The 2023 Nissan Versa is a budget-minded subcompact that tops our charts for value and appeal.

The 2023 Versa is our best value pick for the subcompact sedan segment. It’s low cost, has good reliability expectations, high fuel economy, and a versatile design. The new styling introduced this year adds a contemporary and upscale look that wasn’t there before.

The only complaint we have with the Versa is that there are no hybrid or electrified options for the car. At 40 mpg with little fuss and the chance at a five-speed manual transmission for those who want a little more action in their budget ride, though, we’re pretty keen on the Versa.

For first-time buyers and those in need of a simple A-to-B commuter, the 2023 Nissan Versa offers a lot for your money.

The Kia Rio is priced roughly equivalent to the Versa in its base model, but doesn’t quite have as much content included. It’s a better-looking sedan, though, for most onlookers and that style can go a long way. It also features a much better warranty. The Versa, however, is just more value-oriented overall by comparison.

While not exactly apples to apples for comparison, with the Yaris being a hatchback instead of sedan, the Toyota is still one of the few subcompact options left outside of the SUV realm. The 2023 Yaris is more expensive than the Versa and has similar packaging. It’s also available as a hybrid for better fuel economy, but at a much higher price.

The Versa is one of the few vehicles where the base model is the best seller. Even among consumers (versus fleets). Most buyers are not likely to be buying at the base $17,000 or so level, however, and will likely be a thousand to fifteen hundred more after adding accessories.

The table below shows the most common trim levels and how much they will run you.

The biggest changes to the 2023 Nissan Versa are to exterior design. The front of the car has a less pointy and more on-brand stylistic look that matches other popular Nissan models. The “flying V” that makes up the general grille design is a little less aggressive, allowing more plastics in the styling to make the Versa more contemporary.

Another new addition is a wireless charging pad for smartphones that becomes available as an accessory with some add-on packages for the 2023 Versa. It’s standard in the Versa SR trim.

The 2023 Nissan Versa uses a well-vetted 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. The car is front-wheel drive only, with the base model having a five-speed manual and other trims having a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The manual transmission is part of why the base model Versa is so popular.

There is no sport or speed to the Versa’s drive qualities. It’s an economy sedan made to be both inexpensive and economic. There are no frills added to its engine output, suspension, or steering. But as a basic car, it’s a good daily with a “get there” attitude.

Most of the 2023 Versa’s performance metrics are geared towards fuel economy. The EPA rates the car at about 40 mpg on the highway (depending on transmission type). Most reviewers, including ourselves, were able to find better results in our testing. At high altitude, our highway test returned just shy of 41 mpg.

As an economy car, the 2023 Nissan Versa does well for itself.

The 2023 Nissan Versa has good crash test ratings and safety results. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates it with 5 out of 5 stars for crashworthiness. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates it with top scores of “Good” on most crash testing. The exception being for head/neck driver injury measures, which gets a second-best Acceptable rating.

We think that the 2023 Versa is a good choice overall for safety-minded drivers. Its standard safety equipment and crash test ratings point towards it being a safe car.

. The Nissan Versa is one of the most reliable entry-level, subcompact cars on the market. It receives average or better scoring from most reliability measuring outlets.

Consumer Reports considers the Versa to be average, but RepairPal gives it a 4.5 out of 5 from consumer feedback on reliability. Most agree that with proper maintenance, the car is capable of beating 100,000 miles of use without serious problems.

The base model Nissan Versa comes pretty well equipped for such a low-cost vehicle. The Versa SR, the top-most trim level, is the only version of the Versa with a factory option package. That is the Convenience package, which adds heated front seats, automatic climate, and adaptive cruise control.

There are also some dealership add-on options for the Versa, no matter which trim package is opted for. These include rubber floor mats, all-season tires, and a few other niceties.

We think that these additions are worth it if your climate and driving needs dictate them. For SR owners, the Convenience package is likely worth the added cost as well.

The 2023 Versa has a warranty that is about average for the industry. The highlight is its 5-year powertrain coverage, which is two years longer than some rivals offer. Extended warranties are also available to new car buyers at Nissan dealerships.

• Basic: 3 years / 36k miles
• PowerTrain: 5 years / 50k miles
• Nissan offers extended warranties on new car buys
• Some certified used Versa models have extended warranties
• If buying used look at our best extended warranties

Used models of the Nissan Versa are common. This generation was introduced in 2020, so some leased and first-buy versions of this car are now entering used dealer lots. So it would be worth shopping around to see if a used bargain is in the offing.

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