The fastest Nissan Juke ever built is the Juke R, a limited high-performance prototype powered by a GT‑R–derived V6 and all‑wheel drive. Among production models, the fastest Juke is the Juke Nismo RS, which uses a 1.6‑liter turbo engine delivering about 215 horsepower and is available with all‑wheel drive, producing the quickest showroom performance in the Juke lineup.
To answer this question clearly, we distinguish between a rare, purpose-built prototype and the regular production models that were sold to customers. The Juke R stands as the speed record-holder for the Juke family, while the Nismo RS represents the pinnacle of speed you could buy as part of the standard lineup. As the Juke evolved, newer models emphasized efficiency and everyday practicality over outright acceleration, making the RS the practical fast option in its era.
Fastest Juke variants
Speed-focused models at a glance
Below is a concise comparison of the two primary speed benchmarks in the Juke family: a one-off extreme and the fastest production version.
- Juke R (one-off performance prototype, introduced around 2011–2013). Features a GT‑R–derived 3.8‑liter twin‑turbo V6 and all‑wheel drive, with power typically cited in the range of 500–600+ horsepower. Estimated 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) times are around 3.5–3.7 seconds, with a top speed roughly in the 250–260 km/h (155–162 mph) range. Note: this was a limited, heavily customized car not sold to the public in normal production numbers.
- Juke Nismo RS (production model, 2014–2019). Mounts a 1.6‑liter turbocharged engine producing about 215 PS (≈212–215 hp) and is equipped with all‑wheel drive and a 6‑speed manual transmission. It delivers roughly 0–100 km/h in the low-to-mid 6‑second range and a top speed around 240–250 km/h (about 150–155 mph).
These figures illustrate the stark contrast between a restricted, high‑performance prototype and a road‑legal production model. The Juke R represents a speed record within the Juke family, while the Nismo RS represents the practical ceiling for customers in the showroom lineup.
Summary
In short, the Juke R holds the title as the fastest Juke ever built, but it was never a mass‑produced model. For regular buyers, the fastest production Juke was the Juke Nismo RS, with its 215‑horsepower turbo engine and all‑wheel drive delivering the quickest official performance in the Juke range. Across its generations, the Juke has prioritized a balance of speed, practicality, and efficiency, with the RS standing out as the peak of speed within the production lineup.