2020 Nissan Versa

Pros: Comfortable ride; interior room; good value

Cons: Lackluster acceleration; meager interior storage

CG Says: The Nissan Versa is redesigned for 2020, gaining slightly larger dimensions and several new technology features. The Versa is the smaller of Nissan’s two compact cars—it straddles the line between the subcompact and compact classes, but it’s just large enough that we categorize it as a compact car. The redesigned Versa is a bit lower, wider, and longer than the previous generation, and it now comes only as a sedan—the hatchback Versa Note model has been dropped for 2020, as the new-for-2018 Nissan Kicks subcompact SUV has effectively taken its place in Nissan’s model lineup. Nissan’s other compact sedan, the Sentra (which is also redesigned for 2020), is about 5 inches longer than the Versa and offers some high-end features the Versa doesn’t.

As before, the Versa’s sole engine is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, but horsepower has increased from 109 to 122. The base Versa S model offers a choice of a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission; all other models have a standard CVT. The new Versa gains safety features with autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, and high beam assist standard on all models. Other available safety features include blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, driver-attention monitor, and rear-door alert. Although Versa is no longer one of the cheapest vehicles available, it remains a fine value; it now has a long list of standard safety features, and its new styling looks more upscale inside and out. Although its performance is at best adequate, Versa has respectable fuel economy, generous passenger and cargo room, and a comfortable ride for a vehicle its size. For penny-pinching shoppers, it’s one of the best budget buys around… and a Consumer Guide Best Buy.