Sometimes The Gods smile upon us here at Planetauto, and conspire to arrange two cars to review at the same time! When both are compact crossovers, it seems a waste not to do a comparison review, does it not?
Without further ado, join us as we look at both the new Nissan Juke and the new Ford Puma...
When it comes to the competitive world of compact crossovers, two models that constantly capture attention are the Nissan Juke and the Ford Puma. Both have carved out their own niche, offering unique characteristics that cater to modern drivers with an active lifestyle.
Let’s start with the first thing that strikes you about both vehicles—their looks. The Ford Puma retains a playful nod to its past. Built on the now-retired Fiesta platform (a true homage to a bygone era), the Puma’s compact yet muscular silhouette evokes nostalgia while incorporating fresh, modern elements. Its updated front grille, stylish headlights, and refined Cactus Grey body paint with black accents make it pop, especially when paired with those striking 19-inch alloy wheels.
The Nissan Juke, on the other hand, brings boldness to another level. The latest generation has evolved significantly from its polarising early days, boasting a sleeker design while maintaining those distinct oval headlights that some love and others don’t. This facelift includes a more streamlined grille and slimline LED lights that wrap seamlessly into the body’s contours. The Juke's floating roof design and quirky colours—such as the new ‘Super Red’—add to its vibrant, youthful appeal.
Both the Ford Puma and Nissan Juke offer powertrains tailored for efficiency and agility. The Puma is equipped with Ford’s tried-and-tested 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, a three-cylinder marvel that generates a respectable 123-153 BHP depending on the variant. Ford also offers a mild hybrid version that boosts fuel economy and provides additional low-end torque. Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox (or a seven-speed automatic for those who prefer a more laid-back drive), the Puma has an edge in versatility.
The Nissan Juke comes with a slightly different approach—its hybrid powertrain integrates a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and a 48-volt battery. This setup allows the Juke to offer pure electric propulsion at lower speeds, making it ideal for urban commutes and boosting fuel efficiency. The automatic transmission works smoothly, and while it’s not as quick off the line as the Puma, the Juke’s power delivery is steady and reassuring.
Slide into the driver’s seat of the Ford Puma, and you’re greeted by a well-balanced driving experience. The steering feels precise, with enough feedback to make B-road blasts genuinely enjoyable. The low-profile tyres on the 19-inch alloys contribute to its sporty handling, and although they may sacrifice some ride comfort over potholes, the overall balance is commendable. The manual gearbox—with its classic mechanical feel—adds a touch of nostalgia for enthusiasts.
The Nissan Juke, conversely, prioritises a comfortable, composed ride. The hybrid system complements the 1.6-litre engine well, offering a smooth, gradual acceleration. It’s not the car to choose for spirited driving, but it shines in urban settings with its quiet cabin and seamless gear shifts. The Juke’s suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up road imperfections effortlessly, making it a reliable companion for longer journeys.
Step inside the Puma, and you’re met with an interior that marries modern tech with a familiar layout. Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system, now housed in a 12.3-inch touchscreen, is intuitive and comes with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital driver display is easy to read, and while there are some hard plastics around, the cabin feels well-built and functional. Practicality shines with Ford’s innovative MegaBox storage—perfect for stashing wet gear or extra luggage.
The Juke’s cabin feels equally contemporary, with dual displays housing the driver’s information cluster and an 8-inch infotainment system. The quality of materials is impressive, featuring a mix of soft-touch plastics and eco-friendly leather. Bose speakers embedded into the headrests are a standout feature, delivering immersive audio for music lovers. While the Juke’s rear space is slightly tighter due to its coupe-inspired roofline, it’s still comfortable enough for adults on shorter journeys.
Both models offer decent cargo space for their size. The Ford Puma leads slightly with its versatile boot setup, offering 456 litres, which expands significantly when you utilise the MegaBox. The Juke’s boot, while smaller at 422 litres, is still competitive and features a false floor for added flexibility.
Rear seating is another area where preferences may vary. Taller passengers might find the Puma more accommodating, thanks to its less aggressive roof slope. The Juke, while stylish, has a more compact rear due to its design, which might be a squeeze for those over six feet tall.
Safety and tech is plentiful in both models. The Puma comes with Ford Co-Pilot 360, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. Depending on the trim, Matrix LED headlights can be added for improved night-time visibility.
Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist in the Juke rivals Ford’s system with features like intelligent cruise control and lane-keeping tech. The Juke’s standout is its 360-degree camera system, providing unparalleled parking assistance. Both cars have scored well in safety tests, so you can drive confidently knowing you and your passengers are well protected.
The starting price for the Nissan Juke is £23,500 and for the Ford Puma, £25,790. For higher trims with more bells and whistles, the cost rises—our Puma ST-Line X came in at around £31,000, while the fully loaded Juke Hybrid Tekna+ was priced similarly.
What sets these cars apart is their respective value propositions. The Puma’s mild hybrid tech, combined with practical features like the MegaBox, makes it an attractive choice for those who want a fun-to-drive yet practical family car. The Juke offers a more relaxed drive with better urban efficiency, thanks to its full hybrid system. Both models are backed by comprehensive warranties and a network of dealerships, so maintenance and service shouldn’t be a concern.
Choosing between the Ford Puma and Nissan Juke comes down to what you prioritise in a crossover. If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s dynamic, practical, and tech-savvy, the Puma edges ahead. Its driving dynamics and innovative storage solutions make it a solid all-rounder. However, if comfort, urban efficiency, and a premium audio experience are high on your list, the Juke is well worth considering.
In a segment packed with options, these two stand out for their distinct characters and strengths. Whether you lean towards the playful, sporty nature of the Puma or the refined, tech-laden feel of the Juke, both models offer compelling reasons to make them your next crossover. So, which will it be? The choice is yours—choose your weapon and hit the road.
Thank you all, and enjoy!
Annabelle 😊