2021 Subaru WRX vs 2020 Nissan Versa

The 2020 Nissan Versa shed its previous "big car" styling quirks, adopting a more refined and handsome appearance reminiscent of its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. This new design approach was a welcome change, as it avoided the oversized headlights and grille of the past, instead opting for a more balanced and appealing look. Inside, the Versa's cabin shared similarities with the Nissan Kicks, thanks to the shared V platform, offering ample interior space for a subcompact sedan. The cabin was straightforward yet stylish, featuring a two-tone theme with dark charcoal and grayish cream accents, and seats with unique center panel designs. The Versa was available in three trims: S, SV, and SR, with the SV trim offering a good balance of price and features, including upgraded cloth fabric, an armrest, and an enhanced infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX was often seen as having an adolescent aesthetic, with its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid giving it a sporty appearance. While it looked tamer than the racier WRX STI, the WRX still exuded a sense of speed, even when stationary, thanks to its aerodynamic bodywork and functional hood scoop. Inside, the WRX's cockpit was function-first, with a focus on practicality over luxury. The interior was reminiscent of other Subaru compact cars from the past decade, with hard plastics contributing to its less refined reputation compared to rivals like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX was available in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, with the Limited trim offering leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and optional navigation and premium stereo.

The 2020 Nissan Versa was powered by a revised 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous generation's output. This engine drove the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or a CVT, with the manual available only on the base S trim. The CVT, standard on the SV and SR trims, managed power well and offered a Sport mode for a livelier driving experience. The Versa's acceleration improved, making it more capable of reaching highway speeds, and its steering was responsive, providing a fun driving experience. Fuel economy was decent, with the manual transmission returning 27 mpg city, 35 highway, and 30 combined, while the CVT achieved 32/40/35.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Buyers could choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Despite being the most powerful in its class, the WRX required skillful rev management to fully exploit its potential. The CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the engine in the powerband effectively. The manual transmission, however, was criticized for its vague clutch feel. The WRX's Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring enhanced cornering precision, while its well-weighted steering made it enjoyable on winding roads. However, the WRX's ride was stiffer compared to competitors like the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained its predecessor's trunk size, offering 15 cubic feet of cargo space, one of the largest in its class. However, it lost 6 inches of rear legroom, making the backseat less accommodating for adults on longer journeys. The front seats provided ample legroom, even for taller drivers, making it a suitable choice for personal commuting.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, with its conventional sedan layout, offered 12 cubic feet of trunk space, more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and significantly less than the VW GTI. The WRX's interior packaging felt dated, with limited in-door bottle-holder space. The driving position was commanding and comfortable, with good visibility, and the rear seats could accommodate four adults comfortably, highlighting the advantages of a sedan layout.

The 2020 Nissan Versa impressed with its standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and hands-free text-messaging assistant. The SV trim featured the upgraded NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an enhanced digital instrument panel offering various displays and safety alerts.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim offered an optional package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, though the tech felt dated compared to newer models.

The 2020 Nissan Versa included a range of standard driver-assistance features, such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also featured a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. The EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available only on the Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Other safety options, like adaptive high beams and blind-spot monitoring, were exclusive to the Limited trim.