The tenacious 2023 Nissan Versa, now in its third generation, is a small car with five comfy seats and a very reasonable price. The Versa is the cheapest new vehicle you can purchase, starting at $16,925, and it offers a lot of value with its four doors. The manufacturer has given the compact car a comprehensive array of driver-assist technology, and even the cheapest model includes a sharp touchscreen. The Versa’s value pitch won’t disappoint anyone searching for a new, affordable vehicle for themselves or a youthful driver.
Since the Versa was redesigned entirely in 2020 with a new appearance and more mature proportions, this model year features few revisions. The Versa SR now has an 8-inch touchscreen, while the SV comes standard with wireless charging and a center console for 2023. The looks are identical to in 2022, except for an upgraded grille. There are three trim levels, with the essential S beginning at $15,925 (with a manual gearbox; automatic costs much more), moving up to the SV model at $20,215, and the top-tier SR at $20,915.
Although the more prominent Versa is no longer classified as a subcompact, it competes in the market for cheap subcompact vehicles and is one of the few such vehicles left. The Versa bridges the gap between smaller compacts like the Kia Rio and Mitsubishi Mirage and bigger compacts like the Kia Forte now that the Chevy Spark, Honda Fit, and Hyundai Accent have all been discontinued. It also somewhat rivals the more opulent four-door Mini Hardtop. The Versa holds its own in terms of overall performance despite the Rio and Mirage having higher gas efficiency and the Mini having more upscale materials.
Every Versa has front-wheel drive, and the entry-level model has a manual gearbox; for individuals who would like not to make their shifts, a continuously variable automatic gearbox (CVT) is offered. The CVT is standard on the SV and SR versions. A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque powers all three Versa models. It performs well both on city streets and highways and has good handling. In addition, parking is simple.
The Versa is a standout entry-level sedan. The sedan is pleasant on short and long travels thanks to its Nissan Zero Gravity seats, which are undoubtedly some of the most comfortable in the non-luxury category. Although little storage is lacking, the trunk outperforms many of its rivals with 14.7 cubic feet of space. Nevertheless, the rear seat is confined despite this car’s size advantage over its competitors. Inside, it’s a bit plain. The Versa is just a vehicle to carry you from point A to point B; it has no lofty ideals.
Although not upscale, Versa’s interior is noticeably better than the Mirage’s, and the Nissan is well-equipped for the money. Regarding safety features, Nissan excels: The 2023 Versa comes standard with Safety Shield 360, which neatly covers all the bases and offers features that Mitsubishi does not provide and that Mini charges extra for despite that car’s far higher starting price. The three years and 36,000 miles of Nissan’s warranty are adequate, but they fall short of Kia and Mitsubishi’s five years and 60,000 miles of warranties and even longer powertrain coverage.
Performance: Nissan Versa
The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine in the Versa is sufficient, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, and it offers smooth, dependable driving.
The Versa produces much more power than the Mirage and is almost on par with the Kia Rio. The only way the little 78-horsepower Mitsubishi can keep up is by being 500 pounds lighter than the Versa and 700 pounds lighter than the Rio. With a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, the Mini has the highest power of this group, which facilitates passing and accelerating.
Although the performance envelope is limited, Versa’s handling is tolerable, and the steering feels direct. Let’s be clear: The Versa is not designed to be a high-performance vehicle. It functions as a utility player and does so well.
The Versa is a front-wheel-drive car, like others in its class. However, unlike its competitors, you can still get a Versa with a stick shift and save money (Kia and Mitsubishi have discontinued their earlier manual choices). This is an excellent option if you want your kids to learn how to use a manual.
Fuel efficiency: Nissan Versa
The EPA projects the 2023 Versa’s combined fuel efficiency with the automatic gearbox at 35 mpg (32 cities, 40 highways). These figures are comparable to those of the Kia Rio, and both sedans provide higher fuel economy than the Mini hardtop (32 mpg combined with an automatic, 31 mpg with a manual). No other non-hybrid vehicle can match the fuel efficiency of the Mirage, which can achieve up to 39 mpg combined (36 cities, 43 highways), thanks to its diminutive size.
The Versa should go 350 miles on a full tank of petrol, which is plenty of range even if you do most of your driving in cities. Even though electric and hybrid automobiles are more fuel-efficient, their prices are higher. The Toyota Corolla LE, the least expensive hybrid, begins at $23,895, while the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the least expensive EV, starts at $27,495. You would need to go a great distance to make up the difference in energy savings.
Safety and driver support technology:
Every Versa comes with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which comes with lane departure warning, high beam assist, automated emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, and automatic rear braking as standard features (the mid-grade SV model also comes with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard features). Compared to the technology offered by the Mirage, which provides almost no of this technology, and the Kia Rio, which is scant until you reach the highest trim level, this is a vast improvement.
The 2023 Versa received the maximum possible rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA). The 2023 Versa has just “Good” ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in part of its tests, and the car hasn’t been fully assessed.
Comfort and Space
The Versa’s interior is relatively roomy, at least in the front. There is the most excellent headroom in this small class at 39.5 inches. Like the rear legroom, the front legroom measures 44.5 inches instead of 42.1 inches in the Rio and 41.7 inches in the Mirage. However, backseat passengers won’t be as pleased since it is immediately apparent which row Nissan gave priority when creating this vehicle.
The Versa comes in dead last in its class by a full inch in rear headroom (36.3 inches to the Mirage’s 37.2) and a full 2.5 inches in rear legroom (a very tight 31 inches to the Rio’s 33.5 inches) while being nearly as big as cars like the tiny Forte and Honda Civic Hatchback. The Versa has around 6 or 7 inches less back legroom than vehicles like the Forte and Civic.
The Versa stands out from its rivals because of its 6.8-inch ground clearance, higher than the industry standard of 5.5 inches for all other vehicles. This improves the driver’s field of vision and makes the ride significantly bumpier on washboard roads and uneven pavement.
Infotainment: Nissan Versa
The infotainment system of the Versa is connected to and seamlessly integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SR and SV versions come standard with the option, while the basic model does not. The Kia Rio comes standard with a smartphone connection, which is valid for the Accent. Although Mitsubishi offers CarPlay and Android Auto, its native infotainment system merely offers the barest essentials.
In addition to a four-speaker sound system, a 7-inch touchscreen, three USB ports, voice controls, and Bluetooth connectivity come as standard equipment out of the box. The 8-inch touchscreen and two more speakers with the top-tier SR model give the satellite radio a greater chance of drowning out any road noise and the CVT’s droning.
Storage & Cargo Space:
The Versa now has an opportunity to shine: With 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space, the little sedan can hold a surprising amount of stuff. That is a cubic foot more than either the Rio or the Mini Hardtop, and even more than that. If you choose the automatic gearbox, the rear seats split into two sections that can be folded down 60/40. Fans of manual transmissions get a fixed back seat.
More cargo space is available with the seats folding in the Mini, Mirage, and Rio hatchbacks (up to 47 cubic feet in the Mirage), but rear passengers are not available in any of the three vehicles. The Rio sedan and the four-door Mirage G4 have smaller trunks (12.3 and 13.7 cubic feet, respectively), and neither one’s back seats fold down, similar to the manual Versa S.
With a small console and constrained door pockets, the Versa has trouble with little storage, although the Mirage and Mini have similar issues.
Design: Nissan Versa
Nissan did a fantastic job with its 2020 Versa facelift. What had previously been a faceless blob suddenly evolved into a mature, though still youthful, relative of the car manufacturer’s bigger Sentra? A sleek, aerodynamic form and typical Nissan design characteristics are present outside, while the interior’s fit and finish are orderly and clean. Yes, there is a lot of hard plastic, but it looks much more contemporary than the cabin of the Mirage and doesn’t feel as cheap as earlier Versas.
The Versa is an excellent second or beginner vehicle that delivers on the bargain promise and might survive for many years even if it isn’t very spectacular.
The Nissan Versa 2023: Is It Worth It?
If you’re looking for a vehicle with a manual gearbox, your only choice is the Essential S, which starts at $16,925 (plus a $1,095 destination charge). Although the S Automatic has a starting price of $18,595, much more than the automatic base-model Rio and Mirage, you may get an S with an automatic.
Consider the Versa SV ($20,215) or SR ($20,915) if you have more cash. Before you think of the extra safety equipment, the SV has Apple CarPlay, heated mirrors, improved upholstery, and satellite radio—all of which are welcome enhancements. These features include rear cross-traffic warnings and blind-spot monitoring, two of the most crucial driver-assist tools for maneuvering through heavy traffic or crowded parking lots. The 17-inch upgraded wheels heated front seats, and adaptive cruise control included in the SR are all exceptionally helpful on lengthy travels.
How Much Does a Nissan Versa Insurance Cost?
The Nissan Versa has affordable insurance costs. Even though this price is average across all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record should anticipate a yearly premium of $2,030. In contrast, a Mitsubishi Mirage costs $2,440, a Kia Rio $2,128, a Hyundai Venue $1,727, and a Mini Hardtop $1,937.
Verdict
The Nissan Versa is the automaker’s smallest and most affordable car, but in 2020, it had a significant redesign that increased its size and upgraded its interior and amenities. For 2023, not much will change, which is excellent for this tenacious four-door small vehicle. Every Versa has front-wheel drive and a 122-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Once moving, the car handles nicely and travels smoothly. When shopping for an economical new automobile, the Versa is tough to beat for the price.
