GREEN CHOICE

Nissan Versa

Name: 2018 Nissan Versa
Brand: Nissan

EPA MPG: 33 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 33 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

See All Ratings & Specs

Road Test

Nissan redesigned its entry-level Versa sedan, but not for the better. While the previous model was our top-rated subcompact sedan, the changes made to the new version have dropped it to the bottom of its category. On the positive side, this Versa gets much better fuel economy -- 32 mpg overall vs. 27 -- and it provides a roomy rear seat. But it's slow, noisy, and handles clumsily. Even considering its low sticker price, Nissan's small car also feels low-rent, especially compared with other subcompacts that are getting more refined with nicer interiors. The Versa scored a poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.

2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Nissan Versa

vs. Similar Cars

Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Volt

Honda Fit

Hyundai Elantra

Kia Niro

See All Models Reliability

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Poor

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Poor

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Poor

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2018 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2018 Nissan Versa

$4,375 - $6,225

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Chevrolet Cruze

$6,550 - $9,475

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Chevrolet Sonic

$5,525 - $8,000

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Chevrolet Spark

$5,250 - $8,500

EPA MPG 35 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Chevrolet Volt

$10,875 - $12,575

53 miles

42 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Fiat 500L

$7,175 - $9,550

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Ford C-MAX

$10,550 - $12,350

EPA MPG 39 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Honda Fit

$10,275 - $14,175

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Hyundai Accent

$7,025 - $8,725

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Hyundai Elantra

$7,200 - $11,450

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT

$ NA

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Kia Forte

$7,700 - $12,000

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Kia Niro

$8,400 - $13,100

EPA MPG 49 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Kia Rio

$6,500 - $8,300

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Kia Stinger

$12,300 - $20,100

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Mazda 3

$9,750 - $14,925

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Mitsubishi Mirage

$4,775 - $6,300

EPA MPG 40 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Nissan Kicks

$7,825 - $10,375

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Nissan Sentra

$5,625 - $9,650

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Nissan Versa Note

$6,275 - $7,550

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Subaru Impreza

$9,600 - $14,475

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Toyota C-HR

$11,500 - $12,575

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Toyota Corolla

$11,575 - $13,825

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Toyota Corolla iM

$12,400 - $12,725

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Toyota Prius

$13,950 - $17,600

EPA MPG 52 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Toyota Prius C

$12,025 - $14,500

EPA MPG 46 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Toyota Prius Prime

$16,550 - $19,375

25 miles

54 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Toyota Prius V

$ NA

EPA MPG 42 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Toyota Yaris

$8,300 - $13,625

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Toyota Yaris iA

$9,050 - $10,425

EPA MPG 35 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Volkswagen Golf

$9,100 - $22,075

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Volkswagen Golf Alltrack

$13,500 - $17,425

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen

$ NA

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2018 Volkswagen Jetta

$7,700 - $14,400

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.6-liter 4 (109 hp)

5-speed manual
CVT

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

Although it's more stylish with the 2020 redesign, the Versa continues to be a basic, inexpensive subcompact. Available as a sedan only, we found it easy to drive and user-friendly. Unlike most of its competitors, it comes with standard key advanced safety features, like automatic emergency braking. But the Versa is no joy to drive, with its stiff ride, dull handling, and droning engine. Fuel economy is good at 32 mpg overall, but some midsized sedans--let alone compact ones--can match or better that. The driver's seat is short on support, and unlike previous Versas, the rear seat is tight. A more substantial used car can be had at the same price, but those who consider the Versa should get the SV version for its blind spot warning and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The Versa received a refresh in 2023 with updated styling. 2025 versions received standard LED headlights on all trims.

2012-2019

2012 Redesign Year

The 2012 redesign of the sedan was a disappointment, eroding the previous car's budget-plush feel with a noisy and blatantly cheap interior and a so-so ride. While the previous model was our top-rated subcompact sedan, the changes made to this version dropped it to the bottom of the category. On the positive side, this Versa gets much better fuel economy -- 32 mpg overall vs. 27 -- and it provides a roomy rear seat. But it's slow, noisy and handles clumsily. Even considering its low sticker price, this version of Nissan's small car feels low-rent. This edition of the Versa also scored a poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.

2007-2011

2007 Redesign Year

Nissan's subcompact Versa debuted in 2007 in both hatchback and sedan versions. Although smaller than the Sentra, it packs an impressively roomy rear seat and its tall roofline allows easy access. The 1.8- liter, four-cylinder engine is relatively refined, but needs to be revved up to deliver power. The standard six-speed manual is a bit clunky; the optional CVT is the better bet where smoothness is concerned. Fuel economy is good, but not a standout at 28 mpg with the CVT. We found the ride relatively comfortable and quiet, but handling wasn't a long suit. Curtain airbags were standard, but antilock brakes were rare in early models. For 2010, changes included standard ABS for 1.8 S models, the 1.8 SL got stability control and ABS. This iteration of the Versa holds the distinction of being named one of our top rated subcompact sedans.