2023 Nissan Versa

The 2023 Nissan Versa is a subcompact car that can seat up to five people. It’s meant for drivers who want an efficient car that’s easy to live with. Because of its small size, the Versa is highly maneuverable and easy to drive on small roads. With a fuel economy rating of up to 35 mpg combined and a comfortable ride, the Versa will appeal to drivers who need a small car for commuting. And despite its small size, this subcompact has a relatively large trunk with up to 15 cubic feet of cargo space.

The Versa separates itself from the pack with its impressive fuel economy rating, comfortable ride quality, large trunk, and well-equipped trims. Keep in mind, though, it trails key rivals when it comes to engine performance, interior space, interior materials, and interior storage compartments. With a standard 122-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the Versa has sluggish acceleration because it doesn’t have the same amount of power as its rivals. Passengers in the back have only 31 inches of legroom, which is also tight for the segment. And the base Versa S trim has below-average interior materials and lets a lot of road noise in at highway speeds.

Nissan Versa Changes for 2023

• Refreshed exterior design.

• Available 8-inch touchscreen.

• Newly optional wireless charging pad.

Where the Versa Sits in the 2023 Nissan Lineup

Nissan’s vehicle lineup includes cars, SUVs, electric vehicles, sports cars, and trucks such as the Frontier. The Versa is the smallest car in Nissan’s lineup, sitting below the Sentra, Altima, Leaf, and Maxima.

2023 Nissan Versa vs. the Competition

A subcompact car such as the Versa is an ideal choice for shoppers who need a car that has great fuel economy, is easy to drive and comes well-equipped with features. The Versa competes with these rivals:

• Mitsubishi Mirage G4: Great fuel economy, a lengthy warranty, and easy to drive.

• Kia Rio: Well-equipped with features, good fuel economy, and available in sedan and hatchback body styles.

• Mini Cooper: Iconic design, enjoyable handling, peppy acceleration, and available convertible body style.

What’s the Best 2023 Nissan Versa Trim for You?

Which Trim Is the Best Value

With features such as heated exterior mirrors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 7-inch touchscreen, manually adjustable front seats, and push-button start, the SV trim has modern features shoppers want. Its list of standard features also includes four audio speakers, three USB ports, power windows and door locks, upgraded cloth upholstery, a wireless charging pad, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and 16-inch wheels.

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Best Trim for Fuel Economy

The Versa has front-wheel drive and a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 122 horsepower. The available continuously variable automatic transmission can achieve up to 35 mpg combined.

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Best Trim for Cargo Space

The Versa has up to 15 cubic feet of cargo space in its trunk.

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Top-of-the-Line Trim

The top-of-the-line SR is the best option for the most well-equipped Versa. It has automatic climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry, fog lights, LED headlights, upgraded upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen, six audio speakers, adaptive cruise control, remote engine start, a rear spoiler, 17-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, heated exterior mirrors, and manually adjustable front seats.

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Should I Buy an Older Nissan Versa Instead?

The 2023 Nissan Versa is in its third generation, introduced with the 2020 model. Any older third-generation model (2020-2023) will broadly resemble the 2023 Versa. You could save money by purchasing a used Versa that’s older than the 2023 model.

You can find a used Nissan Versa with Carfax used car listings. Each used car comes with a free vehicle history report.

Research the Versa from other model years

Nissan Versa Hands-On Test Drive

Driven by Patrick Olsen

• Trim Tested: Versa SR

• Estimated Price: $22,065 (including destination charge)

Like the other subcompact sedans that grow larger generation after generation, the Nissan Versa resembles the Nissan Sentra of old in terms of body length and interior volume. Unfortunately, the Versa still suffers from some of the same issues it did when it was smaller: Lagging acceleration, cramped quarters, and a noisy ride. All that being said, it’s among the cheapest new vehicles for sale today. But I’d argue a wise shopper would find a nicer 3-year-old sedan – or even an SUV – for close to the same price and come away much happier.

I drove one for a week, and these are my impressions.

How It Drives & Handles

The Versa is basic transportation when it comes to propulsion, and drivers certainly get what they pay for. The Versa is not equipped to dart into traffic flow, and getting onto the freeway requires a lot of time and patience. On the positive side, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is not as loud as many other CVTs I’ve driven.

But while there’s not a ton of engine noise, there’s not much blocking out the sound of the tires on the roadway or the wind noise that develops. But to be fair, that’s a common problem for many vehicles in this size or price range.

Handling is adequate in the Versa. There’s little body lean, given its low-slung design, but its steering is only OK and sometimes feels a bit slow to respond, especially at highway speeds. And its turning circle is nothing to write home about.

Comfort, Quality & Usability

One of the most understated aspects of the Versa may be its trunk space. It’s impressively massive. The front seats provide adequate support, but the back seat is small and sits relatively low, meaning passengers won’t have much support for their legs, and there’s not much legroom or headroom back there either.

Even in the cockpit, the center divider with the gear selector takes away a lot of the lateral space for the driver’s legs, making mine press against each side. Our Versa came with heated front seats – always a nice touch – but not a powered driver’s seat. I’d trade the heat for the power controls any day.

There is a lot of plastic in the cabin, although the interior is more attractive than the Versa models of old. There’s even some cool stitching along the dash.

Besides using Apple CarPlay, the Versa’s infotainment controls are OK, but the native system is dated and needs a refreshing. The climate controls are easy to use and, thankfully, an air-conditioning button is prominently featured.

If you’re considering buying a Versa for a young driver, it’s great that this version comes with automatic braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot warning. All have been proven to reduce accidents – or their severity – and all will help out a new driver.

Editor’s Note: Review is based on test driving the 2023 model.

Carfax vehicle reviews let shoppers compare a vehicle’s specs against its competitors’. However, some aspects of a vehicle – performance, comfort, usability – can only be evaluated through actual driving. That’s why we evaluate as many vehicles as we can, so you’ll know what to expect.

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