“I enjoy this car. I like the feel of the car when driving on the road. Easy to drive.”
Nissan Versa: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Nissan Versa is an affordable compact car sold mainly as a sedan, with hatchback versions in earlier years. It is known for low running costs, easy city driving, useful interior space, and modern safety features in newer models.
Across its history, the Versa has been Nissan’s straightforward small car for buyers watching their budget. Sedan and hatchback versions focused on economy, passenger room, and day-to-day usefulness rather than speed or luxury. Over time, especially with the 2020 redesign, it grew from basic transportation into a more grown-up car with better cabin design, touchscreen technology, and stronger driver-assistance features.
Strengths
- The Versa keeps fuel costs low, and some 2025 configurations were rated at up to 40 mpg on the highway.
- Its cabin and trunk make good use of a small footprint, giving it more everyday practicality than its size suggests.
- Newer models offer a strong set of safety and driver-assistance features for an entry-level car.
- Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in traffic and fit into tight parking spaces.
- The 2020 redesign gave the Versa a more modern interior and a more substantial feel than earlier bare-bones models.
Who it's for
The Versa suits budget-conscious commuters, first-time buyers, students, and anyone who needs simple daily transportation. It makes the most sense for city and suburban driving, where its small size and low fuel use matter more than strong acceleration or upscale finishes.
Nissan Versa lineup
Across much of the Versa’s history, the S has been the simple value trim for shoppers who want the essentials. The SV is the practical middle choice, with more everyday convenience and phone-friendly technology. Pick the SR for sportier styling and more comfort, especially among recent models, rather than for a major performance upgrade. Older SL models served as the feature-focused step above SV before the newer S, SV, and SR ladder became established.
Nissan Versa generations
From 2009 to 2025, the Versa spans three generations. The current 3rd Generation arrived for 2020, following the 2nd Generation — N17 Sedan / E12 Versa Note (2012–2019).
3rd Generation (2020–2025)
The Versa became a sedan-only model with a more modern design, a stronger 122-hp 1.6-liter engine, a better interior, and more standard safety technology. A 2023 update revised the front styling and added equipment within the trim range.
368 In Stock
2025
The final U.S. model year carries over with S, SV, and SR trims and no significant product changes.
2024
The refreshed design, trim lineup, engine, and equipment carry over from 2023.
2023Mid-cycle update
Revised front styling, a new grille, and updated Nissan badging freshen the design. Trim-specific technology and convenience features also expand.
2022
The engine, S, SV, and SR trim structure, and safety technology carry over.
2021
The redesigned sedan returns with the same trims, engine, and overall equipment layout.
2020New generation
A full redesign brings a more modern sedan, a 122-hp engine, a better interior, a standard 7-inch touchscreen, and more standard safety features.
2nd Generation — N17 Sedan / E12 Versa Note (2012–2019)
The N17 sedan arrived for 2012 on a new small-car platform with a new 1.6-liter engine and better fuel economy. The more modern E12 Versa Note hatchback joined for 2014, so this era includes two body styles with separate update schedules.
29 In Stock
2019
A 7-inch touchscreen becomes standard across the sedan and Versa Note. This is the final year for both older designs.
2018Trim changes
The Versa Note SL leaves the lineup, simplifying the hatchback range to S, SV, and SR. Late-model-year cars also receive updated 7-inch touchscreen audio systems.
2017Mid-cycle update
The Versa Note hatchback gets revised front and rear styling plus small cabin-layout changes. Sedan updates are minor.
2016Trim changes
The sedan gains small equipment upgrades, while the Versa Note SV receives more standard cabin technology and an adjustable cargo floor.
2015Mid-cycle update
The sedan gets refreshed front and rear styling. The Versa Note adds SR and SL trims, and Bluetooth phone connectivity becomes standard across the hatchback lineup.
2014Trim changes
The all-new E12 Versa Note joins as a modern five-door companion to the existing sedan, with more flexible cargo space and newer technology.
2013Trim changes
The new S Plus trim joins the sedan lineup. Cars with the continuously variable automatic transmission improve to an EPA-rated 40 mpg highway.
2012New generation
The all-new N17 sedan debuts with a redesigned body, a new platform, a new 1.6-liter engine, and better fuel economy. The older hatchback continues for one final run.
1st Generation — C11 (Ending 2012)
The C11 Versa was sold as both a sedan and a hatchback, with 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter engine versions. The sedan was replaced for 2012, while the older hatchback continued into that model year.
1 In Stock
2011
The sedan and hatchback carry over after the previous year's update, with the same basic trims and engines.
2010Mid-cycle update
Revised grilles, wheel designs, interior materials, and gauges freshen the full range. The 1.8-liter trims also gain upgraded braking equipment as standard.
2009Trim changes
New 1.6-liter sedan trims join below the existing 1.8-liter models.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Nissan Versa.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Versa only a sedan?
Not across its full used-car history. The U.S. Versa from 2020 through 2025 is a sedan, while the Versa Note was a five-door hatchback from 2014 through 2019. Earlier first-generation Versas also included sedan and hatchback versions.
Does the Nissan Versa come as a hybrid?
No. The Versa uses a gasoline engine rather than a hybrid system. The latest generation has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower.
Does the Nissan Versa have AWD?
No. The Versa is a front-wheel-drive small car, and the latest lineup is front-wheel drive only. It is aimed more at efficient commuting and easy city driving than poor-weather traction or off-road use.
Is the Nissan Versa good on gas?
Yes. In the latest lineup, EPA ratings range from 27 to 32 mpg in the city and 35 to 40 mpg on the highway, depending on the transmission and trim. Older Versas vary by year and body style.
Is the Nissan Versa roomy enough for everyday use?
Yes, especially for a subcompact sedan. The latest Versa seats five, has 31 inches of rear legroom, and provides 14.7 to 15 cubic feet of trunk space. The older Versa Note hatchback offers a folding rear seat and a more flexible cargo area.
Who is the Nissan Versa a good fit for?
It suits commuters, first-time drivers, and city dwellers who want simple controls, good fuel economy, easy parking, and useful cabin space. Third-generation cars also suit shoppers who want modern automatic braking and lane-departure warning in a small sedan.
What are the main Nissan Versa generations to know?
The main breaks are the first generation, followed by the second-generation sedan from 2012 through 2019 and the Versa Note hatchback from 2014 through 2019. The redesigned third-generation sedan ran from 2020 through 2025 and brought a more modern cabin and much stronger safety tech.
Does the Nissan Versa have a manual transmission?
Yes. In many third-generation years, the base S uses a five-speed manual, while an automatic CVT is found on other S models and is standard on SV and SR. Older Versas vary, so verify the transmission on the individual car.
Nissan Versa Reviews
What owners are saying about the Nissan Versa.
4.0
Nissan Versa
(4,461 reviews)
“It would be nice to have map lights. The wipers are frustrating as the intermittent setting does not give many options and isn't much different from the low setting.”
“If you want a small vehicle that can get you around for a good price on gas nowadays as well as be comfortable for the ride for long and short trips with decent room in your trunk but still looks good this is your car.”
“If you want a great gas mileage, smooth ride, safe lane changing, beautiful car go with the Nissan versa.”
“Holds allll of my camping gear and still seating for three. No cup holders other than the one below dash. Lame. I didnt notice the gas tank only goes 340miles. Ive never had a car go less than 450 on a full tank so this was a bug disappointment. Gas mileage is decent for commuting. 33.8 avg.”
“No middle console storage, nowhere to put elbow while driving, which is weird. Seats aren't that comfortable and audio quality is very subpar.”
Sources
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2025 / 2025 Nissan Versa Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2024 / 2024 Nissan Versa Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2023 / 2023 Nissan Versa Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2022 / 2022 Nissan Versa Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2021 / 2021 Nissan Versa Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2020 / 2020 Nissan Versa Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2019 / 2019 Nissan Versasedan Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2019 / 2019 Versa Note Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2018 / 2018 Versa Sedan Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2018 5 / 2018 Nissan Versasedan En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2018 5 / 2018 5 Versa Note Brochure En
- es.nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2017 / 2017 Nissan Versa Note Brochure En