2021 Nissan Versa

Nissan’s varied lineup of SUVs, pickup trucks, and EVs usually perform well in our road tests, but their Overall Scores suffer because of up-and-down reliability and average to below-average owner satisfaction. Inconsistent quality across the brand means some Nissans are a better choice than others. Many of its gasoline vehicles use small turbocharged engines and continuously variable transmissions to give owners both competitive fuel economy and sporty performance. Most new Nissans come standard with a full suite of active safety and driver assist systems. It’s also one of the few remaining brands that sells a sub-compact sedan, the Versa. The compact Sentra, a mainstay within Nissan’s lineup, earned a high score in our road test and is recommended. Nissan was an early EV trailblazer with the Leaf hatchback, and now sells larger five-passenger EV SUVs. Used Nissans have average reliability according to our surveys.

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.