The Nissan Versa has emerged as one of the last subcompact cars left standing as buyers have abandoned what was once a popular category in favor of larger SUVs and pickup trucks. But while econoboxes offering little more than basic transportation and good fuel economy are now all but extinct, the Versa has evolved into a surprisingly refined and nicely equipped package that brings a lot of value for a surprisingly low price.
Related: 2024 Nissan Versa Review: Last Econobox Standing?
For the 2019 model year, buyers had 11 subcompact sedans and hatchbacks to choose from. Today, Versa aside, only the Sentra and Mitsubishi Mirage remain — though the Mirage has been discontinued for 2025. Of the three, the Versa is not only much more refined and enjoyable to drive, but it also comes with a lower starting price. A freshening for the 2023 model year brought a more aggressive grille, new alloy wheels for the SR trim and additional available options such as a wireless charging pad. The Versa soldiers on for 2024 with no significant changes.
Cars.com Senior Research Editor Damon Bell recently spent some time exploring his practical side behind the wheel of a new Versa in the top SR trim to see what it’s like to drive one of the cheapest vehicles currently available. Click the link above for his expert review, or for a quicker look, read on for four things we like about the 2024 Nissan Versa and three things we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Cheapskate Champion
With a starting price of $17,530 (all prices include destination), the Versa is the cheapest vehicle you can currently buy in the U.S; it’s almost $600 less than the Mirage, which is $18,110 including required options. While the Mirage does come with a standard automatic transmission, the cheapest Versa has a five-speed manual and is so much more refined and pleasant that it’s still a better value — even if springing for the continuously variable automatic makes it slightly more expensive than the Mirage.
2. Not That Basic
It may be cheap, but the Versa is not your grandfather’s econobox. Even the base S trim is equipped with features you might not expect, including power windows and locks, a 7-inch touchscreen, three USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity and automatic high-beam headlights. Driver-assistance safety systems include lane departure warning and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
3. Make Ours an SR
The fervently frugal may find that a base Versa S has everything they need, but the SR is arguably the best value among three available trims. Starting at a still-reasonable $21,540, the SR is priced about the same as a larger base-model compact car. But with standard features including keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, remote engine start, LED headlights, heated front seats and automatic climate control, the SR offers many additional amenities while still coming in at an affordable price.
4. Easy Handler
The Versa won’t be confused with a sports sedan, but its tidy dimensions make for easy maneuvering and parking and provide more lively handling that can make taking the back roads at least somewhat entertaining. On smooth pavement, the Versa rides well for a subcompact and remains reasonably quiet on the highway.
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Things We Don’t Like
1. No Standard Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
One feature you don’t get with the Versa in the base S trim is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, which may be a deal breaker for some buyers. To get them requires stepping up to the mid SV trim, which also gets you desirable features such as heated side mirrors, a wireless charging pad, and blind spot warning with cross-traffic alert.
2. Pokey Powertrain
With its 122-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT, the Versa has the best of intentions and feels adequately peppy and responsive around town. But there’s not much left in reserve for highway merging and passing. The CVT doesn’t help the sluggish throttle response and droning engine noise, either.
3. Suspension Noise
The Versa rides pretty well for a subcompact, but it’s plagued by pronounced suspension thumps that are particularly noticeable going over bumps and rough pavement. The resulting vibrations and jitters can be annoying, but the Versa rides well and is generally quiet and composed on smoother surfaces and the highway.
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