Nissan has been making the Versa since 2006, and it is a very affordable subcompact car with high fuel economy and impressive safety features. This vehicle is enticing for people looking for the cheapest cars to buy with the best options, but it does have some pros and cons. 

What is the cheapest new Nissan car?

The cheapest new car from Nissan is the base model 2023 Versa, which starts at $15,980. The base trim is the S with a manual transmission. If drivers want an automatic, they’ll have to spend at least $17,650. Nissan‘s 2024 Versa will cost $16,130, which still makes it the cheapest new car in the U.S. 

Drivers must know how to drive a manual to operate the cheapest new car, but once that requirement is met, the standard features in the Nissan Versa S are more than adequate. It has a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 122 HP and 114 lb-ft of torque. 

The Versa comes with 15″ steel wheels, wheel covers, and all-season tires. LED lights are not included in the base model; buyers get halogen projector headlights instead. However, the grille is modern with chrome accents, and the outside mirrors are powered. 

The driver assist technologies that come standard on the 2023 Versa S include cruise control, emergency braking, lane departure warning, high beam assist, rearview monitor, and hill start assist. 

Optional exterior embellishments include a chrome trunk finisher, side-window deflectors, and a rear spoiler, each at an additional cost. The Nissan also has a lighting package for $705, which includes ground lighting and programmable interior light options in the foot wells and cup holder. 

The interior cabin is modern but simplistic. The standard seats are a dark charcoal cloth. The legroom in the front seat is an acceptable 44.5 inches, but the legroom is much less at 31 inches. Headroom and legroom are prioritized in this subcompact vehicle, so taller drivers may like the Nissan Versa. 

Pros of the 2023 Nissan Versa

The biggest pros of the 2023 Nissan Versa are price, fuel economy, and safety. 

The price for both the 2023 and 2024 Nissan Versa are among the lowest for new vehicles in the U.S. Although the 2024 model is more expensive than the 2023 model, it remains the cheapest option on the market. 

Fuel economy is a huge factor in all gas-powered vehicles, and the 2021 Versa S is rated at 35 MPG on the highway and 27 MPG in the city. According to Nissan, the Versa SR with the Xtronic CVT is rated at 40 MPG on the highway. This makes all Versa trim levels good options for a daily driver. 

Finally, safety is a huge advantage in the Versa. The driver assist technologies are not only reserved for the top trim models but are also available in the base trim. The 2023 Versa received 5 out of 5 stars for overall safety from the NHTSA, and the IIHS gave it the highest ratings for side impacts and moderate-overlap frontal impacts. 

Cons of the 2023 Nissan Versa

The biggest cons of the Nissan are its small size, basic design, and basic warranty. 

Despite its adjustable seats and headroom, the Versa is not a big vehicle. Four large adults cannot ride comfortably in its cabin. The overall design is basic, and it is void of luxury. The Versa does come with a limited warranty that covers 3 years or 36,000 miles, but that doesn’t compare to other vehicle makes that offer 10-year/100,000-mile warranties. 

In a nutshell, you get what you pay for, and the Nissan Versa is an inexpensive and basic vehicle that offers mediocre performance on a budget. This is not by accident, and Nissan’s cheapest car does what it promises. It small car offers buyers an affordable option under $20,000.