carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.6L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 32 / 40 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,950 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 254 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $15,652–$18,150 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Nissan Versa at 6.9/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.3/10, while Performance at 5.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.7/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.7/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.4/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.2/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $15,652–$18,150, 32 MPG, seating 5, the Nissan Versa sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.3/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Nissan Versa is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Nissan Versa ranks #1118 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 15% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $15,652 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 43%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Nissan Versa scores 6.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 6.9 — and starts roughly $1,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.1/10 | $17,716 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.0/10 | $17,200 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 6.9/10 | $16,684 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 6.9/10 | $16,167 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 6.9/10 | $15,652 | |
| 2020 | 6.9/10 | $15,136 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.8/10 | $14,620 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 6.7/10 | $14,104 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.7/10 | $13,588 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.5/10 | $13,072 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.6/10 | $12,556 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Exterior lighting / Turn signal / Bulbs 23/06/2021 · 21V471000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate. |
|---|---|
| Steering / Electric power assist system 15/09/2022 · 22V693000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist. |
| Steering / Electric power assist system 18/07/2023 · 23V496000 | Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Nissan models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.