2023 Nissan Versa SR test drive review

Most new cars are expensive, laden with technology and more spacious than your first apartment. Well, at least mine, anyway. But sometimes, you don’t need all that. You don’t need ventilated seats and “mood curators,” even though they are so cool. You just need transportation. Inexpensive, simple, efficient transportation. And that’s exactly what the 2023 Nissan Versa SR is.

When Nissan dropped off the Versa, all I could think about was how the original Versa was prominently featured in the 2006 series “Heroes,” driven by Masi Oka’s character, Hiro Nakamura. It was a small, efficient car then, and it is a small, efficient car now. A hero still, after all.

After spending a few days with the Versa, I found myself genuinely pleased with its charms. If you need something new, affordable and fitted with just enough features to be relevant (even Apple CarPlay!), the Versa is tough to beat. Shop 2023 Versa models on KSL Cars.

Photo credit: Nissan Official U.S. Newsroom

Price and value

In a world where the average new car price is more than $48,000, our nearly fully loaded Nissan Versa SR’s $22,460 price tag is one of the best value plays on the market. And while the price tag might have would-be buyers assuming the Versa is nothing more than a painted tin can, it’s actually pretty well-equipped.

There are just enough tech, safety and comfort features to make the Versa a pretty compelling option for those with a budget in mind. Some of these on the SR trim include:

• 17-inch machine-finished aluminum-alloy wheels

• LED headlights

• 8-inch infotainment screen

• Intelligent cruise control

• Heated front seats

The MSRP range for the 2023 Nissan Versa is $15,980-$19,970. It is available in three trim levels, but we’d definitely recommend going with the top trim, the SR. The SR not only looks the most stylish, with sharp-looking black accent pieces on the exterior, it also gets you:

• Automatic transmission

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel

• Remote start

• Passive entry

• Wi-Fi hotspot

Photo credit: Nissan Official U.S. Newsroom

Nissan’s warranty is standard for the industry. The limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles; the powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. See 2023 Versa listings on KSL Cars.

Naturally aspirated efficiency

After nearly a week of driving, it was clear what the Versa’s greatest strength — and greatest weakness — is: Power, or rather, the lack of it. The tiny, naturally aspirated 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine produces a measly 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque — roughly 100 more horsepower than your grandpa’s riding lawn mower. It’s pokey, for sure, and freeway merging will take some planning ahead, but it’s doable.  You’ll just need to get used to it.

Photo credit: Nissan Official U.S. Newsroom

The upside of that lack of power is excellent fuel economy. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the 2023 Versa at 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, making for 35 mpg in combined driving. That’s pretty great without it being a hybrid and will surely please those looking to get the most out of every dollar.

Nice to drive

The thing that surprised me the most about the Versa SR was just how nice it was to drive. It’s genuinely comfortable, especially in the front seats, and you have pretty much everything you need — even a wireless phone charger. Budget cars of the past, including the previous generation of the Versa, looked and felt like a children’s restaurant play place. This new Versa is 100% not that. The cabin looks and feels fresh, modern and well-thought-out. Even two adults can comfortably fit in the back. Shop 2023 Versa listings.

Photo credit: Nissan Official U.S. Newsroom

In addition to the nicely appointed cabin, the Versa’s driving dynamics were surprisingly satisfying. Exasperating acceleration aside, the Versa feels spritely around town and on the daily commute. I drive about 26 miles to Cottonwood Heights from Bountiful each day, and I genuinely enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the Versa for the entire 52-mile round trip.

If you test-drive the Versa SR, it’s likely you’ll ask yourself, “Why shouldn’t I buy this car?” You’ll only have a few reasons not to. If you’re looking for a “... handsome, frugal and solidly capable daily commuter vehicle,” as Eric Stafford and Caleb Miller of Car and Driver put it, it’s honestly hard to say no to this car. Just $22,000? Done. 

Exterior styling

When I first saw the new 2023 Versa sitting in my driveway, my immediate reaction was positive. Finished in Gray Sky Pearl paint and black accent pieces, our tester was genuinely attractive. The SR also includes sharp looking 17-inch machined-finish wheels. All that styling, combined with its approachable subcompact size, made for a nicely executed appearance. Shop 2023 Versa models on KSL Cars.

Photo credit: Nissan Official U.S. Newsroom

Safety

Don’t be fooled by the Versa’s size — it’s actually incredibly safe. I’m always impressed with small cars that earn high safety ratings, and the Versa might just be the best example of that. The 2023 Nissan Versa earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and almost all superior ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. See listings.

In typical Nissan fashion, the Versa is packed with modern safety features. Just some of these include:

• Lane departure warning

• Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert

• Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection

• Rear automatic braking

• High beam assist

Photo credit: Nissan Official U.S. Newsroom

Awards and Ratings

The 2023 Versa also has earned a few meaningful awards. It was included in the 2023 Car and Driver Editors’ Choice list for the subcompact category and named to 2023 Cars.com Best Value New Cars Report.

Final impression

Car and Driver praised the Versa's “combination of value and style, noting that the sedan offers an impressive level of available features at an accessible price.” I couldn’t agree more. This subcompact sedan does an excellent job of doing a lot with a little. For just over $20,000, you can get a decently equipped, comfortable, efficient and safe daily driver. What’s not to like about that?

Check out the 2023 Nissan Versa listings on KSL Cars today.

FAQs

Who is the Nissan Versa for? 

Primarily, it’s for commuters. It’s an inexpensive vehicle that does its job very well. Is it the best choice for hauling passengers or gear? No. But if it’s just you most of the time, you’ll really enjoy your commute in this little fuel sipper.

Is it fun to drive?

The new Versa isn’t particularly thrilling, but it is charming in its eagerness to hustle. Acceleration is lethargic, though, so plan your passing and merging moves accordingly.

Is the 2023 Versa good for families?

Probably not. While the backseat is capable of hauling two regular-sized adults around in relative comfort, stuffing kids in child seats in the back will probably yield plenty of complaints upon regular daily travel. If you have rear-facing car seats, you may want to look elsewhere.

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.

About the author: Having owned everything from a DeLorean to an E46 BMW M3 and a Toyota Land Cruiser, Jason Bell is a lifelong car enthusiast who loves sharing his passions as a teacher, automotive journalist and social media manager. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press where he serves on the Board of Directors. Contact him at jasonbellcars@gmail.com