DecodedCars2020 Nissan Versa
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 32 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2020 compact car (27.3 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Nissan Versa is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (32 city / 40 highway), 28% better than the 2020 compact car average of 27.3 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2020
- NHTSA overall rating up from 4 to 5 stars
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Versa →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Versa | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 / 40 / 35 | +28% | $1,900 | 253 |
| Versa | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +10% | $2,250 | 296 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.8% |
Similar 2020 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Versa (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2020 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2020 Toyota Yaris | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Subaru WRX | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Volkswagen Jetta | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
Recalls (2)
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Bulbs · Jun 23, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V471000 · 30,799 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.
- Risk
- Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the bulbs as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PM986 and PC811.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Feb 26, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V112000 · 46 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Versa vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the fuel tank wall thickness may be insufficient, potentially causing a small hole in the tank seam area.
- Risk
- If a small hole is present, a fuel leak may occur if the operator fills the tank over half full, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Not every 2020 Nissan Versa is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Nissan Versa buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 16 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 14 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 12 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 15,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Nissan Versa. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Versa years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Versa | 35 | 176.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 12 |
| 2024 Versa | 35 | 176.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 96 |
| 2023 Versa | 35 | 176.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 37 |
| 2022 Versa | 35 | 176.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 20 |
| 2021 Versa | 35 | 176.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 32 |
| 2019 Versa | 34 | 163.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 25 |
| 2018 Versa | 34 | 163.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 60 |
| 2017 Versa | 34 | 163.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 72 |
| 2016 Versa | 34 | 163.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 110 |
| 2015 Versa | 34 | 163.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 249 |
| 2014 Versa | 35 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 296 |
| 2013 Versa | 35 | 169.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 167 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →