New Nissan Juke third generation arrives in 2026 as an electric crossover

Nearly a year ago, in March last year, Nissan revealed what could become the next-generation Juke. Since arriving on the market in 2010, the Japanese crossover has helped define its segment.

Now, 15 years on, the Juke is preparing for its third generation. Due to reach the market in 2026, development prototypes have already been spotted and, despite their camouflage, appear to be at a very advanced stage of testing.

The forthcoming model will draw inspiration from the Hyper Punk concept, unveiled at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show. That show car stood out for its radical styling, featuring angular shapes and polygonal surfaces.

What can we see?

Although the disguise is extensive, several of the most notable exterior changes can still be made out. The front end seems set to move away from the rounded forms of the first two generations, replacing them with flatter surfaces and more defined creases.

As on every Juke since the original model, the lighting units are arranged on two levels. A slimmer light signature sits higher up, in line with the brand’s latest design language.

From the side, the model appears to retain compact dimensions, but its proportions suggest a higher waistline. Another notable detail is the flush-fitting door handles, fitted to both the front and rear doors.

At the rear, the new Juke also looks more rectilinear, with flatter surfaces, more angular rear lights and what appears to be a larger tailgate.

Nissan Juke to be exclusively electric

While the third-generation Nissan Juke appears to remain broadly faithful to its identity, its biggest transformation will be hidden beneath the bodywork. For the first time, the Juke will be fully electric, sitting alongside the new Leaf and Micra.

Contrary to expectations, it is not expected to use the new Micra’s AmpR Small platform. Instead, it will share the AmpR Medium platform with the new Leaf. If confirmed, the Japanese crossover could use the same 52 kWh battery, which gives the Leaf a claimed combined WLTP range of up to 445 km.

Its electric motor could also be shared with the Leaf, producing 130 kW (177 hp) and 345 Nm. Alternatively, it may adopt the electric powertrains used by the Renault 4 and 5, with outputs ranging from 70 kW (95 hp) to 110 kW (150 hp).

Second generation will remain on sale

Where the arrival of a new generation would once normally have marked the end of its predecessor, electrification has made selling the old and new models side by side seem to be the “new normal”.

The reason is easy to understand. The industry’s sales expectations for electrification have fallen well short of forecasts, so Nissan will keep the current combustion-engined generation on sale alongside the new, electric-only model to maintain sales volumes.

Much remains unknown about the third-generation Nissan Juke, but its arrival in 2026 is already confirmed. Production will continue at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom, where the Leaf is also built.