Many drivers are looking for affordable ways to get around. But with the price of vehicles going up every year along with gas prices, this keeps becoming an increasingly difficult proposition. When you factor in the need for things like advanced safety systems and even the most basic comfort features, you are looking at a significant outlay of cash each time you go to buy a new car. This is why so many drivers who are looking for value turn to the Nissan Versa.
Since its introduction in 2007, the Versa has stood out as a solid choice for commuters, students, young drivers, and other drivers on a budget who still want a vehicle that delivers performance and reliability. The 2024 Nissan Versa is in its third generation, which was introduced in time for the 2020 model year. Prior to its third generation, Nissan offered the Versa in a hatchback version that was called the Note from 2016 to 2019. However, since that time, the Versa has been a four-door subcompact sedan that produces exceptional fuel economy, excellent standard safety features, and a surprisingly roomy interior. Nissan has also kept the price of a new Versa down, making it one of the most affordable vehicles available today.
Pricing and Trim Level
You may have heard of inflation. This year alone, it has been holding steady at around 3.2%. But you know who doesn’t seem to have heard anything about inflation? Nissan, the brand that decided to keep the price of the 2024 Versa virtually the same as the year before. No matter which of the three trim levels you choose, your 2024 Versa will have almost the same price as the 2023 Versa. 2024’s entry-level Versa S has a base MSRP of $16,290—approximately $300 more than in 2023—making it the lowest-priced new car in America.
Despite its low price, the Versa S is chock full of technology and great features. Still, if you want more features like a wireless charger and 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels instead of 15-inch steel wheels, you can opt for a 2024 Versa SV with an MSRP of $19,580, only a thousand dollars more than the 2023 model. Finally, the top trim 2024 Versa SR has a base MSRP of $20,695 and adds heated front seats, LED headlights, 17-inch machine-finished aluminum wheels, and a host of other great features. Imagine being able to buy the top trim of a new car for less than the price of the base trim on most other models. Nissan delivers this value to you.
A Standard Engine With a Twist
Every trim of the 2024 Nissan Versa features a 1.6L I-4 gas engine. This has a dual overhead camshaft design, with 16 valves for its four cylinders. The engine also features continuously variable valve timing, which shuts down some of the valves at lower speeds to improve fuel economy while providing efficient performance.
Despite its small size, this engine delivers solid performance. The Versa can go from 0 to 60 MPH in an acceptable 9.5 seconds, with a top speed of 115 MPH. This will provide enough acceleration to merge onto busy highways safely and easily. The Versa can do this because the engine uses sequential multi-point fuel injection to deliver 122 hp at 6300 RPM and 114 lb-ft of torque at 4000 RPM.
The twist is the choice of transmission. The 2024 Nissan Versa S gives you a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or an Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). The CVT performs more like an automatic, so you don’t have to hassle with a clutch and gearshift. However, choosing the CVT over the manual transmission adds about $1,670 to the base MSRP on the Versa S. The SV and SR trims come with a standard CVT transmission.
Fuel economy
One of the hallmarks of the Versa is its exceptional fuel economy. Not only does Nissan provide an incredibly affordable price tag, but it also helps you save money at the pump. The 2024 Versa is a front-wheel drive only model, which improves fuel economy. When you buy one with the five-speech manual transmission, you will get an EPA-rated combined fuel economy of 30 MPG. However, if you want to get the best fuel economy, it pays to spend a little more for the CVT on your Versa, giving you an impressive 35 MPG combined.
Interior space and appointments
The 2024 Versa has a 103.1-inch wheelbase. However, despite its small size, the Versa delivers a lot of passenger space. In fact, the design teams at Nissan have done an exceptional job of apportioning space within this model. For example, the front row provides 39.5 inches of headroom and 44.5 inches of legroom, which are both the most of any model in the Versa’s vehicle class. In addition, you will have no problem seating up to five passengers comfortably in the Versa, with 31 inches of legroom and 53.6 inches of shoulder room in the rear seat.
Even though the Versa is priced for those on a tight budget, you wouldn’t know that from the interior styling. The Versa S features cloth seats, while those on the SV have a premium cloth fabric. Still, the most comfortable of the three trims is the Versa SR, which has sports cloth fabric, heated front seats that come in handy on cold winter mornings, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel that improves grip and handling.
The Versa also provides a good amount of trunk space. The Versa S has room for up to 14.7 cu.ft. of cargo, while the SV and SR give you 15 cu.ft. of space for your belongings.
Nissan Intelligent Mobility delivers standard technology and innovation
Nissan has always been at the forefront of automotive technology. This is why the Versa is the most technologically advanced subcompact sedan you will find available today. Whether you want to stay connected or get to your destination safely, Nissan has you covered.
Each 2024 Versa comes with standard Nissan Safety Shield 360. This is a set of active driver-assist features that will help you reduce the chances of an accident, as well as the injuries you and your passengers may sustain in one. Lane Departure Warning will let you know if you have drifted out of your lane because you were distracted or tired. This will allow you to steer safely back into your lane, avoiding a collision with another vehicle.
Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection will let you know if there is an imminent collision with a vehicle in front of you. The system will then automatically engage the brakes to bring your Versa to a safe stop or reduce the damage caused by an unavoidable accident. This even works this way if the system detects a pedestrian in the path of your Versa.
The Versa also features standard High Beam Assist. This controls the high beams at night, so you don’t have to constantly turn them on and off as you approach other vehicles. Instead, you can focus on your driving. The 2024 Versa also helps you avoid rear-end collisions that can occur when backing out of a parking space. The RearView Monitor will show you what is behind your vehicle on the dashboard touchscreen so you can avoid objects, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Meanwhile, the Rear Automatic Braking will engage if another vehicle or pedestrian crosses behind your car as you are backing up.
Staying connected is almost as vital as staying safe, which is why every 2024 Versa features an infotainment system with a color touchscreen display. The Versa S has a seven-inch screen with Siri Eyes Free and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to make hands-free calls and texts from your smartphone. The Versa SV adds the NissanConnect system with a seven-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This lets you link your smartphone to the Versa’s entertainment system and stream your favorite apps. Still, the most advanced system is on the SR, which has the NissanConnect with an eight-inch touchscreen and adds NissanConnect Services powered by SiriusXM.
The 2024 Nissan Versa Is Brilliance on a Budget
Too many drivers think they need to give up the things they love in order to afford a car. The 2024 Nissan Versa shows that you can have the connectivity and performance features you want and the safety features you need in a roomy vehicle you can afford. This is why the Versa is such a good choice for a driver on a budget.