2020 Nissan Versa Review
2020 Nissan Versa Review





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2020 Nissan Versa Review

byRonald Montoya
Senior Consumer Advice Editor
Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career.Pros
- Plenty of safety features available at a reasonable price
- Sizable trunk
- High fuel economy
- Infotainment system is easy to use
Cons
- Sluggish acceleration
- Not much interior storage space for small items
What's new
- Redesigned with new exterior styling and improved interior
- More available safety features
- Slightly more powerful engine
- Versa Note hatchback has been discontinued
- Launches the third Versa generation for 2020
The Nissan Versa has held the title of the "least expensive car in America" for over a decade. But in its all-new third generation, the Versa has relinquished its title and is a better car for it. The 2020 Nissan Versa starts about $2,000 more than the model it replaces. But this price increase gets you a modern-looking, better-driving Versa with more standard features than the outgoing model.
The redesigned Versa sits 2.3 inches lower, is 1.8 inches wider and has a 1.6-inch-longer profile than the previous generation. Its styling bears a strong resemblance to its larger sibling, the Nissan Altima, which is a big step up for the subcompact. And while the price has increased, you're getting more features than before. Formerly top-trim-exclusive features such as power windows, power locks, and keyless entry with push-button start are now standard on the base S trim level.
The new non-turbocharged 1.6-liter engine makes 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 13 hp and 5 lb-ft over the old model. It's paired with a new continuously variable automatic transmission as well. Unfortunately, the Versa is still pretty slow, but at least there's no fuel economy penalty for the extra power. You can expect to get about 35 mpg in combined city/highway driving with the Versa's automatic transmission, which is quite good for a small sedan.
Overall, these changes add up to a significantly better car than the one it replaces. The Versa is worth considering if you need a subcompact car with modern features but don't want to break the bank. Notably, the 2020 Nissan Versa is a featured vehicle in our Cheapest New Cars article.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
7.1 /10
The Nissan Versa is a well-built small sedan, with plenty of space inside and enough standard technology and safety features to easily justify its price. High fuel economy is another bonus. The Versa's slow acceleration is a bummer, but overall the Versa is a smart pick for an affordable small sedan.
Rated for you by America’s best test team.
Performance
6.5/10
How does the Versa drive? The Versa's four-cylinder engine takes its time getting you up to speed. There's little issue in typical driving around town or fitting in with traffic. But in cases where you need to pull away quick or have short space to make a pass, the Versa leaves you wanting badly.
You'll be more satisfied with the Versa's handling abilities. It stays composed when going around turns. The steering can feel a little too heavy at times, but it's accurate and allows you to point the Versa where you want to go with ease.
You'll be more satisfied with the Versa's handling abilities. It stays composed when going around turns. The steering can feel a little too heavy at times, but it's accurate and allows you to point the Versa where you want to go with ease.
Comfort
6.5/10
How comfortable is the Versa? Nissan includes its Zero Gravity seats in the 2020 Versa. The versions in the SV trim have comfortable cloth that is generally firm, but the seats run a little narrow under the shoulders. They offer great support on short- and medium-length drives, though the lack of sufficient lumbar support may require breaks over longer trips.
The car has a comfortable ride if the road surface is decent but gets bouncy over lesser-quality roads. Wind noise is prevalent inside the cabin, and if the car hits any bumps, you will hear it as much as you feel it. Another aspect holding the Versa back in this category is its climate control system. The controls don't allow enough fine adjustment to find exactly the right cabin comfort you're looking for.
The car has a comfortable ride if the road surface is decent but gets bouncy over lesser-quality roads. Wind noise is prevalent inside the cabin, and if the car hits any bumps, you will hear it as much as you feel it. Another aspect holding the Versa back in this category is its climate control system. The controls don't allow enough fine adjustment to find exactly the right cabin comfort you're looking for.
Interior
8.0/10
How’s the interior? The Versa scores high for its interior design. It's easy to get inside and adjust the seat to your preferred driving position. The cabin is relatively roomy too. Even at the highest driving position, which feels almost SUV-like, there is plenty of headroom with space to stretch your legs in both the front and back seats.
The touchscreen is responsive and provides a clear picture. The controls on the center stack and steering wheel are straightforward, and you can use the tuning button to scroll through screens, which is easier than poking the touchscreen while driving. It's pretty easy to see out of the Versa thanks to the short hood and large windows.
The touchscreen is responsive and provides a clear picture. The controls on the center stack and steering wheel are straightforward, and you can use the tuning button to scroll through screens, which is easier than poking the touchscreen while driving. It's pretty easy to see out of the Versa thanks to the short hood and large windows.
Technology
7.0/10
How’s the tech? The Versa comes with a basic four-speaker audio system and it sounds like it. You'll need to turn up the volume all the way up to drown out exterior noise. Onboard navigation is not an option, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility is standard, so you can get directions through your phone. Pleasingly, they work quickly to display your phone's apps on the screen.
The Versa's advanced driver safety aids are helpful without being intrusive. Forward collision warning activates with a simple string of beeps. Lane-keeping warnings are also gentle buzzes. The biggest weak points are a low-resolution rearview camera and overly sensitive backup collision mitigation system. During our testing, this system mistakenly triggered when one of our drivers was backing into a street from a mildly inclined driveway. It slammed the car to a stop.
The Versa's advanced driver safety aids are helpful without being intrusive. Forward collision warning activates with a simple string of beeps. Lane-keeping warnings are also gentle buzzes. The biggest weak points are a low-resolution rearview camera and overly sensitive backup collision mitigation system. During our testing, this system mistakenly triggered when one of our drivers was backing into a street from a mildly inclined driveway. It slammed the car to a stop.
Storage
7.0/10
How’s the storage? The new Versa has a lot of trunk space for this class of car. Cargo capacity is 14.7 cubic feet, more than most competitors, and the trunk space has enough depth to accommodate larger items. The load floor is relatively low for a sedan, and the rear seats fold down, but not flat, if needed.
Small-item storage is not a strong suit. The center armrest is optional and can barely fit a smartphone. Child seat accommodation is better. There is good space for a rear-facing seat in the back. The lower car-seat anchor points are hidden between cushions, but they're easy to locate and attach to. The rear seats have integrated headrests, which means you have to wrap the strap around them to attach to the rear tether hooks.
Small-item storage is not a strong suit. The center armrest is optional and can barely fit a smartphone. Child seat accommodation is better. There is good space for a rear-facing seat in the back. The lower car-seat anchor points are hidden between cushions, but they're easy to locate and attach to. The rear seats have integrated headrests, which means you have to wrap the strap around them to attach to the rear tether hooks.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? Equipped with the CVT automatic, the Versa has EPA-estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg combined (32 city/40 highway). That's right up at the top of the class. Our test Versa soared above that with a 41.1 mpg average on our 115-mile test route that combines street, mountain roads and freeway driving.
Value
8.0/10
Is the Versa a good value? The Versa offers basic affordability without feeling like you're punishing yourself. It feels tightly built, with higher-quality materials than typical for the class, and provides more pizzazz than your usual econo-sedan. There is interesting tech and enough safety equipment to easily justify the cost of entry, with room to add options and still stay under $20,000.
Nissan offers a pretty middle-of-the-road warranty with basic coverage for three years/36,000 miles and powertrain coverage for five years/60,000 miles. Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi all go up to 10 years/100,000 miles. Roadside assistance is offered for three years/36,000 miles. Most rivals offer better coverage, and some provide free maintenance for up to three years.
Nissan offers a pretty middle-of-the-road warranty with basic coverage for three years/36,000 miles and powertrain coverage for five years/60,000 miles. Hyundai, Kia and Mitsubishi all go up to 10 years/100,000 miles. Roadside assistance is offered for three years/36,000 miles. Most rivals offer better coverage, and some provide free maintenance for up to three years.
Wildcard
7.0/10
The Versa has no delusions of grandeur. There are no superfluous paddle shifters, fake vents or Sport modes. It's an economy car that offers space and safety technology at an attractive value. That said, the steering and handling are decent for the price, and even a few of us will admit we like the style and feel of the flat-bottom steering wheel. This is a slow car. There's no getting around it. But the Versa makes a good effort to avoid being soulless.
Which Versa does Edmunds recommend?
The mid SV trim strikes the balance between a good value and modern amenities. Compared to the base S, you get the full suite of Nissan's available safety features, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and some little extras such as a driver's armrest and heated outside mirrors.
2020 Nissan Versa models
The 2020 Nissan Versa is offered in three trim levels: S, SV and SR. All trim levels come with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque) and front-wheel drive. In general, the SV and the SR add more cosmetic, convenience and safety features. There's only one package available on the SR trim, which makes it simple to find a Versa with the features you want.
The base S trim isn't as bare-bones as it used to be. It now offers a solid list of standard equipment, including power windows and door locks, a 7-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth. You also get frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear automatic emergency braking, automatic headlights, and a rearview camera. The base transmission is a five-speed manual, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT, called Xtronic) is optional.
The mid SV trim comes with the CVT automatic as standard plus alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Other cosmetic extras on the SV are body-colored mirrors and door handles, premium fabric seats and a few soft-touch surfaces.
The top SR trim adds automatic climate control, remote engine start, LED headlights, special exterior and interior trim details, keyless door access, a six-speaker audio system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Optional for the SR trim is the SR Convenience package that equips the Versa with heated front seats and adaptive cruise control.

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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Nissan Versa.
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Fun, zippy, gas saver!
MistaT,12/05/2019
S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
I am a car guy, and the Versa is not really know for being for us car guys/gals. BUT, this car is very fun!
The interior and exterior styling looks awesome, and is easy to clean/wash. Truck space is huge, and space is plentiful.
I have the 5-speed with the 1.6 liter engine (HR16DE). Contrary to what others say, it accelerates nicely, and I am currently getting 45 mpg (empty car, … highway miles).
The only complaint I have is I feel there should have been a 6-speed transmission. The engine screams at 3,500RPM @ 70mph.
As for reliability, it has not given me any issues. I'll come back in a few years and let you know...
UPDATE: The infotainment (which is also the radio) is very picky with what devices to use, if you have an iPhone, good luck.
Also, the rev-hang got so bad for me with the 5-speed, I ended up trading it in. It started to annoy me and did not fit my lifestyle. I would still keep it at a 5-star though, as that is just personal complaints, not really about the car though.
5 out of 5 stars
Outstanding!
Spiderman,03/02/2020
SR 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
I researched this car to death before I bought it. I got the SR fully loaded. Love the technology of Android Audio, blind spot, and sensors. Gives a very nimble ride. Get 41 mpg when drive 70-75 mph. Get 50 mpg when drive 60 mph. Seats very comfortable. Very nice sound system. This car is the best deal out there.
5 out of 5 stars
Best for the buck!!!
Ned Boston,04/08/2020
S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
Here’s a list of the features in my 2020 Base vs. 2010 Versa Base: power windows, locks, trunk, mirrors; integrated, full-color integrated Bluetooth audio screen (2010 did not have a radio!); A/C, interior trunk release, auto-dim high beam; cruise control; auto stop from front collision; lane drift warning; back-up camera; rear-backup bumper warning/braking, multiple interior lights; … trunk light, window visor mirrors, multiple usb outlets, real seat cup holders, etc! All in a really good looking sedan.
I firmly believe Nissan has mistakenly packed too many features in too low a price.
Buy.
5 out of 5 stars
Good solid car, and cheap, comes with all the tech
NathanM,08/30/2020
SR 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
NISSAN VERSA SR 2020
I recommend the SR version only (top of line). Engine feels much better than other trims like SV
This car comes with all the technology of 2020 but at a very low price compared to its competitors, Honda, VW, Toyota...Its a very good looking car, but wont stand out like a Bmw, the interior is much better than vw jetta and honda civic 2020 and toyota corolla any trim … by far....and those cars are more expensive. So i believe i saved money buying this one....
Performance: just ok its the minimun acceptable, its not a bmw. but it doesnt struggle uphill either. Good on gas, i'm doing 45 mpg in highway with premium gas. The only problem i feel it has is that the steering is to light (feels good though), any imperfections in the pavement change the course of the car so it demands a lot of work while driving....it goes off track easily. even the wind can change its course. the shocks are good anyway
Technology: LED headlights are super white and huge, i would say one of the best features. Stereo sounds good. has radars for collision (front and sides), lane crossing, rear camera. all the tech it has. android and apple connect. also automatic emergency braking (back and front). remote start, 1 touch door open/close on handles, no keys... thats cool
Interior: small but ok, its the best compared to its competitors, good seats (cloth dark grey), the plastic/leather combination in the front is good quality, doors/windows/etc of good quality. It could come with more fancy lights though. Space is the minimum but ok
Exterior: pretty small looking but nice, rims are 17" nice
A good car.
Safety
Our experts like the Versa models:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Detects vehicles and pedestrians ahead and automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent and the driver doesn't react in time.
- Rear Door Alert
- Uses the horn, door sensors and driver display to remind the driver to check the rear seat for children after the vehicle is parked.
- Lane Departure Warning
- Monitors lane markings and alerts the driver if the Versa starts to drift out of its lane without a turn signal being used.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover11.8%
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More about the 2020 Nissan Versa
Used 2020 Nissan Versa Overview
The Used 2020 Nissan Versa is offered in the following submodels: Versa Sedan. Available styles include S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), SV 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), SR 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), and S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M). Pre-owned Nissan Versa models are available with a 1.6 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 122 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2020 Nissan Versa comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic. The Used 2020 Nissan Versa comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2020 Nissan Versa?
Price comparisons for Used 2020 Nissan Versa trim styles:
- The Used 2020 Nissan Versa SV is priced between $17,198 and$22,998 with odometer readings between 4102 and70713 miles.
- The Used 2020 Nissan Versa S is priced between $16,351 and$24,995 with odometer readings between 4107 and61853 miles.
- The Used 2020 Nissan Versa SR is priced between $21,998 and$22,998 with odometer readings between 12186 and20727 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2020 Nissan Versas are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Nissan Versa for sale near. There are currently 69 used and CPO 2020 Versas listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $16,351 and mileage as low as 4102 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2020 Nissan Versa.
Can't find a used 2020 Nissan Versas you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
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Should I lease or buy a 2020 Nissan Versa?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Nissan lease specials
Check out Nissan Versa lease specials
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