2025 Nissan Versa is a Sub $20k Sub-Compact (plus Videos) on Everyman Driver

With inflation and rising production costs, finding a new car under $20,000 is becoming increasingly rare. Yet, Nissan’s 2025 Versa holds the line as America’s most affordable new car, starting around $18,400. Don’t let “affordable” fool you — the Versa isn’t a bare-bones ride. Its design brings to mind the classic VW Jetta, and it boasts a spacious trunk, practical features, and a surprisingly upscale interior, especially in the top SR trim.

The Versa’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine won’t win any speed records, but it delivers a solid 35 mpg combined, and it’s available with a five-speed manual for purists (though limited to the base trim). Rear seats are tight for adult passengers, but the 60/40-split folding seats provide some extra cargo flexibility.

The subcompact segment has thinned out recently, with former competitors like the Kia Rio and Mitsubishi Mirage now discontinued. While the Versa’s future past 2025 is uncertain, buyers seeking a budget-friendly option still have the Versa and a few slightly pricier alternatives like the Hyundai Elantra and Nissan’s own Sentra. The Elantra and Sentra start just above the Versa’s range but offer slightly more interior space and power.

Key Highlights

Pros: Surprisingly upscale interior for the price, roomy front seats, impressive fuel economy.
Cons: Lacks power, cramped back seat, manual transmission limited to base trim.
Verdict: The 2025 Nissan Versa proves you can still get a solid, feature-packed car around $20K. It’s economical without feeling cheap, and its fuel efficiency is a big plus for budget-conscious drivers.

What’s New for 2025

For 2025, all Versa trims gain LED headlights and a three-oil-change maintenance plan at no extra cost.

Trims and Pricing

The 2025 Nissan Versa comes in three trims: S, SV, and SR. The SV trim is the most popular for its added features, which make it the best value overall. Here’s a look at each option:

S Trim ($18,330): The base S comes with the essentials, including a 1.6-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, LED headlights, 15-inch steel wheels, cloth seats, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, and active safety features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. The optional CVT ($1,800) improves fuel economy and is worth considering.
SV Trim ($21,630): The SV is our top pick. It adds the CVT as standard, plus 16-inch alloy wheels, upgraded cloth upholstery, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a wireless phone charger, keyless entry, a digital driver’s display, and blind-spot monitoring. With more convenience features, it’s a great package for only about $3,000 over the base.
SR Trim ($22,330): The range-topping SR trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, and a six-speaker audio system. If you’re looking for more premium features but still want to stay on budget, the SR is a worthy option.

Engine and Performance

The Versa’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower, is paired with either a five-speed manual (S trim) or a CVT. While it won’t thrill performance enthusiasts, the Versa is adequately capable and stable at highway speeds. The CVT makes a big difference for fuel economy, returning an estimated 35 mpg combined.

Fuel Economy

The Versa’s fuel economy with the CVT is an estimated 32/40 mpg (city/highway), which is great for a subcompact car and makes it an economical choice for those who value savings at the pump. Manual transmission models come in a bit lower, at 27/35 mpg.

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Versa impresses with a quality that belies its price. The SR trim’s faux-leather upholstery and contrasting stitching bring a touch of sophistication rarely found in the subcompact class. The front seats are spacious and comfortable, ideal for long commutes or road trips. Rear seats are best suited for shorter trips or smaller passengers, but with 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space, the Versa offers plenty of room for luggage or groceries. The SV and SR trims’ 60/40-split folding seats provide extra cargo flexibility.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 Versa comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a four-speaker audio system. For smartphone users, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available on the SV and SR trims, while the top SR also adds a Wi-Fi hotspot and NissanConnect Services, allowing remote access to certain vehicle features.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety is a priority for the 2025 Versa, with standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and high-beam assist. The SV and SR trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and driver alertness warnings. The 2024 model earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, so you can expect similar performance from the 2025 version.

Nissan Versa vs. the Competition

While the Versa is one of the last cars standing under $20K, it competes well with pricier options like the Hyundai Elantra and Kia K4, which start just above the Versa’s SR trim. The Versa’s high-value design and standard features make it a strong contender, especially for buyers who prioritize budget-friendly pricing and great fuel economy.

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