2023 Nissan Versa SR: A Great Value for the Money

As I took the wheel of the 2023 Nissan Versa SR this week, I quickly realized that Nissan's mission to provide cheap, competent transport remains at the heart of this subcompact sedan. While the Versa has received an update for the 2023 model year, it stays true to its core values. Nissan has also added some notable improvements to the 2023 Versa that make it an even more enticing option for budget-conscious buyers.

What Has Changed in 2023 Nissan Versa From The Previous Year

In the 2023 model, Nissan has implemented a series of updates to the Versa, giving it a refreshed and modernized appearance. One of the first things that caught my eye was the Versa's refreshed front end. The already handsome design has been enhanced with a flashier grille featuring cascading silver trim pieces. This subtle touch adds a touch of elegance to the subcompact sedan's exterior. The SR model, in particular, benefits from a fresh 17-inch wheel design, which further enhances its overall aesthetic appeal.

Interior of the 2023 Versa also comes with some advancements. The SR trim now comes equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, offering an intuitive interface for accessing various functions and entertainment options. Additionally, the inclusion of a WiFi hotspot ensures that occupants stay connected and enjoy seamless connectivity on the go. Moreover, adaptive cruise control has been added as a standard feature, providing enhanced convenience and safety during long drives.

Not to be outdone, the SV model of the 2023 Versa has also received meaningful updates. Passengers can now take advantage of the wireless charging pad, allowing for effortless charging of compatible devices without the hassle of cords and cables. Furthermore, the center console has been upgraded to include an armrest, improving comfort and ergonomics for both the driver and passengers.

2023 Nissan Vera's Trims and Pricing

The 2023 Nissan Versa offers three distinct trims: S, SV and SR, each with its own set of features and pricing options. The base S trim starts at an affordable price point of $16,925, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious car buyers. Moving up the ladder, the SV trim is priced at $20,215, offering a bit more in terms of amenities and technology. Finally, the top-tier Versa SR, priced at $20,915, represents the top of the lineup, providing an array of enticing standard equipment.

While the S and SV trims come with an automatic transmission, it's the SR trim that truly stands out. Despite being the most expensive option, the SR trim justifies its price with a wealth of appealing features. Both the SR and SV trims feature infotainment systems that are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration.

However, it's the SR trim that truly shines with its additional enhancements. The SR model boasts 17-inch rims, providing a sportier and more stylish appearance on the road. A leather-wrapped steering wheel adds a touch of sophistication to the interior, while LED headlights contribute to improved visibility and an upscale feel. Furthermore, the SR trim offers the convenience of passive entry and remote start, allowing for easy access and a warm cabin before even stepping inside.

In the 2023 model year, the SR trim has received even more standard equipment to enhance the driving experience. Adaptive cruise control has been added, promoting safer and more comfortable journeys by maintaining a consistent distance from other vehicles. Additionally, a Wi Fi hotspot has been included, ensuring passengers stay connected and enjoy internet connectivity while on the move. The SR trim also benefits from a new 8.0-inch touchscreen, providing a user-friendly interface for accessing various functions and entertainment options.

For those residing in colder regions, the Convenience package is an option worth considering. This package includes heated front seats, adding an extra layer of comfort during chilly winter months.

Considering the appealing combination of advanced features and enhanced convenience, the top-of-the-line Versa SR trim emerges as the recommended choice. While it carries a higher price tag compared to the other trims, its abundance of standard equipment makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a well-equipped and enjoyable driving experience.

Engine

Under the hood, the 2023 Nissan Versa is powered by a capable four-cylinder engine. While its 122 horsepower may not be enough to win any stoplight drag races, it delivers in an area that truly matters to many buyers: fuel economy. The powerplant impressively sips fuel on the highway, making the Versa an ideal choice for those with long commutes or frequent highway driving.

But the Versa isn't just about efficient transportation; it offers a smooth and enjoyable ride as well. The well-tuned suspension absorbs road imperfections with ease, ensuring a comfortable and composed journey even on uneven surfaces. This refinement is a testament to Nissan's commitment to providing a pleasant driving experience in an affordable package.

The Versa SR gets up to 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. It is not the fastest car on the road, but it is peppy enough for everyday driving. The CVT provides smooth and seamless gear changes, and the Versa SR is easy to maneuver around town.

Exterior

Regarding the exterior I already spoke about a few things, especially the grille. But here are a few more things I want to say.

The 2023 Nissan Versa SR has a stylish exterior design. The front end features a large grille, swept-back headlights, and a sculpted bumper. The side profile is sleek and modern, with a rising beltline and a sloping roofline. The rear end features a large trunk lid, integrated taillights, and a chrome exhaust tip.

The Versa SR is available in a variety of colors, including Brilliant Silver Metallic, Gun Metallic, Scarlet Ember, and Cayenne Red.

Interior

Stepping inside, the 2023 model brings additional interior features that elevate the Versa's appeal. The top SR trim now boasts a larger touchscreen, offering a more immersive and intuitive infotainment experience. Furthermore, the mid-tier SV trim includes a wireless charging pad, enabling convenient charging for your compatible devices on the go. Combined with comfortable front seats and a well-appointed cabin, the 2023 Nissan Versa proves that affordability doesn't mean compromising on creature comforts.

The 2023 Nissan Versa SR has a spacious and comfortable interior. The front seats are well-cushioned and supportive, and there is plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, providing even more cargo space.

The Versa SR's interior is well-appointed, with a soft-touch dashboard and high-quality materials. The standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Versa SR also comes standard with a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system. But the SR trim comes with an 8-inch centrally-located touchscreen infotainment system.

The trunk is also quite large for a sedan, but on this account, the Kicks is more "useful" with all this volume released when the bench seat is lowered.

The seats could be more comfortable, especially at the level of the seat which is quite short at the front. Tall adults might find it long on those seats that aren't as plush as those bolted aboard the Nissan Altima. Ditto for the second row seat which, fortunately in this better equipped livery, offers the possibility of opening partially – thanks to its 60/40 configuration – or in full for the transport of bulkier objects.

Safety is a priority in the 2023 Nissan Versa, and it doesn't disappoint in this regard. Equipped with a suite of high-tech safety features, including emergency braking, the Versa offers peace of mind on the road. Whether you're navigating city traffic or embarking on a long journey, the Versa's safety systems work diligently to keep you and your passengers protected.

The Drive

The Versa shares its platform with the Kicks crossover.

As I mentioned above, the 2023 Versa's engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT provides smooth and seamless gear changes, and it helps the Versa get better fuel economy.

The Versa's ride is comfortable and compliant. The suspension absorbs bumps in the road nicely, and the car doesn't feel harsh or unsettled over rough pavement. The steering is also responsive and easy to use. The Versa is easy to maneuver around town and on the highway.

Overall, the driving experience of the 2023 Nissan Versa is good. It is not the most exciting car to drive, but it is comfortable, fuel-efficient, and easy to operate. If you are looking for a subcompact sedan that gets good gas mileage and is easy to drive, the Versa is a good option.

Here are some pros and cons of the 2023 Nissan Versa's driving experience:

Pros:

• Comfortable ride
• Responsive steering
• Smooth CVT
• Good fuel economy
• Affordable

Cons:

• Not the most powerful car
• Not the most exciting car to drive
• Some interior materials are low-quality

Overall, the 2023 Nissan Versa is a good value for the money. It is a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and easy-to-drive subcompact sedan. If you are looking for a car that gets good gas mileage and is easy to operate, the Versa is a good option.

Some manufacturers have completely abandoned the "car" format in favor of a possible utility range. On the Nissan side, there is no shortage of crossovers, but despite everything, the brand's strategists still believe in the sedan. There are still four models in North America, including the small Versa, which has only one subcompact size competitor still in the running: the Kia Rio.

For motorists for whom driving pleasure and the prestige of driving a luxury car are not priorities, the Nissan Versa may be a good option.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.