2016 Nissan Versa Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
Most of the changes from the 2015 model to this one have been applied to the Versa Note. For example, the SV Convenience Package, which included things like streaming audio, access to satellite radio and a backup camera and costs $690 extra a year ago, is now part of the standard offerings.
Changes to the Versa Sedan consist primarily of slight alterations to its trim.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2016 Nissan Versa – The Pros
1. Low Price
In fact, the Nissan Versa has topped various lists of the cheapest cars sold in the United States for the past few years. The sedan's cost starts at $11,990 while the hatchback is one of the lowest-priced five-door cars out there; its price starts at $14.230.
2. Comfortable Front Seats (For Quick Trips)
One of the best things about a 2016 Versa is that it is a great commuter car for a number of reasons. For one thing, it has decently comfortable front seats for shorter trips. However, note that they can turn uncomfortable when in the midst of a longer journey.
3. Plenty of Room for Back-Seat Passengers
However, those in the back seats will be more than happy with their surroundings as the amount of room back there is quite impressive as compared to other cars in this class. Some have compared the amount of space back there to the BMW 5 Series, and E-Class sedans put out by Mercedes-Benz.
4. Large Trunk Space
Those who purchase a 2016 Versa should have no trouble fitting their groceries or just about anything else that they want to fit into this vehicle's trunk. The sedans offer 15 cubic feet of room while the hatchbacks provide 19 cubic feet behind the back seats and 38 feet when they are folded forward.
5. Excellent Fuel Economy
Another benefit for those on a budget is the excellent fuel economy offered by the 2016 Nissan Versa. With a CVT, drivers receive an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on city streets and 40 mph on the highways with an overall average of 35 mpg, which places this car near the top when compared to its peers. Those figures are 27/36/30 with five-speed manual transmission and 26/35/30 when using a four-speed automatic.
6. Good Power for Normal Trips
The 2016 Versa is great for those looking for a more easygoing ride as its four-cylinder engine does provide a good amount of power for the normal trips that people do on an everyday basis.
7. Smooth Transmission
This vehicle's transmission is set to create a smoother ride than is offered by several other cars in this class. Also, some of the unimpressive aspects of how it handles and steers are things that many will not even notice, especially if they are not looking for a flashy driving experience.
8. Easy-to-Use Controls
Although they may be basic, the audio, climate and other controls located in the 2016 Nissan Versa are easy to find, read and reach due to its intuitive layout and clear labeling.
9. Excellent Visibility
The Versa offers excellent visibility to drivers due to its sizable windows, including a large one in the back of the hatchbacks, which is not a feature in several other cars in this class.
10. Improved Sound System over Previous Models
Although the 2016 Versa does require buyers to spend more for several features, people purchasing this year's model will receive an impressive four-speaker sound system that previous buyers had to pay extra for.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2016 Nissan Versa – The Cons
1. Noisy CVT
The CVT, which is what gives this vehicle outstanding fuel mileage, does get quite noisy when drivers accelerate quickly onto highways or other thoroughfares. It also causes the engine to have to rev up more than should be the case.
2. Low-Quality Interior Materials
The inside of the 2016 Nissan Versa is filled with hard plastic that several reviewers have described as "cheap." The overall design of this vehicle's interior also leaves quite a bit to be desired.
3. Few Standard Features
As compared to other vehicles in its class, the 2016 Nissan Versa offers far fewer standard features. For example, power windows cost extra, which causes those who do not pay that to enjoy the normally old-time experience of manually winding up their windows. Power door locks, an armrest for the driver and heated front seats cost extra too.
4. Struggles on Hills and Highways
Reviewers have reported that the 2016 Nissan Versa struggles when it attempts to overtake a hill, and its low horsepower does cause it some issues on highways. It also takes 11.5 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph, and the steering wheel requires more small corrections than should be the case when the vehicle is going at faster speeds.
How the 2016 Nissan Versa Stacks up to the Competition
The 2016 Versa Sedan is commonly compared to vehicles such as the Chevrolet Spark and Kia Rio.
- The 2016 Nissan Versa Sedan costs about $2,000 less than those other two vehicles.
- Its passenger volume is 90 cubic feet while the Kia Rio provides 88 and the Chevrolet Spark offers 83.
- The 2016 Versa Sedan is longer – 175 inches – and higher – 60 inches – than the Chevrolet Spark – 143 and 58 – and Kia Rio – 172 and 57.
Although this may not be the flashiest car out there and nobody would describe it as "sporty," it isn't trying to be that type of vehicle. In fact, it just may be perfect for those looking for a first car or to simply have a reliable vehicle to commute to school or work.
• 2018 Nissan Versa trim levels. What you get with each trim configuration.
