not bad, only took a couple days to get used to the size. I can pretty much park anywhere like I did with my Lancer.

I actually prefer cloth seats because of the heat factor here in L.A. but after seeing the Juke without the leather and then with it, it just comes down to the appearance of the cabin (vanity).

Heart is telling me Juke because I'm a little biased. It's been on my radar for longer, I wasn't really aware of the CX-5 until my recent research. I'm also notoriously into ugly cars (when the PT Cruiser debuted I was in love). The better ride quality of the CX-5 is appealing to me, but my daily commute is less than 10 miles.

 

[Steel Magnolia]

The better ride quality of the CX-5 is appealing to me, but my daily commute is less than 10 miles.

You never know if that might change, though. And do you ever do road trips?

 

[CC58]

There is not much room in the Juke due to styling, so comparing it to the Mazda3 wagon would be better comparison. The Mazda3 gets much better mpg than the Juke and faster too. Test drive a 2.5L Mazda3 and remember to quickly depress throttle half way to get it to take off (otherwise its short shifts and seems slow). I like the Mazda3 better than the CX-5, but needed the bigger interior and towing capacity. Mazda3 infotainment is much better than the CX-5 too.

 

[mtvon2]

Seriously a Juke? I can't think of an uglier car design in the past twenty years.

 

[deepfriedsushi]

I've test driven a Juke and thought it was pretty good and fun to drive. I like the looks and came away pretty impressed.

I was in a similar boat when shopping for the CX5.

However I was trying to decide between a 2012 WRX/new Ford Focus ST (basically a hot hatch) or the CX5. I consider the Juke to be a very similar to a hot hatch type of car. Small and compact car with a fairly small interior that is decently usable due to the hatch shape.

I knew I wanted to keep the car for a long time, so I had to ask myself which car would fit me the best as I got older. I'm in my mid 20's, have a gf I'm planning on marrying and to start a family with. The hot hatch would be do a respectable job through the next stages of life, but the CX5 would accommodate the future better due to it's bigger size. I didn't want to go through the trouble of realizing that my hot hatch wasn't going to be big enough and have to trade it in for a bigger car down the road.

So if you don't need the space for the time period you're going to keep the car, get the Juke. If you want the additional cargo room for a bit more flexibility, CX5.

 

[Andfx8]

I've test driven a Juke and thought it was pretty good and fun to drive. I like the looks and came away pretty impressed.

I was in a similar boat when shopping for the CX5.

However I was trying to decide between a 2012 WRX/new Ford Focus ST (basically a hot hatch) or the CX5. I consider the Juke to be a very similar to a hot hatch type of car. Small and compact car with a fairly small interior that is decently usable due to the hatch shape.

I knew I wanted to keep the car for a long time, so I had to ask myself which car would fit me the best as I got older. I'm in my mid 20's, have a gf I'm planning on marrying and to start a family with. The hot hatch would be do a respectable job through the next stages of life, but the CX5 would accommodate the future better due to it's bigger size. I didn't want to go through the trouble of realizing that my hot hatch wasn't going to be big enough and have to trade it in for a bigger car down the road.

So if you don't need the space for the time period you're going to keep the car, get the Juke. If you want the additional cargo room for a bit more flexibility, CX5.

That's a great answer and it really helps me put things into perspective, thank you. I'm in the same boat that you were in. Time for some soul searching

 

[deepfriedsushi]

No problem at all!

What made the juke fun to drive was it's size. It's definitely lighter and smaller than the CX5, so it felt like a car that's more easily tossed around in the corners. The engine in the Juke is also nice and peppy with plenty of torque. So between the Juke and the CX5, the Juke was a bit more sporty feeling. It kinda reminded me of a Mini Cooper S, just taller. However, the only things I didn't like were the CVT (which wasn't too bad, but the 6spd auto in the cx5 is better) and the steering feel/weight. The steering effort just seemed ridiculously light and didn't seem to provide any feedback. Almost felt like a video game to me, but I'm sure it's something that would just take a bit of time to get used to.

The CX5 is a more mature car and more refined than the Juke, but the CX5 is still pretty sporty and very capable for the type of car it is.

 

[tibimakai]

Everything sells in this country, no taste.

 

[Iceman04503]

Seriously a Juke? I can't think of an uglier car design in the past twenty years.

The Pontiac Aztec was much uglier.