2019 Nissan Versa Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　

What's new

SV Special Edition gets more features this yearPart of the second generation Versa introduced in 2012

　　The 2019 Nissan Versa has a few things going for it, including a comfortable ride, pretty good fuel economy and a spacious interior. And when had in its most basic trim level, it's one of the least expensive cars on the market. It would certainly make a good choice for anyone who's a Lyft or Uber driver.

　　But that most inexpensive trim level offers only basic amenities, and the only transmission available is a five-speed manual. We think most shoppers will be attracted to the Versa's SV trim level with its optional Special Edition package. But for that price, the only thing the Versa has in its corner is high fuel economy. Most rival cars offer more power and nicer interior materials.

　　So while the most inexpensive Versa might make the most sense, it's the least appealing version of the car. If you absolutely need a new vehicle, and interior and cargo space are at the top of your list, the Versa might work out OK. Otherwise, we recommend checking rival sedans that are more appealing, such as the Chevrolet Sonic, Kia Rio and Toyota Yaris.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

　　

Driving

　　The Versa is a bland car to drive. It's slow to accelerate, and it feels soft and disconnected when you're driving around turns. It also gets noisy because of the droning engine caused by the continuously variable transmission. There isn't much good to say.

　　

Comfort

　　The Versa has a soft, springy ride that soaks up bumps quite well. Seat comfort is hampered by a lack of adjustability. And interior noise is excessive when accelerating aggressively due to the underpowered engine and the CVT.

　　

Interior

　　The Versa has a big back seat and it's easy to see out of, but that's about all that's good. The driving position suffers from lack of standard height adjustability and steering-wheel telescoping. Visibility is expansive. The quality of interior materials is subpar.

　　

Utility

　　Its 14.9-cubic-foot trunk challenges those of midsize sedans for space. It's enormous for a subcompact sedan. A folding rear seatback is found only in the SV. Small-item storage is poor apart from a big glovebox.

　　

Technology

　　Tech is pretty much restricted to a rearview camera, a USB port, Bluetooth and a touchscreen. You can get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the SV trim as an option. No accident avoidance tech is available.

　　

Which Versa does zzdcar recommend?

　　Only the SV trim level equipped with the Special Edition package (aluminum wheels, push-button start and a leather-wrapped steering wheel) is appealing. The Versa's less expensive trim levels are simply too bereft of style and substance to catch our eye. To put it bluntly, buy the most Versa you can afford to buy.

　　

2019 Nissan Versa models

　　The 2019 Nissan Versa is a subcompact sedan available in S, S Plus and SV trim levels. Every Versa sedan comes standard with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (109 horsepower, 107 pound-feet of torque). The base S trim offers only a five-speed manual transmission. The S Plus and the SV come standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

　　Standard equipment on the base S includes 15-inch steel wheels, power mirrors, manual locks and crank windows, a rearview camera, a 7.0-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a four-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio jack.

　　The S Plus adds a CVT automatic transmission, cruise control and a rear spoiler.

　　The SV trim adds upgraded cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, a driver-seat armrest, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, power locks and windows, chrome exterior door handles and keyless entry. The SV's Special Edition package adds 15-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, push-button start, a vehicle immobilizer and Nissan's Easy-Fill Tire Alert.

　　

2019 Versa Highlights

Trim: SS PlusSVS

　　

Base MSRP	$12,460
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$122/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles