by Aiden Eksteen
Though crossover SUVs have become the go-to vehicles for most Americans, there is still a fairly large market for budget-friendly sedans in the USA. And so the 2021 Nissan Versa Sedan powers onward alongside other subcompact 4-door contemporaries such as the Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio, and Mitsubishi Mirage G4, offering Americans affordable everyday transportation. All offer straightforward and reliable driving characteristics, decent practicality, and a lot of value for the money with their sub $20,000 starting prices, but the 2021 Nissan Versa Sedan brings its own modern flair and plenty of driver-assistance features to the table.
With just 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, the Nissan has just what it needs to get you from point A to point B. It's not exciting or engaging, but ideal for the first-time driver or everyday commuter on a budget. Though no longer the most affordable car in America, with the Mitsubishi Mirage hatch coming in slightly cheaper, the 2021 Nissan Versa Sedans' starting price of around $15k is still really attractive. Some may prefer to go for a larger sedan within the secondhand market at that price, but the latest generation of the Versa is more compelling than ever and is worth a place on your shortlist.
Nissan fully redesigned the Versa Sedan for the 2020 model year and, so, rolls it over into 2021 with no significant enhancements or alterations. The base price of the line has been increased by $100, though.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S |
1.6L Inline-4 Gas
|
5-Speed Manual
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$14,980 |
| SV |
1.6L Inline-4 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$17,790 |
| SR |
1.6L Inline-4 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$18,390 |
Although you do get a whole lot more from the third-generation Versa Sedan over the older models, it's still a very basic, no-frills commuter. That said, the 2021 Versa Sedan is a fairly good-looking vehicle and is rather well-built for a car that starts at under $15k in base spec. Even top models cost less than $20,000. To no extent exciting, the Versa Sedan nevertheless delivers a straightforward and dependable driving experience. Both the NHTSA and the IIHS have put the 2021 Nissan Versa Sedan to review and each awarded it with a decent safety rating overall. This is further enhanced by an 83/100 quality and reliability score from J.D. Power. If anything, the 2021 Nissan Versa Sedan is a solid everyday point-to-point shooter. While you won't be going anywhere particularly fast, it's pleasant enough to drive around and impressively fuel-efficient, too. All in all, it delivers the kind of performance you'd expect from a sedan in its class and at its price. There are better cars that deliver more features and more space, but with the latest Versa's new design, many driver assists, and new car warranty, it's still worth considering.
Even if you are shopping with a very limited budget, every Versa Sedan model will likely be within range. The price doesn't change much as you move through the trim levels, but neither does the list of standard features. As, such we'd suggest you get the most your money can buy and opt for the top-spec SR. The more frugal CVT is equipped as standard here, delivering the best mileage figures and a more effortless driving experience over the manual. Though the entry-spec S can be optioned with the CVT, you'll be stuck with the halogen headlights and 15-inch steel wheels. In terms of features, the SR comes standard with full LED exterior lighting, a leather-clad steering wheel, SR sport-fabric seating upholstery, and a six-speaker audio system. We'd also suggest opting in the Convenience Package for the Intelligent cruise control, heated front seats, and automatic climate control.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Nissan Versa Sedan:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo