IT’S A BEST BUY BECAUSE:
The redesigned Nissan Versa boasts more passenger and trunk space, refinement, features, and even style than you might expect at its bargain prices.
BUT…
At these prices, features such as leather upholstery, a power driver seat, sunroof, or a navigation system aren’t available.
WORTH NOTING:
Nissan offered a hatchback version of the Versa called Versa Note, but that model has been discontinued for 2020.
WHAT IS IT?
The Versa is the smaller of Nissan’s two compact cars; it slots in beneath the Sentra in size and price in Nissan’s roster. The Versa lineup ascends through S, SV, and SR models. The sole engine is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that makes 122 horsepower and is paired with either a 5-speed manual (S model only) or a CVT automatic. The list of standard safety features includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Other standard features include Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen audio system, and power windows and locks. SV models add alloy wheels, upgraded fabric upholstery, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality, driver-attention monitor, blind-spot monitor, and rear-cross traffic alert. SR models get keyless entry and starting, automatic climate control, LED headlights, and available heated front seats and adaptive cruise control.
WHAT’S NEW?
The Nissan Versa is redesigned for 2020; it’s slightly lower, longer, and wider than the previous-generation model, and it gets flashier styling and several new safety and technology features.
FUEL ECONOMY
The EPA rates the Versa at 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway with the 5-speed manual transmission and 28/37 with the CVT. In Consumer Guide® testing, an SR averaged 29.5 mpg in 65-percent city driving. All Versas use regular-grade gas.
VALUE IN CLASS
The Nissan Versa straddles the line between the subcompact-car and compact-car classes; it’s priced like a subcompact, but it’s almost as large in some dimensions as the average compact car. However you categorize it, the Versa is an outstanding value; it offers a generous level of features and decent quietness and driving manners at very aggressive prices. You’ll have to make a few sacrifices—some features aren’t available, and there is some cost-cutting evident—but the Versa is still one of the best budget buys around.
| BASE PRICE RANGE | $14,730 – $18,240 |
| BODY STYLES | 4-Door Sedan |
| AVAILABLE ENGINES | 122-HP, 1.6-Liter 4-Cyl. |
| DRIVE WHEELS | Front-Wheel Drive |
| BUILT IN | Mexico |
| EPA FUEL-ECONOMY RANGE | 27-40 MPG |
Other Best Buys in this Class
