“the versa in general is just fine. i've had a lot of problems with the drainage filters and rain being brought back into the passengers cabin and therefore gotten under the seats of my car and moldy. dangerous for health and costly to repair”
2016 Nissan Versa: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Nissan Versa is a light, trim-focused update rather than a redesign. The biggest change is a broader standard tech and cargo package for the Versa Note SV.
About the 2016 Nissan Versa
Versa Sedan: 2nd generation (2012-2019), mid-cycle year after the 2015 refresh. Versa Note hatchback: U.S. first-generation Versa Note / E12-generation Note (2014-2019), pre-refresh year before the 2017 styling update.
Nissan positioned the Versa family as simple, space-efficient transportation for shoppers who wanted low running costs without giving up passenger room. The sedan leaned into roomy back-seat space and a large trunk for everyday commuting, while the Versa Note added hatchback flexibility and easy city maneuverability. Against rivals, the Versa’s main advantage was practical packaging and strong fuel economy rather than sporty performance or upscale materials.
The S is the straightforward starting point, while the S Plus adds a CVT for easier commuting. The Versa Note SR emphasizes style with unique body trim, a rear spoiler, fog lights, alloy wheels, and synthetic suede seat trim. The SL is the most feature-rich version, with navigation, a rearview camera, keyless access and start, fog lights, alloy wheels, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
The separate Note S, Note S Plus, Note SV, and Note SL entries were dropped. Note SR continued under the shorter SR name.
Tech
The Versa Note SV gained a standard 5-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, Bluetooth audio streaming, mobile-app integration, and the Divide-N-Hide adjustable cargo floor. The sedan lineup received four-speaker audio, while the SL's navigation system, touchscreen, and rearview camera changed from optional to standard.
Styling and interior
Body-color power mirrors became standard across the Versa Sedan lineup, and the sedan SL gained a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
2016 Nissan Versa specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 5-Spd | Auto, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Auto, CVT w/Xtronic | Auto, CVT w/Xtronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26–27 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35–36 mpg | 40 mpg | 40 mpg | 40 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Horsepower | 109 hp | 109 hp | 109 hp | 109 hp | 109 hp |
| Torque | 107 lb-ft | 107 lb-ft | 107 lb-ft | 107 lb-ft | 107 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.9–38.3 cu-ft | 14.9–38.3 cu-ft | 38.3 cu-ft | 14.9–38.3 cu-ft | 14.9–38.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37–38.3 in | 37–38.3 in | 38.3 in | 37–38.3 in | 37–38.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Cruise Control | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Folding Rear Seat | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Locks | |||||
| Power Windows | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Nissan Versa?
The biggest change is the Versa Note SV's expanded standard equipment. It gained a 5-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, Bluetooth audio streaming, mobile-app integration, and an adjustable cargo floor.
Was the 2016 Nissan Versa redesigned?
No, the 2016 Nissan Versa was not redesigned. The sedan followed its 2015 refresh with modest equipment updates, while the Versa Note remained largely unchanged ahead of its 2017 styling update.
Did the 2016 Nissan Versa get a new engine or transmission?
No, the engine and transmission lineup carried over for 2016. Every version retained a 1.6-liter four-cylinder; base S models used a manual, S Plus and higher trims used a CVT, and the sedan S retained its optional four-speed automatic.
How does the 2016 Nissan Versa differ from the 2015 model?
The 2016 Versa differs mainly through trim equipment. The Note SV gained more standard technology and an adjustable cargo floor, the sedans received body-color power mirrors and four-speaker audio, and the sedan SL added a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SL's navigation, touchscreen, and rearview camera also became standard.
Which 2016 Nissan Versa trims have a standard touchscreen and rearview camera?
The 2016 Versa Note SV has a standard 5-inch touchscreen and rearview camera, while the SL has a standard 5.8-inch navigation touchscreen and rearview camera. The SL system is the more feature-rich setup.
2016 Nissan Versa Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Nissan Versa.
4.0
2016 Nissan Versa
(760 reviews)
“The Nissan Versa has excellent gas mileage, smooth ride, comfortable seats, and an overall perfect car to just take off and go!”
“That if they are looking for something with great fuel economy and still has some go juice the Nissan Versa SV is a great choice. Longest I've gone without fueling is a month so it saves a lot.”