2021 Nissan Versa Review

Name: 2021 Nissan Versa Review
Brand: Nissan

Price Range: $11,999 - $22,995

+134

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.

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2021 Nissan Versa Review

byReese Counts^{Vehicle Test Editor
Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at Edmunds in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.}

Pros

Plenty of safety features available at a reasonable price
Sizable trunk
High fuel economy
Easy-to-use infotainment system

Cons

Sluggish acceleration
Not much interior storage for small items

What's new

The Versa returns largely unchanged for 2021
Part of the third Versa generation introduced for 2020

Overview

The 2021 Nissan Versa is a subcompact sedan that's one of the most affordable new cars on sale today. It's the least expensive and smallest model in Nissan's lineup, slotting just below the Sentra. Despite the Versa's diminutive dimensions, it offers a surprising amount of cargo space, making it more useful than it might seem. It is also available with plenty of safety features, and the cabin doesn't feel like it was built to a budget. After a full redesign for 2020, the Nissan Versa heads into 2021 relatively unchanged.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Nissan Versa S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.07 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$125/mo

$158/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

The Versa is one of the few remaining subcompact cars left on sale, with most automakers dropping small cars from their lineups to focus on crossover SUVs. The Hyundai Accent and mechanically similar Kia Rio are both recently redesigned and offer quiet, comfortable rides and spacious cabins. Their warranties are also much more generous than the Versa's. The Mitsubishi Mirage isn't exactly a stellar car, but it's available as both a sedan and hatchback, is equipped with an excellent warranty, and delivers decent fuel economy. If you're willing to spend a bit more, there are a ton of passenger-friendly small SUVs on the market, including the Mazda CX-30, Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul and Nissan's own Kicks.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The 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.}

Below Average

7.1

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

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 limited space to make a pass, the Versa leaves you wanting badly.

You'll be more satisfied with the Versa's handling. 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 Versa. Those 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 might 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.

Interior

8/10

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 like you're in an SUV, there is plenty of headroom with space to stretch your legs. It's similarly spacious for passengers in both the front and back.

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

7/10

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 optional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility allows you to 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 an 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

7/10

How’s the storage? The 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.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Versa equipped with the CVT automatic 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

8/10

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.

Wildcard

7/10

The Versa has no delusions of grandeur. There are no superfluous paddle shifters, fake vents or Sport mode. 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?

While the base S model comes with a decent list of features, we suggest stepping up to the midlevel SV trim. For not much more money, you get a somewhat upgraded interior, a blind-spot monitoring system, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.

Compare 2021 Nissan Versa trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2021 Nissan Versa models

The 2021 Nissan Versa is a subcompact sedan available in three trims: S, SV and SR. Every Versa is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque) that sends power to the front wheels. A five-speed manual is standard on the S, though a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional. The CVT is standard on SV and SR models.

S
The base S model isn't as basic as you might expect given its affordable price tag. Standard features include:

15-inch steel wheels
Power windows and door locks
Push-button ignition
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Fixed-back passenger seat (manual transmission only)
60/40-split folding rear seat (CVT only)
7-inch touchscreen
Bluetooth connectivity
Four-speaker audio system
Three USB ports

Standard safety features and driver aids include:

Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Automatic high beams

SV
The SV builds on top of Versa S content with:

16-inch alloy wheels
Heated mirrors
Body-colored mirror caps and door handles
Upgraded cloth upholstery
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Satellite radio
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

SR
The top-level SR adds even more features onto the Versa SV content. Those include:

17-inch wheels
LED headlights
Foglights
Dark chrome grille and black-painted mirror caps
Rear spoiler
Keyless entry
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Unique upholstery
Six-speaker audio system
Remote engine start

The Versa SR is available with a single option.

Convenience package

Heated front seats
Automatic climate control
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Versa and the car in front)

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#13 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Nissan Versa from 2008-2022.}

$391/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.94x/yr

vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

10.6%

vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Nissan Versa Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.1

34 reviews

5(70%)

4(3%)

3(6%)

2(9%)

1(12%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Outstanding!

Spiderman, 03/02/2020

2020 Nissan Versa 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.

$860 for an alternator

First Nissan, 07/13/2023

2020 Nissan Versa S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Car performs well and gas mileage is great 33 city, 41 hwy. But the alternator was only producing 12.4 volts and needed to be replaced. The car had only 40,000 miles on it. It turns out that the alternator for the S model can only be purchased at Nissan, and it costs $860 and comes with only a one year warranty.

Fun, zippy, gas saver!

MistaT, 12/05/2019

2020 Nissan Versa 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, …

Manual transmission

Barnes7502 , 09/26/2020

2020 Nissan Versa S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)

Great car and the s model is the best, no sluggish acceleration. 115k miles

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Nissan Versa, so we've included reviews for other years of the Versa since its last redesign.

See all 34 reviews of the Nissan Versa

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2021 Versa Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$14,980
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$125/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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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

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover11.8%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2021 Nissan Versa Review

Price & Payment

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2021 Nissan VersaSV Sedan

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2021 Nissan VersaSR Sedan

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2021 Nissan VersaSV Sedan

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2021 Nissan Versa Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Nissan Versa S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.07 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Versa does Edmunds recommend?

2021 Nissan Versa models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Nissan Versa Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Outstanding!

$860 for an alternator

Fun, zippy, gas saver!

Manual transmission

2021 Versa Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 Nissan Versa S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.07 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}