2020 Nissan Versa Sedan Test Drive: Raising The Floor

If you went to any rental car counter and asked the attendant for the least expensive vehicle available, you'd probably be handed the keys to a Nissan Versa. For the past several years, Nissan's smallest vehicle in the US carried the distinction of being the least expensive new car on the market and with that honor, it became known as the car you rented for $15 per day but never ever considered owning.

For the 2020 model year, Nissan has completely revamped the Versa sedan with an all-new third-generation model. It may no longer be the least expensive car in the USA (that honor now goes to the Mitsubishi Mirage) but the Versa has been improved in every measurable way and is now the most compelling model in a rather uninspiring subcompact sedan class. With a more powerful engine, improved styling, and a radically new interior, this new Nissan Versa looks like a winner on paper. To see how it fairs in the real world, Nissan sent us a fully-optioned Versa SR to test drive for a week.

What’s the Price of the 2020 Nissan Versa Sedan?

The Nissan Versa has a reputation as one of the most affordable cars in America, and despite its complete redesign for 2020, it still boasts an appealing price tag. In its most basic form, the Versa S with a five-speed manual transmission, it costs a meager $14,730. Swapping to the CVT gearbox ups the Nissan Versa's price a bit to $16,400. It's a modest step up to the mid-tier SV, with a starting MSRP of $17,640. Getting behind the wheel of the most expensive model will still cost you a couple thousand under $20k, with the SR costing only $18,240. These prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, incentives, or Nissan's $925 destination charge.

2020 Versa Sedan Exterior

Dimensions

2020 Versa Sedan Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

It may not be a speed demon but with less than 2,800 pounds to haul around, the Versa feels remarkably spry and nimble. The steering requires very little effort, helping the Versa scurry around tight parking lots with ease. It may not provide a ton of feedback through the wheel but at higher speeds, the Versa feels more planted than previous models, no longer feeling burdensome or dangerous at highway speeds. Road noise is also relatively low for a vehicle in this segment, though the cabin can be a little loud at highway speeds.

The torsion beam rear suspension lacks the sophistication found in the larger Sentra with its independent setup but over smooth pavement, the Versa is shockingly comfortable for a subcompact vehicle. Large bumps can upset the rear end for sure but overall, we were impressed by the Versa's stability and comfort. As a nod to cost-cutting, the Versa's rear brakes are drum units rather than discs but thanks to the low curb weight, we never felt like the car couldn't stop in time.

2020 Versa Sedan Interior

2020 Versa Sedan Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2020 Nissan Versa Sedan A Good car?

The previous generation Versa is a car that we'd be happy to never drive ever again but this new model is such a remarkable improvement, we'd happily recommend it as a first car for a new driver. Nissan has outdone itself with the level of safety technology available at such a lot price, combined with handsome exterior styling and a much-improved interior. The Versa still feels sluggish compared to larger, more powerful vehicles but it is now among the most powerful models in the subcompact sedan class. It is also extremely frugal, sipping fuel at the same rate as many hybrid vehicles.

In addition to other subcompact competitors like the Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, and Toyota Yaris, buyers in the sub-$20,000 price range may be looking at a plethora of used models that are larger and more powerful. A used option may have more power and space but it's hard to argue with Versa's available tech and safety features, which are coupled with a new car warranty. For the first time ever, we think we'd be more inclined to recommend a brand-new Versa over a comparably priced new car.

What Nissan Versa Sedan Model Should I Buy?

Our SR test car was decked out with every option available, pushing the as-tested price up to $21,490 including the $925 destination fee. This is positively ludicrous for a Versa but without the silly options like the Electronics and Lighting Packages, the SR trim is reasonable. We'd easily pass on the $210 floor mats to opt for some third-party ones and the $300 armrest that hurt our elbow would also be an easy skip. The Convenience Package for $300 is a bargain price to get adaptive cruise control and heated seats, bringing our recommended price to $18,540 before destination.

2020 Nissan Versa Sedan Comparisons

2020 Nissan Versa Sedan vs Nissan Sentra

Like the Versa, the Nissan Sentra is all-new for 2020. It gets a more noticeable pump in power from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, still easily outpacing the Versa with 149 hp and 146 lb-ft. But that's not to say the Sentra is a high-performance sedan, with similar acceleration times to the smaller Versa. The larger sedan is more premium inside, though, with leatherette or leather upholstery and more available comfort features, but it doesn't actually offer more passenger or cargo capacity than its subcompact sibling. With slightly worse fuel economy and a higher starting MSRP of $19,090, the new-generation Sentra may have swapped places with the Versa in terms of value for money. Still, if you can afford to look at the upper mid-to-upper trim levels, the Sentra has more to offer than its more budget-friendly sibling.

2020 Nissan Versa Sedan vs Honda Fit

The Honda Fit may not have received a significant update for 2020, but it probably doesn't need one to compete with the Nissan Versa. As a hatchback, it naturally offers more practicality than the sedan, with a whopping 52.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity. But the standard 16.6 cubic feet is still impressive. The Honda also manages to offer more space for its rear-seat passengers, and its cabin materials are on par with, if not better than, the Versa's. In terms of features, the two cars are neck and neck, with most of the desired tech only unlocked as you move up the trim levels. However, the base-level Versa offers more at a similar price to the Honda. With similar power front its four-cylinder engine (128 hp and 113 lb-ft), the Honda Fit may not be the clear-cut winner it used to be in this comparison.