Nissan Versa

Name: 2026 Nissan Versa
Brand: Nissan

CR MPG:

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Nissan Versa has always been an unabashedly inexpensive car, but the most recent redesign at least adds a layer of visual pizzazz that makes it seem less spartan. In addition to the new look, the updated Versa also benefits from standard automatic emergency braking (AEB), but the brittle ride, vague steering, and uneven interior quality are disappointing—even for a budget car. The hatchback version of the Versa, known as the Versa Note, has been discontinued.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Nissan Versa

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Envista

Chevrolet Trax

Honda Civic

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

This car is new and detailed owner satisfaction will be available at a later date.

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Didn't earn Good or Acceptable rating, or untested, in IIHS moderate overlap front crash test

Blind spot warning not standard

Rear cross traffic warning not standard

Didn't earn Good rating, or untested, in IIHS side crash test

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Optional

RCTW

Optional

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.6-liter 4 (122 hp)

5-speed manual
CVT

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic NA
Drivetrain NA
Corrosion NA
Roadside Aid NA
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2020-Present

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. It is also the final year for the Versa.

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.