2022 Nissan Versa Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Not everyone has thousands and thousands of dollars to invest in a new car. Folks who are trying to stick to a budget should take a look at the 2022 Nissan Versa. Not only is the new Versa extremely affordable, but it also delivers good fuel economy. A class-leading number of advanced safety technologies makes this subcompact sedan even more appealing. Let’s dive into the reasons why you should consider buying a Versa.

What’s New for 2022?

No significant changes were made to the 2022 Nissan Versa. From its trim options to its powertrain, everything remains the same.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Nissan Versa – The Pros

1. Fuel-Efficient Powertrain

With only 122 horsepower resting under the hood, the Versa is obviously not a high-performance car. It puts a bigger emphasis on saving drivers more money at the pump. While a five-speed manual gearbox is offered, Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission greatly enhances overall efficiency. It effectively keeps the engine running at a low rpm, thus decreasing fuel consumption. Drivers can expect the Versa to return up to an EPA-calculated 32 mpg town/40 mpg freeway using regular unleaded gas.

2. Great Car for Running Errands

The 2022 Nissan Versa is perfect for running errands and commuting. This is a very easy car to drive. Accurate steering helps drivers to feel confident in every situation. Another big plus is the sedan’s tight turning radius, which makes it less challenging to maneuver in small spaces. Owners will also appreciate the car’s excellent brake feedback. Another one of the Versa’s great attributes is its comfy ride. The suspension system gets top marks for its ability to isolate road imperfections.

3. Has a Premium Look

Unlike some other economy cars, the 2022 Nissan Versa does not have a cheap look. It features some of the same eye-catching styling cues found on the Nissan Altima, including a cool V-Motion grille and a “floating roof” design. Of the available trim levels, the base Versa S looks the plainest. Drivers seeking the most flair will want the range-topping SR trim. Larger 17-inch alloy wheels and a trunk spoiler help it to rank among the segment’s best-looking models.

4. Among the Country’s Most Affordable Cars

The new Versa is on the list of America’s most affordable vehicles. It will appeal to drivers who are looking for a low-cost commuter car. Prices for the Versa start at a tad more than $15,000. However, even the top-of-the-line SR model has a listed MSRP of less than $19,000. Most people will be happy with the Versa’s list of standard equipment. Some of the rewarding features include a touchscreen infotainment system, three USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity.

5. Good Day-to-Day Comfort

Most people will find the 2022 Nissan Versa to be a comfy daily driver. There’s an exceptional 44.5 inches of legroom in the front, which makes the Versa more than suitable for taller drivers. Nissan also equips the versa with its outstanding Zero Gravity seats. Few seats in the class are as relaxing. They are specially engineered to minimize stress on the back, thus allowing passengers to experience hours of comfort. In contrast to some compact cars, the Versa is great for holiday road trips.

6. Optional Convenience Package

A Convenience package is on the range-topping SR trim’s list of options. It allows you to experience a bit more luxury on the road. The heated seats are bound to make winter driving a bit more relaxing. Smart cruise control is also included in the Convenience package. When activated, this system can automatically control acceleration and deceleration. Traveling on the highway will be a less stressful event. Another key amenity is the package’s automatic climate control system.

7. User-Friendly Infotainment System

Even the most affordable version of the 2022 Nissan Versa provides a user-friendly infotainment system. The unit’s full-color touchscreen display performs well. Automotive reviewers rave about how easy this interface is to operate. Convenient buttons and knobs enable users to quickly access functions. While traveling on a busy roadway, drivers can take advantage of the system’s voice-command capability. Upgraded versions of the interface provide satellite radio and advanced smartphone integration.

8. Offers a Class-Leading Number of Active Safety Tech

No other car in the segment comes standard with more accident-avoidance technologies. Whether a pedestrian is crossing the street or another vehicle suddenly stops in front of you, the Versa’s automatic emergency braking can intervene. Rear automatic emergency is exclusive to this class. It gives drivers greater protection when backing up in busy areas. Other safety features equipped on the Versa include blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic detection, and lane departure alert.

9. Good Safety Profile

The Versa’s solid crash protection makes it an even better car for commuting. Impressive impact scores enabled the Versa to snag an NHTSA five-star overall safety rating. This car received a flawless rating in every side-impact test. Drivers who do a lot of traveling at night should consider stepping up to the SR trim. Its LED headlights better illuminate dark roads.

10. More Than Adequate Trunk Space

Drivers will appreciate the Versa’s rather large trunk. This provides 15 cubic feet of cargo space. Most subcompact sedans can’t hold as much cargo as the 2022 Nissan Versa. It’s almost as accommodating as the midsize Nissan Altima. Drivers can bring along extra luggage when traveling.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Nissan Versa – The Cons

1. Does Not Pack a Lot of Performance

Like the overwhelming majority of cars in this class, the 2022 Nissan Versa does not put a big priority on performance. Folks who desire driving fun will need to look elsewhere. While the new model feels noticeably more responsive than the previous-generation Versa, drivers should not expect quick acceleration. According to road tests, the Versa has a 0-60 mph time of around 9.7 seconds.

2. Backseat May Not Provide Enough Space

While the Versa may suit the needs of small families, others will need more space. Some of the Versa’s competitors have a roomier backseat. When sitting behind a tall front passenger, adult-sized rear occupants may not have enough knee space. Larger families will be happier traveling in the Nissan Altima.

3. Not the Best Performer in Snow

The 2022 Nissan Versa is strictly a front-wheel-drive car. An AWD system is not offered. While the Versa will handle most conditions with no trouble, more than a few inches of snow will reduce traction. Folks who live in an area that regularly experiences wintry weather may need an AWD-equipped vehicle.

4. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Don’t Come Standard

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto greatly simplify the process of integrating a smartphone. Unfortunately, these highly popular features do not come standard on the Versa. To get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, buyers must step up to the mid-level SV trim. Keep in mind that the Versa SV is over $2,500 more expensive than the base model.

5. Manual Transmission Reduces Fuel Economy

Some drivers will prefer the Versa’s manual gearbox. However, it does cause this sedan to sacrifice gas mileage. When equipped with a manual transmission, the Versa has an estimated fuel economy rating of 27 mpg town/35 mpg freeway. Trims mated to an automatic CVT are quite a bit more efficient.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

2022 Nissan Versa vs 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage

The Nissan Mirage is even less expensive than the new Nissan Versa. It also has a lengthier warranty. However, don’t expect the Mirage’s interior to be as nice. The inside of the Mirage looks and feels like an economy car. When behind the wheel of the Mirage, drivers can also expect to hear more noise entering the cabin. A less powerful engine puts the Mirage at another disadvantage. Road tests show the Mirage takes around 12.8 seconds to hit 60 mph, which is clearly on the slow side.

2022 Nissan Versa vs 2022 Chevrolet Spark

When shopping for an inexpensive commuter car, many people will be considering the Chevrolet Spark. While the Spark has a lower MSRP, its interior quality is not as good. The Spark also has a slightly lower fuel economy rating. A more impressive number of safety technologies give the Versa another edge over the Spark.

2022 Nissan Versa vs 2022 Hyundai Accent

Automotive reviewers rank the Hyundai Accent among today’s most appealing subcompact cars. A long warranty and spacious cabin help make it a great pick. However, far more advanced safety technologies are offered on the Versa. To even get automatic emergency braking, Accent buyers must step up to the car’s range-topping Limited trim.

Conclusion

The 2022 Nissan Versa is an affordable, well-equipped commuter car. While the Versa may not put a big emphasis on performance, drivers will appreciate its stable handling and bump-free ride. Every trim level features a class-leading amount of safety tech. Furthermore, this subcompact car is actually good for taking out-of-town trips.

While the Versa is among the segment’s top options, it does have some downsides. It’s not the best car for tackling heavy snow. Some drivers may also need a roomier vehicle for their family.