The era of affordable cars is waning. The Mitsubishi Mirage is set to be discontinued in 2025, and several sub-$20,000 options like the Kia Rio and Chevrolet Spark have vanished from the market in recent years. However, one steadfast model remains. The Nissan Versa is slated to continue through 2025, with a starting price still under $20,000. The 2025 Nissan Versa begins at $18,330 including destination, marking a modest increase from last year's $17,225, but it remains below the $20,000 threshold for the base S model. This makes it the most affordable new car in America.
The Versa's trim lineup is as follows: The 2025 model doesn't introduce many new features. It now includes Nissan's Maintenance Care program, which covers three oil changes or 24,000 miles, and the S and SV trims receive new LED headlights with signature lighting elements. The Versa stands out as the only car in its class to offer an advanced active safety suite, featuring automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic emergency braking, and high-beam assist. Higher trims allow for additional features like adaptive cruise control and a driver alert system.
The Versa retains its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a five-speed manual transmission on the base S model or a CVT. The CVT model achieves 32 miles per gallon city, 40 highway, and 35 combined. Rumors suggest that the Versa may be phased out after 2025, alongside the Altima. Therefore, if you're keen on owning America's most affordable car, this could be your last opportunity.
