2021 Honda Civic vs 2020 Nissan Versa

The 2020 Nissan Versa shed its previous "big car" styling quirks, adopting a more refined and handsome design reminiscent of its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. This new look was a welcome change, as it avoided the oversized headlights and grille of its predecessor, instead opting for a more balanced and appealing aesthetic. Inside, the Versa's cabin shared similarities with the Nissan Kicks, offering ample interior space for a subcompact sedan. The straightforward yet stylish interior featured a two-tone theme with dark charcoal and grayish cream accents, adding a touch of flair to the economy-car segment. The Versa was available in three trims: S, SV, and SR, with the SV trim offering a well-rounded blend of features and affordability.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic continued to build on its legacy of segment-defining models, offering a design that was both familiar and polarizing. The Civic sedan, available in multiple trims, including the Touring trim with its striking Cosmic Blue Metallic paint, maintained its reputation for bold styling. While the interior design was not as dramatic as when it first debuted, it still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing. The Civic's cabin was spacious, akin to a midsize car from a decade ago, providing comfort for both front and rear passengers. The Touring trim's 18-inch wheels added to its visual appeal, making it a standout choice for those seeking a stylish compact car.

The 2020 Nissan Versa was powered by a revised 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT, delivered improved acceleration compared to its predecessor. The CVT, standard on the SV and SR trims, managed power effectively, offering a Sport mode for a livelier driving experience. Despite its modest power, the Versa's responsive steering and quick turn-in made it enjoyable to drive. Fuel economy was decent, with the CVT-equipped model achieving 32 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged engine, available on higher trims, provided ample power and a spirited driving experience. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and precise steering contributed to its composed and gratifying ride. However, the CVT, while efficient, was criticized for its droning noise and lack of responsiveness. Despite this, the Civic's fuel economy was impressive, with an observed average of 34.8 mpg, surpassing EPA estimates.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained a spacious trunk with 15 cubic feet of cargo space, making it one of the largest in its class. However, it sacrificed rear legroom, losing 6 inches compared to the previous generation. While the front seats offered ample legroom, the reduced rear space was noticeable for adult passengers. Despite this, the Versa remained a practical choice for personal commuting.

The 2021 Honda Civic, with its low seating position, required some effort to enter and exit. Once inside, the Civic offered a comfortable and roomy interior, comparable to a midsize car. The front seats provided excellent adjustability, while the rear seats offered good thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle. The Civic's trunk was spacious, with 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system. The center console provided exceptional storage options, enhancing the car's practicality.

The 2020 Nissan Versa impressed with its standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports. The SV trim added the NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an upgraded digital instrument panel. This setup offered a user-friendly interface and a range of helpful features, making technology integration seamless.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic's technology offerings showed their age. The base LX trim featured a 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity options. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a premium audio system. While the Civic's technology was functional, it lacked the sophistication and ease of use found in newer models.

The 2020 Nissan Versa came equipped with a suite of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. These features enhanced safety but also increased repair costs due to the complexity of the systems. Additional safety features included a reversing camera and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.

The 2021 Honda Civic featured Honda Sensing, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic also offered LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system. While effective, Honda Sensing was sometimes abrupt and indecisive. The Civic earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, providing peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.