Renault Captur or Nissan Juke, two of the most popular SUVs, face to face

We compare and analyse the range of the Renault Captur and the Nissan Juke, two 2020 SUVs with far more in common than might seem at first glance

The fact is that both the Nissan Juke and the Renault Captur are linked by deeper ties than being two of the most popular urban crossovers. Both are built on the modular CMF-B platform shared by the brands of the Alliance (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi) and which also gives birth to the new Renault Clio.

Their dimensions

But leaving the urban compact aside, we now focus on putting face to face two SUVs that have grown in size compared with their previous generations. The Japanese model measures 4,210 millimetres long, 1,800 wide and 1,595 high, with a wheelbase of 2,636 mm, while the French model is slightly longer (4,227 mm), narrower (1,797 mm) and lower (1,576) but has a slightly longer wheelbase (2,639 mm).

Both are homologated for 5 occupants with boot space which, when the rear seats are in use, amounts to 422 litres for the Nissan, rising to 536 litres in the Renault. This difference in capacity can be decisive for those looking for greater load volume when choosing between the Renault Captur or the Nissan Juke.

Engines

As for engines, the range offered by the Renault Captur at launch, which will take place in December, will be wider than that of the Nissan Juke, which is already on sale.

The engines offered for the Captur cover both diesel and petrol powertrains: the diesel engines are the Blue dCi in 95 and 116 CV, and the petrol engines are the TCe in 100, 130 and 155 CV.

For its part, the Nissan Juke is only sold with a petrol engine whose output is set at 117 CV.

For the French model, before the arrival of a hybrid and plug-in version of the Renault Captur, a bi-fuel variant running on both petrol and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will go on sale before the end of the first quarter of 2020.

As for the Nissan Juke, it appears that the petrol-only launch is because it could adopt the same powertrain as a PHEV as its cousin and also be fitted with diesel engines, once the new generation has been introduced through the limited launch special edition of just 60 units.

On either model it is possible to choose between the Renault Captur or the Nissan Juke with automatic or manual gearbox, which depends only on the powertrain chosen.

Liveability and comfort

As for trim levels, between these two distant relatives and rivals in the B-SUV segment, the choice between the Renault Captur and the Nissan Juke puts the latter in check.

Although the Nissan Juke has undergone a more than necessary renewal of both its styling and its technology in terms of connectivity, information and entertainment systems, the Renault Captur proved in the road test we carried out during its presentation that it offers greater liveability thanks to a more stylish design with touches that are more pleasing to the eye and to use.

For example, the button panel on the centre console of the Nissan Juke still shows an outdated cut, and the clustering of buttons on the steering wheel makes it difficult to learn the location and function of each one, something that does not happen, as we found in our hands-on test of the Renault Captur. Furthermore, the French model shows smoother, cleaner dashboard design lines compared with the more sporty but dated cuts of the Japanese model.

Prices

As for equipment, the European crossover will be sold in three trims, Zen, Initiales Paris and Intens, although the price list has not yet been released. What we do know is that the price of the new Renault Captur will be slightly higher than the current ones. According to the Renault configurator, the Captur Life TCe 90 CV with the Basic Pack of the outgoing generation has a promotional price from 12,900 euros.

For its part, the Nissan Juke range includes the Visia, Acenta, N-Connecta, Tekna and N-Design trims, in addition to the aforementioned Premier Edition. The price of the 2020 Nissan Juke, after applying current discounts and promotions, starts at 19,500 euros for the N-Connecta with 6-speed manual gearbox, up to 26,500 € for the corresponding limited edition.

Conclusion

The new Nissan Juke offers a considerable renewal in terms of liveability and comfort, but not as thorough as that of the Renault Captur. Although the Japanese model has more interior space, especially in its boot, one of the weak points of the previous generation, the French model’s space is very well used, even for five occupants.

Likewise, given the initial offer of the two vehicles, only the former allows a choice between diesel or petrol engines in the case of the Renault Captur, while the Nissan Juke comes only with a petrol engine.

However, the equipment catalogue is wider for the Juke, while the Captur’s is more limited, so the options to tailor the car to buyers’ tastes and needs could be more satisfying should they opt for the Nissan SUV.

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

CrossoverRenault Captur26 versions · from 22,900 €

CrossoverNissan Juke15 versions · from 25,275 €