The redesigned third-generation Nissan Versa debuted just last model year. A subcompact sedan, the Versa competes with the Chevrolet Sonic, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio. Since it’s so new, there are no updates of note for the 2021 Versa.
Standard across all trims is a single engine: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. You get the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the latter of which mimics the feel of a regular automatic. Fuel economy for the Versa stands at 27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined with the five-speed manual, and 32 mpg, 40 mpg, and 35 mpg with the CVT. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the only configuration on offer.
Nissan gives you the choice of S, SV, and SR grades for the Versa. The base S trim level comes with 15-inch steel wheels, wheel covers, automatic projector halogen headlights, black door handles and mirrors, power side mirrors, power windows, a 7-inch touchscreen display, four speakers, satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free voice control, Bluetooth, and keyless start. The SV gives you the CVT, 16-inch alloy wheels, body-color mirrors and door handles, heated side mirrors, premium cloth upholstery, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Finally, the SL comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, six speakers, keyless access, sport cloth upholstery, fog lights, and LED headlights with LED signatures. Heated seats, automatic temperature control, and remote engine start are extra-cost options.
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 is standard across the Versa range. It consists of automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a (federally-mandated) rear-view camera. The only extra-cost feature, available on the SV trim, is adaptive cruise control. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ran the Versa through an abbreviated set of tests last year, giving it good scores.
The Nissan Versa is a fierce competitor in the subcompact arena.
