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2020 Nissan Versa: Still cheap, worthy and vastly improved

James Raia

December 27, 2019

Nissan worked hard for more than a decade for an unusual honor. Its Versa, named after an acronym for versatile space, was the cheapest new car available in the United States. Not many years ago, the subcompact’s base price was just under $10,000.

The Versa’s designation was via price only, not a rap on its quality. It was likely the best new car a buyer on a tight budget could purchase, and served its clientele well. 

Key Takeaways

  • Third-generation redesign ends the Versa’s cheapest-in-America title: The $15,625 base price now sits behind the Chevrolet Spark and Mitsubishi Mirage, but the Versa arguably delivers the most substance at the bottom of the new-car market.
  • 122-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder gains 13 hp over 2019: A new continuously variable transmission is standard; a five-speed manual remains only on the entry-level S trim.
  • Altima-inspired exterior finally makes the Versa handsome: The subcompact grew 1.6 inches longer, 1.8 inches wider, and sits 2.3 inches lower — resembling its midsize sibling rather than a bargain-bin runabout.
  • Keyless entry with push-button start now standard across every trim: Three USB ports, power brakes, and power windows are also standard on the entry-level S — features that once demanded the top trim.
  • Hatchback Versa Note discontinued: Only the sedan body survives for 2020, and the top SR trim tops out at $21,490 when fully equipped with the Convenience Package.
The 2020 Nissan Versa is the third-cheapest car in the United States.
The 2020 Nissan Versa is the third-cheapest car in the United States.

The 2020 Nissan Versa no longer has its long-held title. It’s the country’s third-cheapest new vehicle with a starting base price of $15,625. The Chevrolet Spark ($14,095) now wears the cheapest crown, followed by the Mitsubishi Mirage ($14,990).

A varied list follows the Versa: Hyundai Accent ($15,925), Toyota Yaris ($16,655), Kia Rio ($16,675), Honda Fit ($17,120), Chevrolet Sonic ($17,595), Kia Soul ($18,535) and Kia Forte ($18,715).

With a few exceptions, new car prices don’t decrease. The average price to date of 2020 models is nearly $37,000, an increase of about $5,000 from five years ago. The Versa’s entry point is about 42 percent of the new car average price and about $1,700 more than the 2019 model.

A more than 10 percent price increase is substantial, but the debut of the Versa’s third generation is worthy.

A four-cylinder subcompact, it offers a 1.6-liter, 16-valve engine with front-wheel drive and 122 horsepower, an increase of 13 horsepower from 2019. It’s matched with a new continuously variable transmission (CVT). A five-speed manual transmission is offered only on the entry-level S trim. Gas mileage averages are 32 miles per gallon in city driving, 40 miles per gallon on the freeway with a CVT transmission and 27 and 35 averages with the manual transmission. 

The new exterior resembles the Altima, the Versa’s bigger sibling. The little machine is also now 1.6 inches longer, 1.8 inches wider and positioned 2.3 inches lower. It’s not often a subcompact garners glances for anything other than disdain or gawking, but the Versa is now handsome.

The price increase means good things in other areas. Small additions in entry-level cars make big differences. Keyless entry with push-button start, three USB ports as well as power braking and power windows were once top-trim-only features. They’re now standard on all trims, S, SV and SR. The latter two trims also have blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Nissan Versa Note hatchback has been discontinued.

A full complement of safety features, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (appointed to a 7-inch touchscreen), heated outside mirrors and a driver’s armrest, are also included on the mid-level SV trim.

The top-line SR trim supplies further safety, convenience and cosmetic upgrades. Automatic climate control, LED headlights, special exterior and interior trim details, a six-speaker audio system and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob are standard. An optional Convenience package equips the Versa with heated front seats and adaptive cruise control.

While still spacious as a subcompact, the new Versa has downfalls. Front passengers gained 2.7 inches of legroom, back occupants lost 6.0 inches to 31.0 inches total. The Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and Toyota Yaris all have more than more rear space. The Versa’s armrest is awkwardly placed and doesn’t move.

Acceleration from 0-60 miles per hour occurs in  9.7 seconds, a crawl with the caveat. It may take awhile but once cruising speed has been achieved, the Versa forges ahead smoothly. It corners adequately and offers responsive steering and a quiet ride.

With other additional optional packages that include external ground lighting, interior ambient lighting and a few odds and ends, the Versa SR costs $21,490. It’s more than twice the vehicle’s entry-level base price from yesteryear. But there’s a good reason: it’s twice the car.
 
 
 
 
 

What We Like

  • New third-generation design finally looks Altima-related
  • 32 city / 40 highway mpg from the CVT
  • Keyless entry, push-button start, and three USB ports standard on every trim
  • SV and SR trims add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
  • SR Convenience Package adds heated seats and adaptive cruise control

What We Don’t

  • 0-60 mph takes 9.7 seconds — a crawl by modern standards
  • Rear-seat legroom dropped 6 inches versus the prior generation
  • Armrest is awkwardly placed and doesn’t move
  • Versa Note hatchback discontinued — sedan body only
  • Base price jumped more than 10 percent year-over-year

Facts & Figures: 2020 Nissan Versa

SpecificationDetails
Engine1.6L 4-cylinder, 16-valve
Horsepower122
TransmissionCVT (standard); 5-speed Manual (S trim only)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeRegular Gasoline
Fuel Economy (CVT)32 city / 40 hwy / 35 combined mpg
Fuel Economy (Manual)27 city / 35 hwy mpg
Acceleration0-60 mph, 9.7 seconds
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price$15,625
Price As Tested (SR with Convenience)$21,490

How It Compares

VehicleStarting Price
2020 Chevrolet Spark$14,095
2020 Mitsubishi Mirage$14,990
2020 Hyundai Accent$15,925
2020 Kia Rio$16,675

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the 2020 Nissan Versa cost?

The base 2020 Nissan Versa starts at $15,625, making it the third-cheapest new car in the United States. A fully loaded SR trim with the Convenience Package tops out at $21,490.

What engine and transmission come in the 2020 Nissan Versa?

Every Versa uses a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower. A continuously variable transmission is standard on SV and SR trims, while a five-speed manual is available on the entry-level S trim.

How fast is the 2020 Nissan Versa?

The 2020 Nissan Versa accelerates from 0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds. Once cruising speed is reached, the Versa forges ahead smoothly and offers responsive steering with a quiet ride.

What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Nissan Versa?

With the CVT, the 2020 Versa returns 32 mpg city and 40 mpg highway on regular gasoline. The manual transmission version averages 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.

Is the Versa Note hatchback still available?

No. The Versa Note hatchback has been discontinued. Only the Versa sedan is available for 2020.

What features are standard on every 2020 Nissan Versa?

Keyless entry with push-button start, three USB ports, power brakes, and power windows are now standard across all trims — features that previously required top-trim selection. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included on the mid-level SV trim and above.

Article Last Updated: April 16, 2026.

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