What Is the Cheapest Nissan?
The Nissan Versa is the cheapest Nissan. Here’s how you could afford a Nissan.
Written by Thidas Senanayaka
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Beyond its price, there are a few things that make the Versa quite compelling. A roomy interior (for a sedan), large trunk, and overall decent value are some things that come to mind. Add on several safety features and impressive fuel economy, and you may have a good commuter car in the making.
Among Nissan’s lineup for 2022-23, the Versa is the cheapest model you can get. Read on to find out more about the Versa and other comparable options in the subcompact sedan segment.
The Versa is the cheapest Nissan you can buy
With a base MSRP of just over $15,000 and only going as high as $20,000, the Nissa Versa is currently the cheapest Nissan you can find in the American market.
There are a few factors contributing to the Versa’s low price. The first is size. The Versa is a subcompact sedan, a small car in a class that emphasizes affordability and value. The second is its simplicity. It’s a no-nonsense car and doesn’t have any flashy features or special performance boosts.
This is a car that is made for everyday driving, with 122 horsepower, a 291-mile range, front-wheel drive, and pretty plain amenities. This is reflected in the amount of configurations you have access to as well—there’s not a lot of choice.
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Here’s a breakdown of the latest Versa trims:
- Nissan Versa S (5-speed manual): $15,730 MSRP
- Nissan Versa S (CVT): $16,925 MSRP
- Nissan Versa SV: $20,115 MSRP
- Nissan Versa SR: $20,815 MSRP
Keep in mind that continuous variable transmission (CVT) is optional on the S and standard on the S and SR.
MORE: Does Nissan have a self-driving car?
How much cheaper is the Nissan Versa?
If you’re looking for affordability and value, the Versa isn’t all that Nissan has to offer—it’s just the cheapest! But from crossovers and SUVs to trucks and more, Nissan certainly has something for everyone in variety and price range.
Here’s a breakdown of some other Nissan models and their starting MSRPs:
- 2022 Nissan Sentra: $19,950
- 2022 Nissan Altima: $25,290
- 2023 Nissan Rogue: $27,360
- 2022 Nissan Leaf (EV): $28,040
- 2022 Nissan Maxima: $38,140
The Nissan Sentra is comparable to the Nissan Versa, though other models aren’t that far off either. If you’re looking for something a little unorthodox, the Nissan Leaf may surprise you, too! Although it starts at $28,000 MSRP, US federal tax credits for electric vehicles may make that price as low as $20,540 if you qualify.
MORE: How long do Nissans last?
How to find an affordable Nissan
If you’re intent on sticking to a budget, there are ways to reduce your costs even if you’re purchasing a low-priced vehicle:
- Stick to the base trim level. There are three trims of the Nissan Versa, with the S trim being the most popular. It’s also the cheapest, starting at $15,730 MSRP for a fairly decent suite of features, like Bluetooth and a four-speaker audio system. Since you’re not going to see a difference in performance (all Versas have the same engine), you might as well stick with the starter trim.
- Avoid unnecessary upgrades. Apple CarPlay and keyless entry are great perks, but take a moment to consider if the added stress on your wallet is worth a small amount of extra convenience.
- Go used. This one may seem obvious, but brand-new isn’t always necessary. There’s nothing wrong with going back a model year or two and finding a low-mileage pre-owned vehicle. You may end up enjoying the same no-nonsense car for a much cheaper price.
- Look for dealer incentives. Keeping an eye out for what local dealers are offering on sales may pay off. You may not qualify for any tax credits, but a dealership incentive or two can go a long way in saving you money.
The best Nissan Versa competitors you can buy for under $20,000
If you’re looking for the cheapest Nissan, the Versa is your best bet. It may not be the best in its class, but it’s certainly something that’ll get the job done (and for a decent price). If you’ve decided the Versa’s not for you, though, here are some comparable options:
- Nissan Sentra:It’s a little larger than the Versa but is still a compact sedan that was recently redesigned. The 2022 Sentra starts at $19,950.
- Mitsubishi Mirage:The 2022 Mirage starts at $14,645, has impressive fuel economy, and is one of the least expensive cars for sale. Of course, it has its issues, but for a subcompact hatchback, this may be the budget lover’s dream.
- Hyundai Accent:Also a compact sedan, the Accent is ranked #1 out of 3 for small sedans by Edmunds and starts at $16,645 MSRP for the 2022 model.
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