Name: 2012 Nissan Versa
Brand: Nissan

Nissan Versa

EPA MPG: 33 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 33 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 11 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 11 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

2012 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2012 Nissan Versa

$4,050 - $5,225

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Cruze

$4,775 - $5,200

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

$4,125 - $5,000

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Volt

$4,900

EPA MPG 37 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Caliber

$4,050 - $5,000

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Fiesta

$3,500 - $4,525

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic

$5,350 - $8,400

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 44 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Fit

$6,775 - $7,675

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Insight

$5,400 - $6,575

EPA MPG 41 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Accent

$4,775 - $5,325

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Hyundai Elantra

$4,800 - $5,525

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Kia Forte

$4,775 - $5,550

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Kia Rio

$4,925 - $5,375

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Kia Soul

$4,975 - $5,750

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mazda 2

$5,400 - $5,500

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mazda 3

$4,625 - $7,275

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

$3,650 - $18,875

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Nissan Cube

$4,925 - $5,425

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Nissan Sentra

$4,525 - $5,575

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Scion xB

$6,800 - $7,225

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Scion xD

$6,725 - $6,925

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Subaru Impreza

$5,350 - $14,500

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Suzuki SX4

$4,000 - $5,350

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Corolla

$7,650 - $8,100

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Matrix

$7,300 - $7,900

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Prius

$8,375 - $9,375

EPA MPG 48 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Prius C

$7,700

EPA MPG 50 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Prius V

$8,450

EPA MPG 42 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Toyota Yaris

$6,050 - $7,250

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen Golf

$5,975 - $11,725

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Volkswagen Jetta

$4,875 - $6,175

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Model History

2020-

Current Generation

Although it's more stylish with the 2020 redesign, the Versa continues to be a basic, inexpensive subcompact. Available as a sedan only, we found it easy to drive and user-friendly. Unlike most of its competitors, it comes with standard key advanced safety features, like automatic emergency braking. But the Versa is no joy to drive, with its stiff ride, dull handling, and droning engine. Fuel economy is good at 32 mpg overall, but some midsized sedans--let alone compact ones--can match or better that. The driver's seat is short on support, and unlike previous Versas, the rear seat is tight. A more substantial used car can be had at the same price, but those who consider the Versa should get the SV version for its blind spot warning and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The Versa received a refresh in 2023 with updated styling. 2025 versions received standard LED headlights on all trims.

2012-2019

2012 Redesign Year

The 2012 redesign of the sedan was a disappointment, eroding the previous car's budget-plush feel with a noisy and blatantly cheap interior and a so-so ride. While the previous model was our top-rated subcompact sedan, the changes made to this version dropped it to the bottom of the category. On the positive side, this Versa gets much better fuel economy -- 32 mpg overall vs. 27 -- and it provides a roomy rear seat. But it's slow, noisy and handles clumsily. Even considering its low sticker price, this version of Nissan's small car feels low-rent. This edition of the Versa also scored a poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.

2007-2011

2007 Redesign Year

Nissan's subcompact Versa debuted in 2007 in both hatchback and sedan versions. Although smaller than the Sentra, it packs an impressively roomy rear seat and its tall roofline allows easy access. The 1.8- liter, four-cylinder engine is relatively refined, but needs to be revved up to deliver power. The standard six-speed manual is a bit clunky; the optional CVT is the better bet where smoothness is concerned. Fuel economy is good, but not a standout at 28 mpg with the CVT. We found the ride relatively comfortable and quiet, but handling wasn't a long suit. Curtain airbags were standard, but antilock brakes were rare in early models. For 2010, changes included standard ABS for 1.8 S models, the 1.8 SL got stability control and ABS. This iteration of the Versa holds the distinction of being named one of our top rated subcompact sedans.

Nissan Versa

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2012 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings