The 2020 Nissan Versa lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average backup camera and A/C issues reported. At $13,800 to $17,900, it’s a great value for a small car to get you from point A to B, even if it’s not the fanciest choice on the market.
Is the 2020 Nissan Versa a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Nissan Versa since it’s an affordable choice loaded with a lot of safety tech. Owner reviews praise the stereo system, low running costs, along with the smooth suspension.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are still basic even after the redesign, the seats offer good support, cargo space is also excellent in the trunk.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Versa. Avoid models from 2009–2016 since they have transmission issues, while 2017–2022 are better choices.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from the relatively weak four-cylinder engine, although it’s built to be efficient rather than fast.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Versa earns a 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane departure warning and a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include driver alertness monitoring along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 35 MPG, offering 378 miles of range out of the 10.8-gallon tank. Gas costs are $31 cheaper than average, at $190 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2020 Nissan Versa is cheaper than nearly all other compact cars with slow depreciation rates, making it a great value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Versa?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Nissan Versa offers a lot of great features that make it a good value, with high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Nissan Versa at 4.4/5, enjoying the passenger space in the cabin, but doesn’t like the sluggish acceleration from the small engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Versa a 4/5, praising the advanced driver assistance features, but owners don’t like the poor braking performance with rear drum brakes.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Nissan Versa Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Nissan Versa include the backup camera not displaying an image, the A/C blowing weak, along with noise from the wheels. Overall, these problems are similar to other small cars from the same year, leading to average repair costs as it ages.
The backup camera not displaying an image is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Versa owners, showing up at around 1,500 miles. There are software updates available for the camera system which improve the reliability. Dealerships will install these updates for free on models with the issue.
The A/C blowing weak is another problem mentioned by some Versa owners at around 10,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a clogged or dirty cabin air filter, which costs around $45 to replace. There are also some reports of damage to the A/C fan system, which can cost $300 or more to swap out.
Noise from the wheels has also been reported on some Versa models at around 20,000 miles. The wheel bearings tend to wear out quickly and have to be replaced. Changing out the wheel bearings costs around $250, depending on local labor rates.
There are two recalls on the 2020 Nissan Versa, which is similar to other cars from the same year. The most serious recall covers the fuel tank, which may have insufficient welds and leak gas. Nissan will replace the fuel tank on affected models for free. The other recall covers turn signal bulbs, which dealers will also change out for free.
How Long Will the 2020 Nissan Versa Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Nissan Versa can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other small cars like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $446 per year.
As a used 2020 Versa reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the tie rods costing $175, ignition coil costing $300, along with the window regulator, which costs around $400.
We've had the car for a month and so far it is good only problem when I brake the brake is making a noise so will have to get it checked.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is pretty good, offering a 7-inch touchscreen. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology features are great for a car in its price range and include:
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear-seat reminder
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Driver alertness monitoring
Is the 2020 Nissan Versa a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Nissan Versa is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other compact cars on the market while still offering a practical interior. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $13,800 to $17,900, making it less than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $14,830 to $18,340. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 4% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Versa?
There are three main models of the 2020 Nissan Versa offered from the entry-level S through to the more well-equipped SR. All Versa models come standard with front-wheel drive.
S is the entry-level model with:
- Not as bare-bones as previous versions
- Power windows and door locks
- 7-inch touchscreen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Frontal collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Rear automatic emergency braking
- Automatic headlights
- Rearview camera
SV is a step up, adding:
- CVT automatic as standard
- Alloy wheels
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Satellite radio
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Body-colored mirrors and door handles
- Premium fabric seats
- Soft-touch surfaces
SR is the flagship model, which has:
- Automatic climate control
- Remote engine start
- LED headlights
- Special exterior and interior trim details
- Keyless door access
- Six-speaker audio system
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped shift knob
- Optional: SR Convenience package
- Heated front seats
- Adaptive cruise control
What Engines Come In the Nissan Versa?
The 2020 Nissan Versa comes with a single engine option. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower. Paired with this engine, buyers have the choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Regarding performance, with the CVT, the Versa can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 9.7 seconds. Regarding fuel efficiency, the Versa, with the CVT, delivers a combined fuel economy of around 35 MPG.
What Colors Does the Nissan Versa Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Versa?
The 2020 Nissan Versa, despite being categorized as a subcompact sedan, made significant strides regarding comfort compared to its predecessors. The car features a redesigned interior that incorporates higher quality materials, leading to a more refined and pleasant ambiance inside the cabin. The seats, both in the front and rear, are designed to provide adequate support and cushioning, suitable for daily commuting or short trips.
Additionally, the Versa offers ample headroom and legroom for front passengers, although taller adults in the rear might want a bit more space. The ride quality is generally smooth, with the car effectively absorbing most road imperfections. However, on rougher terrains or highways, some road noise might filter into the cabin. Overall, for its segment and price point, the 2020 Nissan Versa delivers a commendable level of comfort for its occupants.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Versa Have?
The 2020 Nissan Versa offers a surprisingly roomy trunk for a subcompact sedan, boasting about 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space. This capacity is large enough to accommodate a couple of medium-sized suitcases or several grocery bags, making it suitable for weekend trips or shopping sprees.
In addition to the trunk space, the Versa also offers several smaller storage solutions within its cabin. There are door pockets, cupholders, a center console bin, and a glove compartment, all designed to help drivers and passengers keep their belongings organized. These interior storage spaces are ideal for items like water bottles, wallets, mobile devices, and other everyday essentials.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Nissan Versa was introduced for the 2020 model year.
2015: Small exterior styling changes, standard Bluetooth on all models, and upgraded cabin materials.
2016: New four-speaker stereo system and body-colored powered mirrors added to all models.
2017: Upgraded interior panels found in the SV Special Edition package.
2018: SL model removed from the lineup, Base model only offered with a manual transmission.
2019: The SV Special Edition model has upgraded features from earlier years.
2020: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new technology, styling, engines, and more safety features.
2021: No major updates after the full redesign last year.
How Does the Nissan Versa Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Nissan Versa is a nice small car built for shoppers on a budget and is surprisingly well-equipped for a vehicle in its price range.
The Nissan Sentra is another small car from Nissan, which can be found for about $1,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Nissan Sentra, while the Nissan Versa fits better into the small parking spots found in large cities. We recommend the Nissan Versa since it’s more practical, although both are similar so it’s worth testing them out to see which you prefer.
The Hyundai Elantra is a popular compact car available for about $2,500 more. Interior materials are nicer in the Hyundai Elantra, while the Nissan Versa offers more responsive steering. We recommend the Hyundai Elantra since it’s a nicer car, although if you’re on a budget, the Versa is a good choice with similar reliability.
Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Versa?
Small car it is a gas saver . Back seats are comfortable . Drives smooth. Steering wheel is nice and when u begin to merge to another lane without the signal the wheel vibrates.
