2017 Nissan Versa Note Review

The base S Plus trim is far too bare-bones even for the price, with hand-cranked windows and an actual key to open and start the car. We recommend stepping up to the SV trim so you won't feel like you got stuck with the last car at a rental counter. Stepping up to higher trims yields diminishing r...

In spite of its tepid performance, the Versa Note is an adequate day-to-day driver. Its small size makes it a good grocery-getter and an easy parker. The high-winding CVT can be annoying, though.

It took us a very long 10.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is slow even for an economy hatchback. The SV model's continuously variable transmission (CVT) causes the engine to drone loudly when accelerating, making it feel even weaker.

The pedal is uncharacteristically firm and quick to respond for this class. Still, in Edmunds testing the Versa Note required 125 feet to stop from 60 mph, slightly longer than average.

Perhaps the worst part of this car, the Versa's fuel-saving electric-assist power steering offers artificial, springy feedback and lackluster response. The result is a very vague feeling through the wheel that doesn't inspire confidence.

Despite the lack of feedback through the steering wheel, the Versa Note handles reasonably well around corners and over big bumps in the pavement. That said, it's rarely fun, just competent.

In spite of its tepid performance, the Versa Note is an adequate day-to-day driver. Its small size makes it a good grocery-getter and an easy parker. The high-winding CVT can be annoying, though.

The Versa Note is plagued by below-average seat comfort, a jittery ride and plenty of wind, road and engine noise. These are low scores even for the economy hatchback class.

A rare instance in which the rear seats offer more room and comfort than the front seats. The lumpy buckets offer decent adjustment but little lateral support.

Ride comfort is typical for a small car, which means it feels busy over bumps and is negatively affected by crosswinds. Other choices in the segment do a better job.

Wind, tire and engine noise is evident most of the time and will prove excessive for some. Under acceleration, the engine emits a loud cow-like groan until you lift off the pedal.

A few clever and unexpected measures offset the usual subcompact interior qualities and drawbacks. The Versa Note SV's materials are notably better than those on the lower trim levels, but they're not much better than average for the segment.

Taller drivers will find the cabin controls a bit hard to reach. The driving position, armrests and placement of window switches all feel out of place.

Entry and exit is easy from any seat. As an added bonus, the rear doors open almost to 90 degrees for unusually good access when space allows for it.

The lack of a telescoping steering column means that slightly taller-than-average drivers will either have to sit uncomfortably close or have an awkward reach to the steering wheel.

The rear seat room is excellent, particularly when it comes to legroom. The cabin feels open and airy for such a small car.

We found the sight lines above average for a hatchback, with no blind spots. The optional rearview and the 360-degree camera system are unusual for this segment and somewhat unnecessary unless it's loaded to the ceiling with cargo.

The overall build quality of the Versa Note may meet some lower expectations, but among rivals it's noticeably downmarket. Even higher-trimmed Versa Notes will remind you that you're in an economy car.

Cargo space is about average for the class behind the rear seats but small when it comes to maximum capacity. The rear seats do fold flat, and the adjustable cargo floor could prove useful in some cases.

Storage for your personal items is limited to a few small door pockets and cupholders. Rivals offer larger and more intelligent solutions.

The Versa Note's 18.8-cubic-foot cargo space behind the rear seats and maximum 38.3-cubic-foot capacity isn't impressive, but Nissan's Divide-N-Hide cargo floor allows you to store flat items (purses, laptops, briefcases) out of sight while providing a larger space on top.