The 2024 Nissan Versa keeps the same three-cylinder engine and five-speed manual or CVT transmission, but adds a larger touchscreen, more standard safety features, and a modest price increase across all trim levels

The Nissan Versa remains one of the cheapest new cars you can buy, starting around $17,000 before destination charges. For 2024, Nissan made the interior feel less dated by installing an 8-inch touchscreen (up from 7 inches) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on all trims. The base S and mid-level SV trims now come with automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning at no extra cost. The top Platinum trim adds a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and heated front seats.

The engine and transmission remain unchanged: a 1.6-liter three-cylinder making 122 horsepower, paired with either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel economy stays at 33 city / 42 highway with the CVT, 30 city / 39 highway with the manual. The Versa is not fast, but it is reliable and inexpensive to maintain, which is why it appeals to first-time buyers and people who drive used cars into the ground.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Versa costs roughly $500 to $1,000 more than the 2023 model across all trims, but adds a larger touchscreen and standard safety features that were previously optional or absent.
  • Automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning now come standard on every trim, whereas they were optional on lower trims in previous years.
  • The engine, transmission, and fuel economy have not changed, so real-world performance and running costs remain the same as the outgoing model.
  • The Platinum trim is the only one with a digital instrument cluster and heated seats, adding roughly $2,500 to the base price.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Nissan sells the 2024 Versa in four trims: S, SV, SV Plus, and Platinum. The S is the entry point and comes with manual or CVT. The SV adds air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a six-speaker audio system. The SV Plus includes a sunroof, rear privacy glass, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Platinum tops the range with the digital cluster, heated seats, and a power driver's seat.

Prices vary by region and dealer, but the S with CVT typically starts around $17,500, the SV around $19,000, the SV Plus around $20,500, and the Platinum around $22,000. These are manufacturer's suggested retail prices before destination, taxes, or dealer add-ons. Actual out-the-door cost depends on your location, local incentives, and what the dealer charges.

Interior and Technology Changes

The 8-inch touchscreen is the most visible upgrade. It is the same size as screens in cars costing twice as much, and it responds faster than the old 7-inch unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work wirelessly on the SV Plus and Platinum, and with a cable on the S and SV. The screen sits higher on the dashboard than before, making it easier to see without taking your eyes off the road for long.

Storage is tight. The door pockets are shallow, the center console is small, and the back seat does not have cup holders. Nissan did not redesign the cabin for 2024, so these limitations carry over from the previous generation. If you spend a lot of time in the car or carry passengers regularly, the cramped interior will become obvious quickly.

Safety Features and Ratings

The addition of automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning to all trims is meaningful because these systems reduce accident risk in real driving. Automatic emergency braking can prevent or reduce the severity of a front-end collision if you do not brake in time. Lane departure warning alerts you if you drift out of your lane without signaling, which catches tired or distracted driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2023 Versa four out of five stars overall, with five stars for frontal crash and rollover, and four stars for side crash. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it "Good" in most crash tests but "Acceptable" in the small overlap front crash test. These ratings explore to the 2024 model as well, since the structure and airbag count have not changed.

Engine, Transmission, and Fuel Economy

The 1.6-liter three-cylinder produces 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. It is not powerful enough to merge quickly on a highway or pass slower traffic without planning ahead. Acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour takes roughly 10 seconds with the CVT and 11 seconds with the manual. The engine is designed for reliability and low cost, not performance.

The CVT is smoother than the manual and delivers better fuel economy. The manual is cheaper, more engaging to drive, and easier to repair if something goes wrong. Both transmissions are known for durability in the Versa. Fuel economy with the CVT is 33 city / 42 highway / 37 combined. With the manual, it is 30 city / 39 highway / 34 combined. Real-world mileage often runs 1 to 3 miles per gallon lower than the EPA estimate, depending on driving habits and conditions.

Cargo Space and Practicality

The trunk holds 14.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up, which is enough for groceries and a suitcase but not much more. Folding the rear seats flat opens up 42.8 cubic feet, enough for a small move or a week's worth of luggage for two people. The rear seats do not fold completely flat, so long items will rest at an angle.

The back seat is tight for adults on long drives. Legroom is 33.9 inches, which is about 2 inches less than a Honda Civic. The Versa is designed for short trips and city driving, not cross-country road trips with passengers. If you regularly carry four adults, a compact sedan like the Civic or Toyota Corolla will be more comfortable.

Warranty and Maintenance Costs

Nissan covers the Versa with a three-year / 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year / 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is shorter than Toyota (three-year / 36,000-mile basic, five-year / 60,000-mile powertrain) and Honda (three-year / 36,000-mile basic, five-year / 60,000-mile powertrain), so coverage is roughly equal across the budget segment.

Maintenance is inexpensive because the engine is straightforward and parts are cheap. Oil changes run $30 to $50 at an independent shop, $50 to $70 at a Nissan dealer. Brake pads, filters, and spark plugs are all low-cost items. The Versa does not have a timing belt that needs replacement at a specific mileage, which saves hundreds of dollars compared to some competitors. If you keep up with regular maintenance, the Versa will run reliably past 150,000 miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2024 Versa a big enough upgrade from the 2023 model to trade in my old one?

No. The engine, transmission, and fuel economy are identical. The main changes are the larger touchscreen, standard safety features, and a digital cluster on the Platinum trim. If your 2023 Versa runs well, keeping it will save you money. If you want the new touchscreen and safety features, the cost difference is roughly $500 to $1,000 depending on trim.

Can I get the Versa with all-wheel drive?

No. Nissan only makes the Versa with front-wheel drive. If you need all-wheel drive for snow or rough terrain, you will need to look at a different model like the Nissan Rogue or a compact crossover from another brand.

How does the Versa compare to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla?

The Versa is cheaper to buy and cheaper to insure, but the Civic and Corolla have more power, more interior space, and longer warranties. The Civic starts around $24,000 and the Corolla around $23,000. If budget is your main concern, the Versa wins. If you want more comfort and performance, the Civic or Corolla are worth the extra cost.

What is the difference between the manual and CVT transmission?

The CVT is smoother, quieter, and gets better fuel economy. The manual is cheaper, more fun to drive, and easier to repair. Both are reliable in the Versa. Choose the manual if you like driving and want to save money; choose the CVT if you want comfort and efficiency.

Does the 2024 Versa have a sunroof?

Only the SV Plus and Platinum trims have a sunroof. The S and SV do not. The sunroof reduces headroom slightly and adds weight, which lowers fuel economy by about 1 mile per gallon.