2020 Nissan Versa | Review

For the latest Nissan Versa pricing and information:

People still make subcompact sedans? They sure do. We've got the third-generation Nissan Versa right here and we're going to check it out. Dowdy and frumpy no more, the exterior now shares design language with the larger Sentra, Altima, and Maxima. The V-motion grille, headlights and taillights and even the C-pillar design are all visual improvements on this small sedan.

Inside also gets some much-needed upgrades in the design department. First off, the seats. We dig a Nissan seat, but these are unfortunately not the zero gravity-inspired seats in the bigger sedans. They are supportive.

Aesthetically, though, there is more stitching and interesting fabric choices than we'd expected. Overall, the Versa interior looks pleasing and well put together. Nice.

For all its sub-compactness, I still feel as though there are decent headroom and legroom here. Rear legroom isn’t amazing either and the headroom is reduced because of the new sloping roofline.

So maybe make sure you’ve only got one tall passenger with you.

There’s plastic in most places on the doors, dash, and center console. But for the base Versa S with a starting price of about $15,700 including destination that’s not unexpected.

VO: But a 7-inch infotainment screen comes standard across all trims as well as, power windows, a digital screen in the gauge cluster, and a push-button starter.

When you push that starter, you’ll hear a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine start-up. It’s not winning any speed contests with its 122 hp but it’s got 12-percent more horsepower than the previous gen, so that’s something. The base model is the only one to get either a manual transmission or an innocuous continuously variable transmission that will cost you about $1,700. The CVT is the only option on both the SV and highest SR trim levels.

Surprisingly quiet, the ride in the Versa feels much improved. You have the lower chassis, wider track, and updated suspension to thank for that.

The electric-assist steering isn’t overdone, which is good, it feels decent and does its job efficiently. And there is no auto stop/start to shut off in the Versa.

It does get rear drum brakes, but again, Nissan’s trying to hit a price point here, so understandable. The Versa now gets some pretty good safety features in its base model, including automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warnings.

To get blind-spot warnings and rear cross-traffic alerts you have to move up to the Versa SV trim. Incidentally, that SV, with a starting price of $18,535 also includes extras like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is satellite radio-ready.

On the highest SR trim, you can add a $300 Convenience package that includes active cruise control and heated seats. This SR hear has that and pretty much every other goody you can get and costs about $21,500. That’s a lot of car for a low price.

The Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, and Mitsubishi Mirage are other cars in the category to check out. Up against that crew, the Versa’s EPA rating is plenty impressive (32 city/40 hwy/35 combined).

Yes, people do still buy subcompact cars, and if you’re one of those people, now with its upgrades, the Nissan Versa is one you should check out, too.

[LTMedia]

Everyone complains about the Versa's CVT, and while it's possible we got the rare good one, our 2017 Versa Note has 163, 000 miles and there's been no issues with the transmission, or really anything else for that matter. Just do your maintenance!

[MisterConcise]

Y’all gotta keep in mind the price of this car brand new. It’s not going to have Mercedes quality. It’s a great bang for your buck.

[carterledgister]

We had this as a rental the other day . I thought for it’s class it was great . Blind spot and more safety features and nice screen for carplay. The only thing that was a problem was it’s performance the acceleration was absolutely terrible but it did drive like a joy on the highway when it finally got up to speed.

[noahhuraan]

I don’t enjoy the car as much as I thought, but Im for sure grateful. It’s my first car and with all the sensors in it, saved me a couple of times. Highly recommend as a first car IF brand new/under warranty. Definitely would not buy this used

[kvj]

I just got my 2020 Versa SV Black. Interiro is tan and black. There is leather stitching going thru the middle of the console in tan. Its just beautiful. Huge upgrade made for the interior. I am happy.

[Jacobk]

I traded in a 2016 BMW 328 with every option available on it for around $22k over a year ago with 20k miles still on the warranty. The bridge between that and this is extreme! I’d probably buy something used and get more car.

[frankt]

I owned the 1st generation versa non hatchback with a 5 speed manual, I loved loved that car!!!! Now I have this same car in this video with a automatic for the past 3 months and i love driving the car. The exterior looks nice, the sound quality of the speakers is excellent, I am happy with my purchase. This car has more technology than my 2007 Yukon. Thank you Nissan for making a great budget car.

[naveenthemachine]

The jatco cvt alone makes it not even worth considering. Leasing? Yes. But buying? No way

[dennisballew]

Great to see a car review for the type of car that real people buy. Not everyone is considering the latest Audi or BMW.

[damilolaakanni]

Rear drum brakes in 2020? Sounds very strange to me, but I understand the purpose of this car, to provide transportation for below $20, 000.

[emeyer]

Transmission mechanics rejoice.This is Nissan's latest contributor to your children's College fund in about 5 years when these Jatco CVT'S start to hand grenade

[sauerOFkraut]

how long till the. CVT grenades itself

[BellyJae]

I ALMOST bought this Versa but ended up going for the Kicks. Only because I’m a pow wow dancer and tend to have a lot of luggage. I upgraded from a 2011 Versa hatchback. :)

[rayemanuel]

Love that electric blue color, Lyn. Matches your eyes.

[TravisCyprien]

Just becareful of where your Versa comes from. Your Vin number will tell you where it comes from. If your Vin starts with a 3 then it is coming from Mexico plant. If it’s a 1, 4, or 5 then it’s made here in the US. And a J for Japan. Just check the Vin number before you Buy.

[ramoncarter]

The third generation Versa is beautiful last one was bland but first gen was nicer. Nissan has done well with there exteriors on the sedans next ready for a 2020 Sentra review on KBB. I have a 2015 Rogue for 5 years last bought Oct '15 original CVT rides smooth with no issues. Love the Versa and Sentra as much with Maxima and Altima. The car looks beautiful in that blue color not because it's my favorite color just makes the car look aggressive in that color. For a subcompact sedan it looks beautiful in and out, Nissan went out their way making better cars after Ghosn was con-artist put Nissan in a bind.

[danielc]

That center armrest is absurd looking.

[modmatt]

An SE model, if you take out the cost and the actual CVT, might be an attractive purchase option for $17k for a mid-level, manual trim in a commuter or run-around/2nd car. Looks good style-wise as well.

[nx]

we have the 2016 S. very basic but i like it. yeah it has no extras but we drive it A LOT for work, In town and HW and it drives good. simply comfy drive, easy to maintain. i like it.
jealous the nee Base model comes with a screen 🤣

[Sublimer]

People keep talking about the transmission. I wonder if you are extra conservative about changing the fluid with fully synthetic CVT fluid if it may last longer. Besides, old issues don't necessarily mean a newer car would have the same issue. Only time will tell.