As cheap as cheap goes
According to the automaker, the 2025 Nissan Versa S has a base price of $17,190, but the total MSRP is just over $18,300. Still, that’s mighty inexpensive nowadays. Mitsubishi recently discontinued the Mirage, which slotted beneath the Versa in terms of pricing, making the Versa the current price leader. It comes in less than the Hyundai Venue, Kia Soul, and even the Chevrolet Trax. The question is: Will the savings make this car compelling enough?
Reason to love the Nissan Versa #1: It is the best Versa yet
All Nissan Versas come with a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine making 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. Only the base model S comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional on the S, and standard on the SV and the SR. This powertrain, the overall performance, comfort, and amenities, completely outshine the previous Nissan Versa noticeably. This powertrain either gives you 27 mpg city and 35 mpg on the highway with the 5-speed manual transmission, or 32 mpg city and 40 mpg highway with the CVT. It looks better, drives better, and it’s a smarter buy than the vehicle it replaces.
Reason to love the Nissan Versa #2: Commodious for a small car
The Nissan Versa S has 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space, while the SV and SR bump that up to 15 cubic feet. That’s more than the more substantial and pricier Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic sedans. The Nissan Versa also has decent back seat space, and average-sized adults can fit back there, but shoulder room might be at a premium for three. Screen sizes start at 7 inches and go up to an 8-inch touchscreen on the higher-level trims.
Reason to love the Nissan Versa #3: Decent little commuter
Nissan did a great job making the ride and overall comfort feel more expansive than the car actually is. It is fairly smooth down the road, and it’s quiet too. Sure, it’s not exciting to drive, nor is it as enjoyable as the all-new Nissan Kicks, but it has no issues keeping up with traffic, and it’s a snap to park. It’s not the right car for a bank heist, but it’s a great car for a banking assistant manager.
Reason to love the Nissan Versa #4: Inexpensive to own and run
As I stated earlier, Nissan lists the base model Versa S with a base price of $17,190, but the total MSRP for an absolute base model hovers around $18,330. The SV starts at about $20,500, and the SR has a base price of approximately $21,190. These higher trims give you larger wheels, better tech, nicer garnish, and more kit. Not only are maintenance costs projected to be very low, but Nissan also covers the first two years of maintenance free of charge.
Reason to think twice #1: There’s no disguising its cheapness
Some folks could say that the Versa S looks and feels like a rental special, and they would be right. There are only four yawn-inspiring colors to choose from initially, but that selection increases as you go to higher trims, for a price. Additionally, the base model Versa S has cheap-looking wheels and a fairly bland-looking interior. Once again, higher trims improve things, but it still has some cheap-feeling materials, and some components look a tad down-market.
Reason to think twice #2: A little more gets you a lot more
I mentioned the new Nissan Kicks earlier, and that’s because it’s one of my favorite inexpensive vehicles. That, along with the Chevrolet Trax, will get you in the low $20,000 territory, which is still within the higher trim Nissan Versa’s pricing. Honestly, the Kicks and the Trax are better in nearly every measurable way and more enjoyable to drive. Then again, they are more expensive and less efficient.
Final thoughts
Rumor has it that the Nissan Versa may be discontinued as the automaker reshapes its business, offerings, and overall philosophy. That would mean that the days of being able to buy a sub $20,000 car may be going away, and that would be a shame. While the Nissan Versa isn’t perfect, it’s a fine little car that’s big on value, economy, and no-nonsense commuting.
