| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Structural Integrity | Range coverage | Trim specific tweaks have been introduced with no major upgrade |
Safety tech-ends | Sluggish drivetrain |
$16,650
price122 hp @ 6000 rpm
horsepower114 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm
torqueContinuously Variable-Speed Automatic
transmission1.6L 4cyl FWD CVT
engine-
basic warrantyIn the midst where everyone is either gliding towards electric mobility or hybrid ones, there are still a few left in the conventional custom of combustion engine and one among those is the Nissan Versa. The all-new Versa might not have gone under any major upgrade this year yet it is supposed to be a potential contender to be the top pick in the segment.
The SR trim might be the most expensive one among its siblings but in general terms, its price is competitive and to some extent even cheaper than many of its counterparts. It is a perfect blend of all features ranging from comfort to practicality. It is highly packed with interior features and comes with additional packages to enhance the overall feel. The leverage to safety assurance is also restored with advanced features as well.
It is available in three trims and has a starting base price of as low as $15,930 which can go up to $19,340 at the max. The Kia Rio, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra are the fiercest rivals of its assets. With high quality and after-sales support, it has been rated as one of the most reliable sedans alongside Kia Rio. But it will be equivalently important to gauge if it performs to the same level in other aspects.
The Nissan Versa comes in three variants namely S, SV, and SR. Among them, all come with standard Xtronic CVT attached to them while the S trim has an additional option of 5-speed manual transmission. The S trim gets the primitive 15" Steel wheels which get bigger for the SV and SR with the 16" Aluminum-alloy and 17" Split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels respectively.
The hierarchy tends to widen with NissanConnect which has kept the S trim exempted from its enclosure. The SR, being top-notch, has been privileged with some exclusive packages like the Convenience Package with which one may avail of the Automatic Temperature Control and Intelligent Cruise Control.
|
Trims |
S |
SV |
SR |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP (Manual) |
$15,930 |
N/A |
N/A |
|
MSRP (CVT) |
$17,600 |
$18,740 |
$19,340 |
|
Key Features |
Zone Body construction |
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert |
17" Split 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels |
|
Nissan Intelligent Key |
16" Aluminum-alloy wheels |
Sport cloth seat trim |
|
|
Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection |
Apple CarPlay® integration |
Prima-Tex Trim |
|
|
Lane Departure Warning |
4-Speaker Audio unit |
6-Speaker Audio unit |
|
|
Siri® Eyes Free |
NissanConnect |
Convenience Package |
There are a few of the standard features that can be spotted across all trim of Versa which include the Siri Eyes Free and Nissan Intelligent Key along with Voice Recognition. But the same is not true when it is a matter of your listening bin as the younger ones have the 4-Speaker Audio unit whereas it adds two more speakers at its disposal in the older trim. The S trim even lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which is pretty disappointing. Moreover, one can even pay $880 for the Electronic package for technology tune-up.
Which Trim should you buy?
The SR trim might be the most expensive one among its siblings but in general terms, its price is competitive and to some extent even cheaper than many of its counterparts. It is a perfect blend of all features ranging from comfort to practicality. It is highly packed with interior features and comes with additional packages to enhance the overall feel. The leverage to safety assurance is also restored with advanced features as well.
Well, this is a category of cost-effectiveness, so fuel economy undoubtedly becomes a subject of great interest. For that matter, the Versa returns a mileage of 32 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highways, and 35 mpg on a daily basis. These figures when viewed with a 10.8-gallon fuel tank allow you to go for 378 miles on average. It can be believed that the figures could have been improved if the power distribution would have been slightly down the lower revs.
|
Models |
2021 Nissan Versa |
2021 Kia Rio |
2021 Honda Civic |
2021 Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG City |
32 |
33 |
30 |
33 |
|
MPG Highway |
40 |
41 |
38 |
43 |
|
MPG Combined |
35 |
36 |
33 |
37 |
|
Fuel capacity |
10.8 |
11.9 |
12.4 |
14 |
|
Range (City/ Highway/ Combined) |
345.60 / 432 / 378 |
392.70 / 487.9 / 428.4 |
372.00 / 471.2 / 409.2 |
462.00 / 602 / 518 |
In terms of comparison, Hyundai Elantra is easily the most practical and fuel-efficient machinery as it offers a return of as much as 43 mpg along with a range of 602 miles in ideal conditions which is about 180 miles more than Versa. Even other rivals are nowhere close to Elantra. But relatively better than others is the Kia Rio which returns 41 mpg on the highways with a coverage of 487 miles. Hence, it suggests that Nissan really has a long way to sail in this domain for now.
The Nissan Versa brings decent offers in its baggage. The level of sophistication varies drastically as we move up the trim tree. Starting with the seating packaging, it gets cloth-wrapped in the S trim which becomes Graphite Premium exposure for the SV and further upgrades to Charcoal Sport-format in the SR. On top of that, the SR outclasses others with an exclusive Prima-Tex accent for the dash.
The younger ones lack the leatherette touch on the steering wheel and shift-knob. Moreover, all of them lack standard power assistance and automatic air conditioning. But one should applaud Nissan for its egalitarian approach for technology level-up with the Electronic package which includes Map Pocket Lighting, Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror, and Brushed-aluminum kick plates.
|
Models |
2021 Nissan Versa |
2021 Kia Rio |
2021 Honda Civic |
2021 Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front row (Headroom/ Shoulder room/ Legroom) |
39.5 / 53.1 / 44.5 |
38.9 / 54.1 / 42.1 |
39.3/57.0/42.3 |
40.6/56.3/42.3 |
|
Rear row (Headroom/ Shoulder room/ Legroom) |
37.3 / 53.6 / 33.7 |
37.4 / 53.3 / 33.5 |
37.1/55.0/37.4 |
37.3/55.6/38.0 |
|
Trunk capacity (Cubic feet) |
14.7 |
13.7 |
15.1 |
14.2 |
It is visible with naked eyes that the rear seating of Versa could have been better as the legroom is compromised. But, it is completely opposite for its trunk spacing and front row stretchability. Moreover, the Versa cannot be denied to be flexible with its 60/40-fold rear seats. The Kia Rio seems to follow the same pathway as that of the Versa. Meanwhile, competitors like the Civic and Elantra edge it out with much more practical space management. Some of the features are:
The 2021 Nissan Versa gets different entertainment touches as per trim specifications. The S trim has that standard 7" touch-screen display while the higher trims get NissanConnect integrated into it in addition to that. The 4-speaker audio set in the S and SV transforms to 6-speaker set in the SR.
The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been kept standard in the SV and SR. Adding further to the description, there are some standard features as well across all trims like the Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, USB ports, Hands-free Text Messaging Assistant, and Voice Recognition. Some of the features are:
The Nissan Versa comes in multiple coloring languages like the standard Gun Metallic, and Aspen White along with some real upscale ones including the Monarch Metallic Orange and Scarlet Ember. The fascia in these languages holding sleek headlamps along with high sloping bonnet with creases around it gives it that required elegance altogether.
Even the wheels, irrespective of size whether it is 15”, 16” or 17”, look apt with the overall silhouette. It does offer some extra extensions like the Rear Bumper Protector and All-Season Trunk Area Protector as well at $75 and $110 respectively.
|
Models |
2021 Nissan Versa |
2021 Kia Rio |
2021 Honda Civic |
2021 Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb weight (lbs) |
2559 |
2767 |
2771 |
2725 |
|
Length (inches) |
177 |
172.6 |
182.7 |
184.1 |
|
Width (inches) |
68.5 |
67.9 |
70.9 |
71.9 |
|
Height (inches) |
57.7 |
57.1 |
55.7 |
55.7 |
|
Ground Clearance (inches) |
6.8 |
5.5 |
N/A |
5.3 |
|
Wheelbase (inches) |
103.1 |
101.6 |
106.3 |
107.1 |
The dimensional limits have their own right in determining handling dynamics. The more compact the more stable it is expected to be without any aids. Unfortunately, there is no significant gap in their boundary boxes that one can be given preference and podium position. All of them are close to one another and thus can be metered to be at par with their control. That being said, extra ground clearance in the Versa is also a plus point in case it exceeds its payload capacity of 890 lbs. Some of the features are:
The Nissan Versa has Zone-Body Construction meaning it will have a significant crumple zone to dissipate the crash impact and as a result, its integrity is concreted by the overall 5-Star rating in the NHTSA test and a “Good” marking in the respective IIHS. Apart from that, it has a host of advanced and standard safety features like the Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking. Not just the exterior panels but the interior sectors like the steering column and other inserts are also energy-absorbent, therefore increasing the insurance factor altogether. Some of the features are:
The Nissan Versa and Kia Rio are quite a competitor with almost sibling-like dimensions and spaciousness inside the cabin. But one outshines another in equally important aspects as the Kia Rio offers you superior power curve and economical range coverage while the Nissan Versa is better at limiting that power being induced at the wheels with its braking efficiency. Therefore, it is completely a matter of one’s preference rather than supremacy.
With far better economical range, performance prowess, and braking dynamics, the Honda Civic leaves no place for Versa to come any closer. It is true that it has a weight disadvantage but that hardly impacts its dynamics at all. The Versa even lags behind it in terms of seating arrangement. Slightly costlier than the Versa, the Civic truly justifies its price tag without any hassle.
The Hyundai Elantra is no less than a cornerstone in this segment for its sheer dominance in the range and mileage. It has a gap of some 180 miles on the reading which increases its practicality wingspan over the Versa. The cabin arrangement also has the same pick-up lines. The Versa is not even competent in comparison to Elantra acceleration and hence makes the latter one a better one to opt for.
Based on the analysis, it is crystal clear that the Nissan Versa offers decent packages but those are not enough to counter the imagery of the rivals, especially the Civic and Elantra. The price tag can’t be the sole perspective to make any sane decision and needs to be justified by its disposal. Therefore, neither the time nor the spec sheet gives you any sort of indication to go for Nissan Versa for now.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Nissan Versa Ranked #3 | 9.5 sec | 17.2 sec | 112 mph | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #1 | 9.1 sec | - | - | |||
2021 Hyundai Accent Ranked #2 | 9.4 sec | - | - | |||
2021 Kia Rio Ranked #4 | 10.5 sec | 17.8 sec | - |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Nissan Versa Ranked #4 | 27 mpg | 35 mpg | 30 mpg | 10.8 gal. | 291.6/378 mi. | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #1 | 33 mpg | 43 mpg | 37 mpg | 12.4 gal. | 409.2/533.2 mi. | |||
2021 Kia Rio Ranked #2 | 33 mpg | 41 mpg | 36 mpg | 11.9 gal. | 392.7/487.9 mi. | |||
2021 Hyundai Accent Ranked #3 | 29 mpg | 39 mpg | 33 mpg | 11.9 gal. | 345.1/464.1 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Nissan Versa Ranked #2 | 177 in. | 68.5 in. | 57.3 in. | 6.8 in. | 103.1 in. | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #1 | 181.9 in. | 70.9 in. | 55.7 in. | 5.3 in. | 107.1 in. | |||
2021 Hyundai Accent Ranked #3 | 172.6 in. | 68.1 in. | 57.1 in. | 5.5 in. | 101.6 in. | |||
2021 Kia Rio Ranked #3 | 172.6 in. | 67.9 in. | 57.1 in. | 5.5 in. | 101.6 in. | |||
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Ranked #4 | 169.5 in. | 65.7 in. | 59.2 in. | 6.3 in. | 100.4 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Nissan Versa Ranked #2 | 14.7 cu.ft. | 88.9 cu.ft. | 14.7 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Kia Rio Ranked #1 | 13.7 cu.ft. | 89.9 cu.ft. | 87.6 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Hyundai Accent Ranked #3 | 13.7 cu.ft. | 90.2 cu.ft. | 75.1 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #4 | 14.2 cu.ft. | 114 cu.ft. | 48.9 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Nissan Versa Ranked #1 | 80.1 cu.ft. | 14.7 cu.ft. | 14.7 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Hyundai Accent Ranked #2 | 75.1 cu.ft. | 13.7 cu.ft. | 75.1 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Kia Rio Ranked #3 | 87.6 cu.ft. | 13.7 cu.ft. | 87.6 cu.ft. | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #4 | 48.9 cu.ft. | 14.2 cu.ft. | 48.9 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 Nissan Versa Ranked #1 | 862 lbs. | 2599 lbs. | |||
2021 Hyundai Accent Ranked #1 | 959 lbs. | 2502 lbs. | |||
2021 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #1 | 1080 lbs. | 2725 lbs. | |||
2021 Kia Rio Ranked #1 | - | 2767 lbs. |
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User Overall Rating
Posted On: July 5, 2024
This car was a great decision. I'm handicapped and this car is easy to get in and maintain. The breaks are really good and the service for keeping car well maintained is great. It has more room than expected.
