2021 Nissan Versa

The 2021 Nissan Versa is available in three trim levels. The MSRP for the entry-level S trim starts at $15,855 with destination, the SV is $18,665, and the SR is $19,265.

All trim levels are equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with high-tech features such as variable intake and exhaust valve timing and two fuel injector locations to optimize the engine's performance. It generates 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque - figures on par for this cost-focused and lightweight class - and sends power through a manual (five-speed!) or automatic transmission to the front wheels.

Fuel economy hits the magical 40 miles per gallon mark, according to EPA-estimates, on the highway, 32 mpg city, and 35 combined when equipped with the continuously variable transmission that also brings added safety equipment and costs $1,670. The three-pedal configuration achieves 30 mpg combined and is only available in the base S trim.

The five-passenger small car may be longer and wider than its 2019 predecessor but rear-seat passengers will find it smaller than its competitors with 31 inches of legroom, and 36.3 inches of headroom.

Cargo volume is 15 cubic feet which is greater than the Hyundai Accent, however, the Versa’s 177-inch length is also about four and a half inches longer than the other compact sedan. The S trim with the CVT includes a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback for longer items.

The base S trim includes active safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian braking, high beam assist, and lane departure warning while The SV and SR trims add blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, and rear-seat occupant alert.

The Versa is minimally equipped in the base trim - as expected. The 7.0-inch touchscreen reveals limited connectivity with Bluetooth, an auxiliary input, and USB inputs, and pushes a minimal sound output with a total of four speakers.

The SV and SR trims include NissanConnect with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM as standard and the SR gains two additional speakers.

The S trim is one of the least expensive new vehicles available and there’s a rumor that 15-inch steelies are hip again.

Other clear signs of cost-savings such as the molded-in black plastic mirror caps and door handles, basic-cloth seats, and a torsion-beam rear suspension seem offset by notable inclusions such as a six-way manual driver’s seat, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls, power windows with push-button auto-down for the driver, and push-button start.

The SV trim features body-colored door handles and mirrors which now feature heat and integrated turn signals, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and upgraded fabric interior. It also features a seven-inch digital display in the gauge cluster, chrome door handles, and a seat-mounted armrest. There are no offered packages.

The SR trim is aimed at dressing sportier while also wearing a bit of luxury.

Full LED headlights with signature lighting, a dark chrome grille, fog lights, 17-inch wheels, and a rear spoiler complete the exterior look while a push-button proximity entry-system, charcoal cloth seating with contrast stitching, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob make sure the interior feels just as premium.

The Convenience Package is offered for $400 and includes heated front seats, automatic climate control, and adaptive cruise control.

Compare Versa Trims Side-By-Side