2020 Nissan Versa review
Nissan Versa highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Solid leg room
- Flexible cargo space
- Available Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration
Cons
- Noisy cabin
- Ride can be bumpy
- Sluggish acceleration
Mileage (EPA estimate)
27 city, 35 highway, 30 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
A fun-sized subcompact loaded with tech.
Are you looking for a subcompact ride for comfortable and convenient commuting, carpooling, and running errands around town? You'll find that and more in the 2020 Nissan Versa. This five-passenger small sedan feels at home in the city and on the highway and provides everything you need for your daily drive. Equipped with a fuel-sipping powertrain with the choice of manual or automatic transmissions, the Versa ensures that you'll get the most miles per gallon to go longer between fills. With a roomy front seat and a deep trunk with plentiful cargo space, you'll be able to tackle your to-do list with ease. Abundant tech features and driver aids also add to the Versa's appeal. It's compact but packs a big punch.
All Nissan Versa years
What is new for the 2020 Nissan Versa?
- The Versa is available in a new trim called the SR.
- The S Plus trim has been discontinued for 2020.
- Versa trims have been upgraded with Lane Departure Warning, Remote Start, Blind Spot Monitor, Smart Key, Satellite Radio Ready, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Alloy Wheels as standard equipment this year.
- Front Seat Heaters and Parking Sensors features are now available as options on select trims.
- The S trim now comes with Power Windows, Power Locks, Cruise Control, and Automatic Transmission as standard equipment.
2020 Nissan Versa trims
S
Includes cloth upholstery, Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity, three USB ports, air conditioning, rearview monitor, and more.
SV
Adds 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, NissanConnect with seven-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, advanced voice recognition, heated sideview mirrors, and more.
SR
Adds 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED headlights, fog lights, automatic temperature control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more.
Nissan Versa photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Nissan Versa
1. Efficient powertrain
The 2020 Nissan Versa is an excellent subcompact car for commuting or running errands on the weekend. This model uses a fuel-sipping 1.6L four-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission on the S trim or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on the SV and SR. If you want to get the most miles to the gallon, the 1.6L and CVT are the way to go with an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
2. Refined interior
Nissan redesigned the Versa's interior for its third generation (2020–present) and improved the cabin's materials for a nicer look and feel. Each trim has its own unique cloth upholstery, including premium cloth in the 2020 Nissan Versa SV and sport cloth with accent stitching in the SR. Nissan also enhanced the subcompact's interior panels and doors with new finishes, making this generation feel more refined than earlier versions.
3. Roomy cabin
If you're looking for a subcompact with generous cargo and passenger space, the 2020 Nissan Versa will leave you impressed. For its third generation (2020–present), the Versa gains three more inches of front-seat legroom (44.5 inches) and front-seat hip room (50.9 inches). There's also 31 inches of rear-seat legroom for carpooling with coworkers.
The 2020 Nissan Versa S provides 14.7 cu-ft of trunk space, while SV and SR trims offer slightly more with 15 cubes. In addition, the subcompact's 60/40 split fold-down rear seats (standard on SV and SR; optional on S) makes it possible to carry longer items, and the wide trunk opening accommodates luggage for trips to the airport.
4. Abundant tech
The 2020 Nissan Versa comes very well-equipped with plenty of technology for a subcompact car. All trims include a seven-inch touchscreen display that anchors the dash and Bluetooth® hands-free phone and streaming audio connectivity. Three USB ports come standard to keep your devices charged while you drive. Stepping up to the SV and SR unlocks other desirable features, including a NissanConnect® infotainment system with advanced voice recognition and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ capabilities for seamless smartphone integration.
5. Standard driver aids
In addition to the 2020 Nissan Versa's impressive tech, you also gain several driver-assistance features to feel confident behind the wheel. All models come standard with pedestrian detection and lane departure warning to enhance highway and city driving, while automatic high-beam headlights ensure visibility on dark roads. Additionally, the forward and reverse automatic emergency braking system (standard on all trims) can help you avoid damage by low-speed parking impacts in tight spaces. SV and SR trims of the 2020 Nissan Versa also include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert for extra peace of mind.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Nissan Versa, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
The Kia Forte is a sporty compact sedan with a roomy interior that's great for commuting and road trips. 2017–2021 models feature a base 2.0L four-cylinder or there's an available 1.6L turbo four-cylinder on the 2017–2018 Forte SX and 2020–2021 GT trims. 2019–2021 Forte sedans also include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, as well as these standard features on base 2017–2021 trims:
Tilt and telescopic steering column
Air conditioning
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The Chevrolet Sonic is a small car delivering energetic performance with a 138-hp 1.4L turbo four-cylinder (standard on 2017–2018 LT Sedan and Premier trims and all 2019–2020 models). With the 1.4L engine and six-speed manual transmission, the 2017–2018 Sonic returns an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined.
17-inch aluminum wheels
Heated front seats
Six-way power-adjustable driver seat
The 2017–2021 Kia Rio comes with a 1.6L four-cylinder engine that returns an EPA-estimated 41 mpg on the highway (2020–2021 models), making it a great choice for commuting or running errands across town.
15-inch steel wheels
USB input
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Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Nissan Versa an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Nissan Versa 13th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Nissan VersaNissan Versa features and specs
S 2WD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Manual Transmission
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.6L
Horsepower
122
Torque (ft-lbs)
114
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
10.8
Wheelbase
103.1"
Overall length
177"
Width
68.5"
Height
57.3"
Leg room
F 44.5"/R 31"
Head room
F 39.5"/R 36.3"
Front tires
P195/65HR15
Rear tires
P195/65HR15
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Manual 5
2020 Nissan Versa FAQ
No, the 2020 Nissan Versa hatchback, unfortunately, is not available—the only body style is a subcompact sedan. If you are interested in a hatchback, consider the Nissan Versa Note, which is available in 2014–2019 model years.
The 2020 Nissan Versa is equipped with a 1.6L four-cylinder engine that can cover zero to 60 mph in 9.7 seconds (according to the manufacturer, when new), which is considered average for the subcompact sedan class.
The 2020 Nissan Versa SR is one trim above the SV and features additional standard features, including larger 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED lighting, and fog lights on the exterior. Interior appointments include a push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system.
To enjoy heated front seats, you'll have to add the optional Convenience Package, which is available only for the 2020 Nissan Versa SR trim. The package also includes intelligent cruise control, which automatically maintains the sedan's distance from vehicles up ahead.
More about the 2020 Nissan Versa
Color options
Exterior colors:
Aspen White Tri-coat
Brilliant Silver Metallic
Electric Blue Metallic
Fresh Powder
Gun Metallic
Monarch Orange Metallic
Scarlet Ember Tintcoat
Super Black
Interior colors:
Charcoal
Graphite
Interior details
The five-passenger 2020 Nissan Versa interior was redesigned for its third generation (2020–present) and features three more inches of front-seat legroom (44.5 inches) and front-seat hip room (50.9 inches). In the rear row, there is 31 inches of stretch-out space. All trims include standard cloth upholstery, and leather-trimmed seats are not available for this model year. Cargo capacity comes in at 15 cu-ft (SV and SR trims), which can hold groceries or luggage for a weekend trip. Additionally, the 60/40 split fold-down rear seats (standard on SV and SR; optional on S) make it possible to carry longer items.
Child seat details
The 2020 Nissan Versa can fit two car seats in the back row with three top tethers and two sets of LATCH anchors. This includes LATCH car seats, infant car seats, rear-facing convertible car seats, forward-facing convertible car seats, and booster car seats. Parents may find that the sedan's seat belts are difficult for young children to buckle themselves into a booster seat.
Performance
The 2020 Nissan Versa comes with a fuel-sipping 1.6L four-cylinder engine across all trims with a five-speed manual transmission on the S trim or a CVT on SV and SR trims. With the CVT, the 2020 Versa achieves a remarkable EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
Year comparison
2012–2019 Nissan Versa (second generation)
The second-generation Nissan Versa was released in 2012 with a 1.6L four-cylinder sedan and a 1.8L four-cylinder hatchback with manual or automatic transmission. In 2013, the Versa hatchback was discontinued, and the sedan's suspension and steering systems were revised the following year. Bluetooth connectivity became standard in 2015, and Nissan refreshed the Versa's interior and exterior styling that year. A four-speaker audio system also became standard in 2016, and an SV Special Edition Package was added for 2017. In 2018, the four-speed automatic transmission was discontinued, and the Versa added available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities the following year.
2020–Present Nissan Versa (third generation)
Nissan fully redesigned the Versa sedan for its third generation in 2020 to include a 122-hp 1.6L four-cylinder engine with a standard five-speed manual transmission or an available CVT. Automatic emergency braking became standard, along with more driver aids, including a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert. The third generation Versa also gained a seven-inch touchscreen display.
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