New car prices have soared over the past decade, with the average transaction now topping $48,000. Budget-friendly options have all but disappeared, as automakers chase bigger profits with crossovers and trucks.
Yet the 2025 Nissan Versa Sedan stands out as the only new car in America starting under $20,000. And it’s more than just cheap—it offers impressive fuel efficiency, roomy interior space for its size, and a long list of standard safety features that used to be premium add-ons.
For anyone who just wants a practical, reliable ride, the Versa delivers. In a world of high sticker prices and overstuffed options, it’s a refreshingly honest car at an honest price.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Nissan and other authoritative sources, including the EPA and TopSpeed.
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Engine
Power
Torque
Fuel economy
1.6-liter inline-four
122 hp
114 lb-ft
Up to 40 mpg
For a car starting under $18,000, the 2025 Nissan Versa packs impressive specs for the price. The base S trim kicks off at $17,390, while the top SR hits $21,390—both before destination fees.
Nissan offers three trims: S, SV, and SR. The S comes with a five-speed manual by default, though you can option up to a CVT, which is standard on the SV and SR.
As of May 30, 2025, Nissan has reportedly ended production of the five-speed Versa, retiring the cheapest manual car in America. The CVT is now the only transmission available across the Versa lineup.
Every Versa is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. It’s not a powerhouse, but that’s exactly what you want in a subcompact focused on efficiency.
Pair it with the CVT, and the Versa hits an EPA-estimated 32 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. Those numbers make its already low price go even further at the pump.
The ’25 Nissan Versa might not claim the crown as the most efficient gas-powered car, but its 1.6-liter four-cylinder delivers impressive MPG for a compact sedan.
Fuel economy varies slightly by transmission. The five-speed manual averages 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined, while the CVT bumps that up to 32 city / 40 highway / 35 combined, according to the EPA.
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The Nissan Versa keeps its interior design simple, and that works in its favor. Everything—from driver controls to the infotainment system—is easy to reach, giving the cabin a sleek, modern feel.
Higher trims step up with fancier features, but even the base S offers solid quality for a very low price.
The S trim comes with standard cloth seats, while the SV upgrades to premium cloth, and the SR gets sport cloth. Leather isn’t offered, but the SR adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter for a touch of luxury.
Every Versa features matte carbon-fiber interior door trim, giving the cabin a surprisingly upscale feel. All trims include a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a four-way manual passenger seat.
The tech inside the Nissan Versa is arguably the biggest perk, offering modern features at a price most new cars can’t touch. That said, many of the more useful upgrades come standard only on the higher trims.
The base S trim comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, while the SV adds NissanConnect for a smarter, connected experience. The SV also includes a digital gauge cluster, giving the cabin a more modern, driver-focused feel.
Step up to the SR trim, and the touchscreen grows to 8 inches, still featuring NissanConnect. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard only on the SR, even though most 2025 cars include them across the board.
That said, every Versa trim gets Bluetooth hands-free calling and wireless charging, keeping even the base model connected and convenient.
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Even as a subcompact sedan, the Versa surprises with practicality, making it a solid choice for city commutes or longer road trips.
Inside, there’s plenty of headroom: 39.5 inches up front and 36.3 in the back. Hip room measures 50.9 inches in front and 50.1 inches in the rear.
Legroom is generous up front at 44.1 inches, though the back seats are a bit cozier at 31 inches.
The Versa also impresses with trunk space, offering up to 15 cubic feet for groceries, luggage, or weekend gear.
For comparison, the now-discontinued Kia Rio had just 13.7 cubic feet, making the Versa one of the most practical subcompact sedans around.
Safety is a big part of what makes a car practical, and the Versa delivers in spades. Every model comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes:
Even with class-leading specs and features at the most affordable price in its segment, the Nissan Versa will end production after the 2025 model year. The Altima and Maxima are also being phased out around the same time.
Nissan is making room for electric vehicles as part of its push into the future. Crossovers are also booming, offering the practicality of a sedan with extra space and fuel efficiency.
While the Versa’s production run is ending, it’s still a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable, budget-friendly new car—at least while dealer lots still have them.
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