Nissan Versa vs Hyundai Accent

With a starting price below $15,000, the all-new 2018 Hyundai Accent is one of the most affordable cars on the market. But despite its low cost, Hyundai loaded the Accent with stylish design, desirable options, and a 10-year powertrain warranty.

Yes, similarly priced used cars can also be a great value, and buyers shouldn’t overlook the class-leading Honda Fit. But if you don't want to spend a lot to buy a brand-new car with a traditional three-box sedan design, the Accent is your best bet.

It’s getting hard to find a basic subcompact sedan, but Nissan is keeping the faith.

The Nissan Versa was introduced for the 2007 model year as the automaker’s entry-level model, slotting below the Sentra in the lineup. It was last redesigned for the 2020 model year, and for 2023 it gets a handful of updates, including freshened styling, more available tech features, and a new S Plus Package for the Versa’s base trim level. In addition to the Versa S, the lineup includes SV and SR models; we tested the latter for this review.

Since the Versa has been on sale, the ranks of subcompact cars have thinned considerably. The Chevrolet Sonic, Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, and Toyota Yaris are no longer sold in the United States. That leaves the Kia Rio and Mitsubishi Mirage G4 as the Versa’s main competitors. But, as is always the case in this market segment, shoppers must also consider whether to buy a new car like the Versa or a potentially better equipped used car for similar money.