Used 2022 Nissan Versa

The 2022 Nissan Versa subcompact sedan is one of the most affordable new cars, as well as being one of the better choices in the class. Yet it also illustrates the point that spending a little more can often result in greater satisfaction and value down the line.

For example, choosing the trim level one up from base brings the kind of standard equipment that makes daily driving far more tolerable. And this Nissan will hold its value better than a cheaper alternative.

This is now the third year of the Versa’s third generation. It can appeal to college students, new drivers, or someone who just wants to move between work and home efficiently and inexpensively.

Having accepted that the 2022 Versa, like the rest of its class, is not going to excite anyone other than first-time drivers, we can at least appreciate its other qualities. It feels tidy and well-judged for the kind of work it’s expected to do, like commuting and general errand-running. There’s a decent heft to the steering, not overly light, yet still easy.

Fuel economy is not class-leading, but more than bearable. At freeway speeds, the engine is only spinning at 2,000 rpm. The brakes are similarly efficient. Having old-school drums at the back instead of discs isn’t an issue.

The cabin manages to stay relatively hushed as well. The doors even close with a satisfying thunk.

Although there are some hard plastics inside the 2022 Versa (this is a reasonably priced new subcompact sedan, after all), they’ve been designed to look interesting and provide their own contribution to the overall flair.

The SV and SR trims have a 7-inch driver information display, a thin-film transistor (TFT) unit with a regular speedometer on one side. On the other side is a range of functions the driver can scroll through — like a rev counter, average fuel economy, tire pressures, and radio stations.

Nissan really doesn’t want many people to buy the basic S trim. The manual transmission and fixed rear seats are probably frequent deal-breakers. As soon as the automatic transmission comes on board, so do fold-flat/split rear seats.

Rear legroom measures 31 inches; the Kia Rio has a couple more. But someone considering a subcompact sedan may not need much space in the back seats. There’s plenty of room for 6-footers up front, who will also find their seats to be particularly comfortable.

At 15 cubic feet, the Versa’s trunk space is only a little smaller than Altima midsize sedan’s.

It looks as if Nissan decided to spend just as much time and effort on the Versa’s styling as it has on its larger and more expensive models. The grille is the same idea as the Maxima flagship sedan, as are the rear pillars with the “floating roof” treatment. The base S model has 15-inch steel wheels, but they still fill the wheel wells nicely.

SR trim is the only one with LED headlights. It also has the largest alloy wheels (17-inch) along with a dark chrome grille and a rear spoiler. All versions are eligible for premium paint, costing $395.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
It’s a continually variable transmission (CVT) in the 2022 Versa, the kind of automatic that car company accountants like and enthusiasts criticize with every simulated gear shift. We understand, a CVT doesn’t add to the enjoyment. But the one in the 2022 Versa is a better choice than the manual, not least because it results in better fuel economy and will be easier to sell when the time comes.

7-INCH INFOTAINMENT TOUCHSCREEN
Every new Versa has this full-color display as part of a user-friendly system that includes Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, as long as it’s an SV or SR version.

Inexpensive new cars skimp on standard equipment. The most basic 2022 Versa — S trim — does not have alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, fold-down rear seats, or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.

It does, however, have power windows and locks, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen (the only size available in the 2022 Versa), three USB ports, Bluetooth, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and rear automatic braking.

Assuming most buyers will spend another $1,670 for the automatic transmission, it’s worth trying to stretch the budget a little further for the SV trim. This adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, keyless entry/start, nicer cloth upholstery, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and satellite radio.

The top SR trim receives a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, trim-specific cloth upholstery, and six speakers instead of the other versions’ four.

As mentioned, the base S is eligible for an automatic transmission, which also brings 60/40 split/folding rear seats. Apart from premium paint and a few things like splash guards, chrome trunk accent, and a center armrest with storage (that’ll be $320), the SV model doesn’t qualify for many options.

One exception is the Electronics package ($880) offered with every new Versa. It includes a self-dimming mirror, illuminated kick plates and door pocket lighting. The other is a Lighting package ($705 — also available across the 2022 Versa range) that comes with LED illumination under the sills, plus multi-colored lighting for the front footwells and cup holders.

The SR is the only version to have a Convenience package. This adds automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, and heated front seats.

Every 2022 Versa has a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine making 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. That’s not a lot of muscle in the grander scheme, but the Versa is still one of the better-endowed subcompact sedans.

The base version has a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, with an automatic available as an option. The two higher trims come with the automatic. In each case, drive goes solely to the front wheels.

1.6-liter inline-4
122 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
114 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/35 mpg (manual), 32/40 mpg (auto)