Why Do People Like The Nissan Versa?

The 2025 Nissan Versa is a terrific alternative if you're in the market for a budget-friendly little car. The Versa is a subcompact automobile that gives a comfortable driving experience and fuel economy of up to 35 mpg combined. Performance isn't exactly its forte, but it redeems itself by giving a lot of handy technology and driver aid features for the money. In addition, the Versa features a reasonably large interior given its size. We expect that the 2025 model will come substantially unchanged amid reports in the wind that the Versa's lifespan might be coming to an end after the 2025 model year. Check back for updates on what the future holds for this small car.

Edmunds spotlight: Undeniable Worth

The Nissan Versa is offered in three trim levels — S, SV and SR — but no matter which trim you select, you can anticipate a reasonable quantity of amenities for an inexpensive price tag. On the inside, the Versa is supplied with a well-built interior and strong materials. Even though the Versa is modest in size, it manages to give quite a large interior that offers little cause for criticism. To top it off, the Versa is fuel-efficient. All in all, Nissan's smallest sedan is a terrific selection if you're seeking for an affordable car.

Competitors to consider

In 2025, the Versa is practically in a class all by itself. Most other automakers have given up creating inexpensive subcompact cars. Currently, there's just one real alternative to the Versa: the Mitsubishi Mirage. Although a little more in price, the Hyundai Venue and Kia Soul are subcompact SUVs that should also be examined. If you're still on the fence about the Versa, our test team's extensive assessment in the Expert Rating below should help you decide.

Performance

How does the Versa drive? You can't expect an economy-minded sedan to be speedy yet the Versa's four-cylinder engine takes its time getting you up to speed. There's minimal trouble with regular driving about town or blending in with traffic. But in circumstances when you need to move away swiftly or have little space to make a pass, the Versa leaves you wanting. At the Edmunds test track, our Versa sped from 0 to 60 mph in a sluggish, and slightly loud, 10.4 seconds. It's one of the slowest vehicles we've tested in a while.

You'll be more satisfied with the Versa's handling. It keeps composed when traveling around corners. The steering is a tad numb and might seem a little too heavy at times, but the Versa will follow your directions surprisingly effectively. The Versa's brakes also function effectively in emergency circumstances, and also the brake pedal making it easy to stop smoothly in everyday driving.

Comfort

How comfy is the Versa? The seats in the Versa SR, which is what we tested, feature pleasant fabric that is typically firm. But the chairs run a little thin beneath the shoulders. They give decent support on short- and medium-length travels, while the lack of proper lumbar support could need pauses on longer trips. The back seats are equally stiff but yet comfortable.

The Versa rides nicely over most terrain, although like most affordable vehicles, it may get bumpy on lesser-quality roads. Wind noise is abundant within the cabin, and if the car hits any bumps, you will hear it. We enjoy the climate control's plain layout of actual buttons and knobs and found the vents to be easily adjustable and nicely positioned.

Read Also: Features of the 2025 Nissan Versa

Interior

How’s the interior? The Versa scores excellent for its interior design. It's easy to climb inside and adjust the seat to your chosen driving position. The cabin is quite large too. Even at the highest driving position, which feels almost like you're in an SUV, there is plenty of headroom with space to spread your legs. It's similarly large for passengers in the rear, but taller individuals can feel their head brush against the headliner.

The touchscreen is snappy and gives a crisp picture. The controls on the center stack and steering wheel are basic, and you can use the tuning button to browse among menus, which is easier than poking the touchscreen while driving. It's quite simple to look out of the Versa because to the small hood and big windows.

Technology

How’s the tech? Our test car, outfitted in the top-of-the-line SR model, came with an 8-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system. Clarity at normal settings is decent, but you'll need to turn the volume all the way up to block out noise at interstate speeds. Onboard navigation isn't featured on the Versa, but most models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity that lets you to obtain instructions on screen driven by your smartphone. Integrating your phone occurs rapidly. The SR trim also features a wireless charging pad.

The Versa's sophisticated driving aids are helpful without being invasive. Forward collision warning triggers with a short stream of sounds. Lane maintaining warnings are also modest buzzes. The major negative features are a low-resolution rearview camera and an excessively sensitive backup collision mitigation system. During our testing, this system unintentionally triggered when one of our drivers was backing onto a roadway from a modestly sloping driveway. It slammed the automobile to a standstill.

Storage

How’s the storage? The Versa offers a lot of trunk capacity for this class of vehicle. Cargo capacity maxes out at 15 cubic feet, more than most rivals, and the trunk is deep enough to hold heavier objects. The cargo floor is rather low for a sedan, and the rear seats fold down if needed.

Small-item storage is not a strong suit. The central armrest is optional and can barely fit a smartphone. Child seat accommodation is better. There is ample space for a rear-facing seat in the back. The bottom car-seat anchor points are concealed between cushions, but they're straightforward to detect and attach to. The rear seats have integrated headrests, requiring you to loop the strap around them to attach to the rear tether hooks.

Which Versa does Edmunds recommend?

Nissan hasn't provided official details on the 2025 Versa as of this writing. We'll update our rating if anything changes, but based on last year's Versa we feel the SV trim is the best buy since it gives the most value. Except for a few driving aids, the basic S model comes lightly equipped. The SV's enhanced amenities are worth the price jump. They feature alloy wheels (not steel wheels with plastic hubcaps), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.