Nissan’s Versa continues to be one of the most affordable new cars on the market. This subcompact front-wheel-drive (FWD) sedan starts at less than $16,000, and the entry-level Versa S is by no means a bare-bones model.
For 2023, the 5-seat Versa gets slightly refreshed exterior styling and additional features that add more value.
Most notably, the Versa front fascia is new, now sporting an updated version of Nissan’s V-motion grille. Moreover, the Versa SR gets new 17-inch alloy wheels, and buyers can order the SV and SR models in Gray Sky Pearl, a new paint color.
Although it’s a simple little sedan, the Versa boasts lots of standard safety technology. In addition to automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, every 2023 Nissan Versa gets a lane-departure warning, automatic rear braking, and automatic high-beam headlights. If you want a blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, these two highly recommended technologies come standard on the Versa SV and SR.
As in 2022, Nissan will sell the Versa in three trim levels: S, SV, and SR, all powered by a smooth-running 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. Only the Versa S is available with a manual transmission — a 5-speed manual. All other 2023 Nissan Versa models come with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), available as an option on the Versa S.
Despite its relatively diminutive size, the Nissan Versa offers excellent interior room, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The trunk also is large. At 15.0 cubic feet, it’s among the best in its class and nearly two cubic feet larger than the Toyota Corolla‘s.
In EPA fuel economy, the 2023 Nissan Versa also shines. The Versa S with the 5-speed manual is rated at 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined. All other Versa models with the automatic are rated at 32 mpg city/40 mpg highway/35 mpg combined.
If you’re looking for an affordable and pleasantly styled compact sedan with excellent interior room, good fuel economy, a great safety suite, impressive practicality, and some modern tech features, the 2023 Nissan Versa deserves a look.
Primary competitors include the Kia Rio and the Mitsubishi Mirage.
2023 Nissan Versa S: $15,730
Although it’s a base model with 15-inch steel wheels, the 2023 Nissan Versa S hides its humble origins with welcome features like power windows, power door locks, manual climate control, automatic on/off halogen headlights, cruise control, remote keyless entry, and a 4-speaker audio system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and three USB ports.
The base Versa also comes standard with a tilt/telescope steering wheel, which helps this little Nissan sedan accommodate drivers of all sizes. Also appreciated are a standard exterior thermometer and intermittent windshield wipers.
Unfortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are unavailable in the Versa S, which sports cloth upholstery and a non-folding rear bench seat.
If you want Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a 60/40-split folding rear seat, they are available in a new S Plus option package that also includes 16-inch alloy wheels. The automatic transmission is a $1,670 option.
Besides a standard safety suite highlighted by automatic emergency braking and a lane-departure warning, the 2023 Nissan Versa also has knee airbags for both front passengers and curtain airbags that deploy from the headliner to provide side-impact head protection.
Adding the $1,095 destination fee to the base price of the 2023 Nissan Versa S brings the total to $16,825. If you put no money down and finance for 60 months at 3% interest, your monthly payment will be about $302. See 2023 Nissan Versa S models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Versa S includes:
- Automatic emergency braking – The Versa will warn the driver of possible forward collisions. If the driver doesn’t react, the brakes are applied automatically.
- Auto on/off headlights – Once you get used to these automatic on/off headlights, you’ll never want to go back.
- Easy-Fill Tire Alert – When inflating a tire on the Versa, the car automatically chirps its horn when recommended pressure is reached.
2023 Nissan Versa SV: $19,020
As the midgrade Nissan Versa, the SV has several upgrades we like.
This trim level includes an upgraded cloth interior, 16-inch alloy wheels, a tire-pressure display, heated power outboard mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
But that’s not all. The Versa SV also gets a push-button starter, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, body-color exterior door handles, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and a 7-inch Drive-Assist Display between the speedometer and tachometer.
The Versa SV also comes with front and rear door inserts wrapped in cloth, chrome interior door handles, and Rear Door Alert, which won’t let backseat passengers open their doors if dangerous traffic is approaching from behind.
For 2023, the Nissan Versa SV gains a new center console with an armrest, plus a new interior color: Chambray.
Apart from a few upgraded paint colors, nothing else is optional on the Versa SV.
Adding the $1,095 destination fee to the SV’s base price totals $20,115. With no money down for 60 months at 3% interest, financing works out to about $361 per month. See 2023 Nissan Versa SV models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Versa SV includes:
- Efficient transmission – The CVT helps improve fuel economy — a Versa strong point.
- Driver-information display – A 7-inch display in the middle of the gauge cluster includes tire pressure levels, trip computer data, and more.
- Blind-spot monitoring – This system warns of traffic in your rear flanks, making lane changes much safer. Also included is rear cross-traffic alert, which warns of dangerous cross-traffic while backing up.
2023 Nissan Versa SR: $19,720
The SR is the sportiest Versa, with 17-inch alloy wheels, 205/50R-17 tires, a body-color rear spoiler, LED headlights, a dark chrome grille, and a new SR emblem on the front for 2023.
With the Versa SR, you also get black outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, upgraded SR seating fabric, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Further interior upgrades include automatic climate control, heated front seats, and an 8-inch color touchscreen display.
The 2023 Nissan Versa SR also comes with standard adaptive cruise control, which maintains the gap to the vehicle in front of you on the highway.
Further setting the Versa SR apart is a 6-speaker audio system, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and Intelligent Key, which allows you to lock and unlock the door by pressing a button on the door handle when you have the key fob in your possession. You can also open and close the Versa trunk and start the engine without inserting a key.
Also notable: The SR is the only 2023 Nissan Versa with NissanConnect, an app that lets you remotely lock your vehicle or even start the car with your smartphone or smartwatch — no keys needed.
Options? Upgraded paint, that’s it. There was a Convenience Package available the previous year, but its contents (heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, and automatic climate control) are all standard on the SR now.
Adding the $1,095 destination fee to the SR base price equals $20,815. With no money down, financing for 60 months at 3% interest works out to a monthly payment of about $374. See 2023 Nissan Versa SR models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Versa SR includes:
- LED headlights – LEDs are brighter and consume less energy than regular incandescent lights.
- NissanConnect – This app allows you to remotely lock your Versa or start it with your smartphone or smartwatch.
- Intelligent Key – With a key fob in your purse or pocket, the Versa doors automatically unlock when you push a button on the door handle.
