Nissan Versa

Overview: Is the Nissan Versa a Good Subcompact Car?

The wallet-friendly Nissan Versa has been sold in the U.S. since 2007. Originally available as a sedan and hatchback, the Versa went sedan-only in 2013, as Nissan USA spun off the hatchback body style into a separate model, the Versa Note, which continued through 2019. Now in its third generation, the Nissan Versa is credited for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and spacious interior. The Nissan Versa (and the Nissan Versa Note) compete with other subcompacts like the Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, Chevrolet Spark, and Hyundai Accent.

This overview covers:

• Nissan Versa first generation (2007-2011)
• Nissan Versa second generation (2012-2019)
• Nissan Versa third generation (2020-Current)

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Nissan Versa cars for sale.

Find a used Nissan Versa near me.

Related: How Long Do Nissan Versas Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

Key Features

The Nissan Versa offers:

• Subcompact sedan body style (hatchback available through 2013)
• Front-wheel drive (FWD)
• Four-cylinder engine
• 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, or Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) (varying by year)

Trims

The Nissan Versa is available in several trim levels, which have varied slightly across generations. Recent trims include the S, SV, and SR. The S trim offers basic amenities, while the SV and SR add more comfort and convenience features like upgraded cloth upholstery, alloy wheels, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Despite its small size, the Nissan Versa offers a surprisingly spacious interior, particularly in terms of rear-seat legroom for the first and second generations. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, regardless of the generation. The Versa's infotainment system has evolved. Older editions have nothing more than a basic stereo system, while newer models feature a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. Advanced driver aids like automatic emergency brakes, cross traffic alert, and lane departure warning are available in the third generation. Cargo space is competitive for the subcompact class, with the Nissan Versa sedan offering up to 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space in the third-generation model. The Nissan Versa hatchback is especially cargo-friendly thanks to fold-down rear seats and a liftgate.

How It Drives

Fuel efficiency and practicality are the focus areas of Nissan Versa. There’s adequate power for city driving, while highway merging requires patience and caution. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine in the third generation produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, which are modest performance numbers. In addition, the Xtronic CVT transmission is engineered to maximize fuel economy, not improve acceleration. The result is an EPA-estimated combined rating of up to 35 mpg.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the third-generation Nissan Versa a 5-star overall safety rating. Older editions received a 4- or 5-star rating in overall safety or specific evaluations.

Reviews

Nissan Versa reviews from Kelley Blue Book are mixed. The first edition is rated highly, with an average score of 4.4 out of 5. Praise comes from the Versa’s reliability, value, and comfort. Scores drop to 3.9 for the second generation and 4.0 for the current model. These more recent editions get lower marks for quality, performance, and comfort.

Learn More: Here Are The Nissan Versa Years To Avoid

FAQs

How long do Nissan Versas last?

Nissan Versas can last 150,000-200,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. Regular servicing, including oil changes, tire rotations, and other scheduled maintenance, can help ensure a vehicle's longevity.

Is the Nissan Versa a reliable car?

The Nissan Versa has a mixed reliability record, with some model years being more dependable than others. A common trouble area is the Xtronic CVT transmission.

What kind of gas mileage does the Nissan Versa get?

The Nissan Versa gas mileage varies depending on the generation, engine, and transmission. The most recent third-generation Versa, equipped with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and Xtronic CVT transmission, achieves an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of 35 mpg (32 mpg city, 40 mpg highway). Earlier generations and manual or traditional automatic transmission models may have lower fuel economy ratings. Still, the Versa has consistently been one of the more fuel-efficient options in the subcompact class.

Check out a used Nissan Versa for sale.