There was once a time when buying a new car on a budget meant giving up some basic amenities, leading to the term “Econo-Box.” In these bargain-basement rides, there was not even the option for certain upgrades. But the 2018 Nissan Versa is an extremely affordable subcompact car that is not only comfortable enough for the daily commute, but also offers modern features like a reversing camera and voice-controlled texting. Have we mentioned that it’s one of the least expensive new cars on the market today?
The Versa features a rather traditional sedan layout, providing plenty of cabin and 14.9 cubic feet of trunk space. Nissan also offers the Versa Note hatchback, which is not covered in this preview. As automakers move to more ergonomic compact car layouts, the more conventional sedan silhouette is a refreshing option.
Despite its compact size, it has big-car features, like long headlights and taillights and a grille that roughly matches the size of the larger Nissan Altima. The upright layout gives the Versa a massive windshield and large side windows. The result is fantastic visibility while on the road.
The conventional theme is continued in the cabin, where the Versa has simple, easy-to-use controls. The large instrument panel dials gives the Versa an upscale feel, and the simplicity of the climate controls is almost a throwback element.
The 2018 Versa is available in three trims: S, S Plus, and SV. What the Versa has in cabin space and versatility, it lacks in standard features—it comes with the territory at its exceptionally low price point. All trims come standard with 15-inch steel wheels with covers, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, a four-speaker stereo with speed-sensitive volume control, and an auxiliary audio input. The S Plus adds a couple items—essentially a rear spoiler and cruise control.
Despite technically being the range-topping trim, the SV doesn’t add much. It does include chrome door handles, upgraded cloth swatches, remote keyless entry, USB input, and a 60/40 split-fold rear bench as opposed to the S and S Plus, which feature a fixed rear bench. The SV also comes with “Fine Vision” instrumentation, contributing to the previously mentioned upscale feel inside the cabin.
For 2018, Nissan is offering the SV Special Edition package on the SV trim. On top of what is offered on the SV, it adds 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, and additional chrome exterior accents. Inside, the Special Edition adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded Piano-black console lid, and an upgraded 5-inch color display with Bluetooth streaming audio capability, reversing camera, and hands-free text messaging.
The Versa has a single engine option—a 1.6-liter inline-4, sending 109 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. The base S trim comes with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the S Plus and SV come with a continuously variable transmission, or CVT.
The Versa’s steering is well-weighted and the suspension is set up for an artful blend of cornering and comfort. These qualities make it an ideal choice for a commuter car that blends comfort for sitting in traffic and capability for when the road opens up.
Fuel economy for the Versa with the 5-speed manual is 27 mpg city, 36 highway, 30 combined. The Versa with the CVT returns an impressive fuel economy of 31, 39, 34.
The Versa comes standard with front and side impact airbags, LATCH child seat anchoring system, vehicle dynamics control, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system with the easy-fill alert. When you are filling the tires, the Versa can sense the tire pressure and honk the horn twice when you’ve filled the tires to the recommended pressure.
The 2018 Versa has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the vehicle is largely carried over from the 2017 model, which earned four out of five stars in NHTSA crash testing and an overall score of Good in IIHS tests. Despite its good crash scores, however, the Versa lacks many of the latest safety technologies, like forward collision avoidance or adaptive cruise control.
With a base price of $11,990, the 2018 Nissan Versa is one of the most inexpensive new cars available today. The Versa S starts at $14,130, and the range-topping Versa SV starts at $15,720—still well under just about every other new car on the market.
Given its extremely low base price, the Versa can be forgiven for some of its content omissions, though fact the split-fold bench is an optional feature is a bit galling. But if you opt for the SV or Special Edition, you’ll find features that you would not expect in such an economical small car. If your goal is getting from Point A to Point B with minimal hassle and minimal expenses, few cars can match the attributes of the 2018 Nissan Versa.
I have a 2018 Versa and my coolant is very low. I’ve done some research and seeing that Nissan puts long lasting coolant in all their cars. Any ideas of why my coolant would run out so quickly? I just got my oil changed and they didn’t mention any leaking, though it’s entirely possible that it is. Just trying to get a better understanding of why long lasting coolant would be low in just a year
The floor on the passengers side is damp but the drivers side is wet.I notice this occurs after a rain
I just bought a brand new, off the showroom floor 2018 Nissan Versa three days ago. The car jerks around acceleration. I know jerking isn't "good" but I just bought this car so there couldn't be anything wrong right?
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brake width: 0.87 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: driver
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.07
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brake width: 0.87 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: driver
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.07
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brake width: 0.87 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: passenger side · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: driver
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.75
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brake width: 0.87 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: driver
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 4
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.75
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brake width: 0.87 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Armrests: drivers seat · Door trim: cloth · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: passenger side · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: driver
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.75
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 10.0 · Front brake width: 0.87 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Armrests: drivers seat · Door trim: cloth · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: passenger side · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: driver
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.75
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 16.8 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 20 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic