The Versa has been around since 2007, and over the years it has seen some changes. If you’re wanting a used model, we want to help make sure that you get one that will suit you and your family. We’ll go over the generations, as well as the individual years, so you know the best years to buy a used Nissan Versa.
Key takeaways
- The Nissan Versa is a solid road trip vehicle, able to get up to 40 mpg for models after 2012. Making it one of the best vehicles for families with kids who are in extracurricular activities.
- If you’re wanting something cheap, and not necessarily something with a ton of features, the S trim will be the way to go.
- The higher-end trims come with some of the features that we expect vehicles to come with today such as phone integration.
First Generation (2007-2011)
When this generation hit the market, it was only available as a hatchback, at first, with the sedan arriving later in the same year. This model came with three transmission options: the four-speed automatic, a CVT, and a six-speed manual. Coming in two trims the S and SL. The SL is the better of the two, coming with air conditioning, and power accessories, while they were paid options for the S.
The SL also came with some features that the S didn’t offer. These were cruise control, alloy wheels and optional Bluetooth connectivity. At the time of its release in 2008, this was the cheapest vehicle on the North American market.
Second Generation (2012-2019)
Much like the first generation, the 2013 Versa was considered to be the least-expensive car on the market. This was powered by a 1.6L engine that was estimated to get 30 mpg in the city, and 38 mpg on the highway.
If you manage to find a post 2012 Versa that is equipped with a CVT, you’ll be able to get up to 40 mpg on the highway, making this a very good daily driver, especially if you’re taking frequent road trips. With the EPA stating that the vehicle will get a combined 35 MPG.
The 2015 update saw addition of Bluetooth connectivity across all trim levels. The next year model didn't really see much for the Versa with 2017 bringing some new things including a new special edition. It hit the market coming with 15-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a better audio system.
To help keep things safe, the Versa came with some new tech. One of these was a Hands-free text assistant the other was a backup camera.
2018 saw the removal of the push button start on the SL trim. While this year removed something, a few things were added in the middle of the year. These things were a 7-inch touchscreen and rear-view monitor as standard equipment. This new touchscreen came with Bluetooth, Siri and USB/Aux inputs.
Third Generation (2020-Present)
Being that this generation is so new, there really hasn’t been too many changes as of yet. Coming with 3 trim levels, the S, SV, and SR. This new Versa came with Nissan Safety Shield. This came with a push-button ignition, 7-inch touchscreen, cruise control, power windows, and power door locks.
If you find a higher-end Versa, you’ll be treated to aluminum-alloy wheels, phone connectivity, Nissan Intelligent Key system and Primatex seating.
The base S trim saw the addition of Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto in 2023, thanks to the S Plus package being available. Bringing it more in line with the rest of the lineup.
Final thoughts
If you’re wanting one of the best daily drivers out there, it doesn't get much better than the Nissan Versa. If you’re wanting to browse our stock, come see us here at Scarpa Motors!