Nissan Versa

The Versa is Nissan's subcompact sedan for the US market — and the cheapest new sedan available since the Mitsubishi Mirage's 2024 discontinuation. Built at Nissan Aguascalientes, Mexico. Three generations. 1st gen (B11, 2007-2011): hatchback (Versa) and sedan, 1.6L or 1.8L I4. 2nd gen (B17, 2012-2019): sedan-only (the hatch became Versa Note), 1.6L HR16DE I4 (109 hp), 5-speed manual / 4-speed auto / Xtronic CVT. Earned reputation as 'cheap and cheerful' but rough cabin. 3rd gen (N18, 2020-present): dramatic step up in design, refinement, and tech. 1.6L HR16DE I4 (122 hp), 5-speed manual (S trim) or Xtronic CVT (SV / SR). 2025 facelift brought refreshed front fascia and updated 8-inch (S/SV) or 9-inch (SR) touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto. Standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite (auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert) — remarkable for a car starting under $18k. Trims: S (manual or CVT — bare-bones, ~$17k), SV (mid-trim with Safety Shield 360, CVT only), SR (top trim — 17-inch wheels, leatherette, heated seats, 9-inch touchscreen, ~$22k). The Versa's value proposition is genuinely strong: it's the only subcompact sedan still sold here, the manual transmission survives on the S trim (rare in 2026), and the safety suite is segment-leading at the price.