The lightweight Versa goes heavy on shoppers’ main events like its gloves were filled with bricks. 

Most Versas sold on dealer lots will get a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, automatic emergency braking, Bluetooth connectivity, power features, and a USB port. 

The base versions of the Versa get most of that—just not the smartphone software. That omission keeps it from a point on our scale so we land at a 6 for the generous touchscreen. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

This year, the Versa sedan is available in S, SV, and SR trims with increasing comforts. 

The Versa S is spartan. For $15,625 to start, including destination, the Versa S gets cloth seats, 15-inch wheels with hubcaps, keyless ignition, the 7.0-inch touchscreen (but no smartphone software), and not much else. An automatic transmission is a likely, but spendy, upgrade for $1,670.

We’re fans of the automatic-only Versa SV for $18,535, which upgrades to 16-inch alloy wheels, upgraded cloth interior, smartphone compatibility software, blind-spot monitors, and a few exterior touches that separate the Versa SV for rental-spec. 

The 2020 Versa SL costs $19,135 to start and goes all-in with 17-inch wheels, grippy fabric upholstery, semi-sporty accents, a six-speaker audio system (up from four speakers), and fog lights. We don’t see added value for $600 more, and at nearly $20,000 the Versa starts to step on bigger cars like the Sentra that may be better values. 

Nissan infotainment

The standard 7.0-inch touchscreen in the 2020 Versa will be a welcome upgrade for many buyers. On Versa SV and SR models, it includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which will appeal to many shoppers. 

Not as appealing: the way the touchscreen washes out in direct sunlight. 

Without a smartphone plugged in, the Versa’s system is easy to use and straightforward. The touchscreen is flanked by redundant hard buttons for tuning and volume, track selection and rearview camera display. The auto contrast and night button is a good one to use, it can help when the screen washes out or is hard to see. 

Review continues below