2021 Nissan Versa

Pros: Comfortable ride; interior room; good value

Cons: Lackluster acceleration; meager interior storage

CG Says: The 2021 Nissan Versa is unchanged after last year’s redesign. 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 Versa comes only as a sedan—the hatchback Versa Note model was dropped for 2020, as the new-for-2018 Nissan Kicks subcompact SUV effectively took its place in Nissan’s model lineup. Nissan’s other compact sedan, the Sentra (which was also redesigned for 2020), is about 5 inches longer than the Versa and offers some high-end features the Versa doesn’t.

Versa’s sole engine is a 122-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. The base Versa S model offers a choice of a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission; all other models have a standard CVT.

Autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, and high beam assist are 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 has a long list of standard safety features, and its styling looks 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.