Used 2014 Nissan Versa SL for sale 

The 2014 Nissan Versa sedan is available as four different trims, each distinguished by the features and transmission setup. The Nissan Versa starts at a base price of $11,990. As standard, the Nissan Versa is available with a front-wheel-drivetrain only. While the base trims the S is available both as an automatic and manual variant, all other three trims the SL, SV, and S Plus are available as CVT transmission.

We Recommend

We recommend buying the SV variant of the Nissan Versa which comes mated to a CVT transmission. Not only does the SV variant pack features of the S and S plus as standard and allows adding the features of the SL variant as optional. The major advantage of buying this variant is its CVT transmission as it offers higher fuel efficiency. However, if you are looking for a sedan under the price sticker of $15,000, the S and S Plus variants are viable options.

The engine on the Nissan Versa fails to deliver with its subpar performance. The engine feels underpowered and becomes noisy at higher speeds. The Nissan Versa features a 1.6L I-4 engine that produces 109hp of engine power and 107lb.-ft of torque. 

It comes mated to either an automatic, manual, or CVT transmission setup depending on the trim one chooses. As standard, the Versa is channeled as a front-wheel-drivetrain only. The Nissan offers boosts from a still to the 60 MPH mark in 11.5 seconds and can complete the quarter-mile mark in 17.5 seconds. It records a top speed of 119 MPH.

In the segment, the Fiesta and Accent perform better than the Versa with the Hyundai emerging as the fastest and quickest in the segment. All cars in the segment use a similar engine but distinctive transmission setup. The Hyundai Accent uses a 6-speed automatic transmission that produces 138hp and 123lb.-ft of torque, while the Fiesta uses a 5-speed-manual transmission that churns out 120 hp and 112 lb.-ft of torque.

If the underpowered engine sways your mind, the economical fuel figures make a compelling case in the car’s favor. The Nissan Versa manages 31 MPG in the city and that of 40 MPG on the highway. Combined, the Versa manages 35 MPG which is the highest in the segment. 

However as one opts for a transmission apart from the CVT, the efficiency starts to fall and the Versa manages 27 MPG and 36 MPG in the city and on the highway respectively. The Nissan sedan features the smallest tank in the segment at 10.8 gallons and manages a range of 334.8 and 432 miles in the city and on the highway respectively.

In comparison, the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent manage a combined mileage of 31 MPG. In terms of fuel capacity, the Fiesta and Accent have a fuel tank of 12 and 11.4 gallons respectively. The Fiesta manages a range similar to the Nissan Versa, whereas the Accent with its relatively larger tank manages the lowest range at 207.8 and 433.2 miles in the city and on the highway respectively.

The Nissan Versa in its ride quality feels unnerved and hassle-free, but the seats are not comfortable. The overall cabin feels outmoded and lackluster. Though features like the steering-mounted controls, rotary knob for the climate control add practicality to the cabin but in design and quality feel inferior when compared with competitors. Though Nissan claims a seating capacity of 5 passengers, the rear seat is best suited for two adults only. 

Statistically, the Nissan Versa SV has a total head-, shoulder- and legroom of 39.8/51.7/41.8 and 36.6/51.9/37 inches at the front and rear respectively. In terms of cargo capacity, the Versa has a total capacity of 14.9 cubic feet, which is the best in the segment. However, if Nissan would have offered foldable rear seats, cargo capacity could be increased.

In comparison, the Hyundai Accent has the largest amount of space on offer for both front and rear-seat passengers with a total head-, shoulder-, and legroom of 42.8/64.8/45.3 and 39.1/65.1/39.7 inches at the front and rear respectively. The Fiesta and Accent both lag behind the Versa in terms of cargo capacity.

• Cruise Control
• Fog Lamps (Optional)
• Adjustable Steering Wheel
• Steering Wheel Controls (Optional)
• Trip Computer
• Remote Trunk Release
• Universal Garage Door Opener (Optional)
• Intermittent Wipers

How intuitive is the Nissan Versa’s infotainment system?

The infotainment system on the Nissan Versa is different for each trim. The base model receives basic equipment including AM/FM stereo. As one moves up the trim ladder, features like Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, USB input act as great value additions.

The SL trim, which is the top-of-the-line, gets a 5.8-inch screen with the Nissan Connect feature that supports navigation and feels easy to use. Some other features include:

• AM/FM Stereo
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• CD Player
• MP3 Player (Optional)

The Versa is a family sedan in appearance. Ever since it was first introduced in 2007, the Versa has been able to maintain the subtleness of a family-friendly sedan while adding refinement with every update. 

The grille up front looks graceful and all curves and lines are handled with elegance. The Nissan Versa is the lightest, longest and tallest car in comparison. It measures 175.4, 66.7, and 59.6 inches respectively. Courtesy of its length, it has the longest wheelbase at 102.4 inches. While the total ground clearance is not known, it is 66.7 inches wide.

In the segment, the Hyundai Accent is the heaviest car, weighing around 1000 lbs more than the Versa at 3549 lbs. The Ford Fiesta on the other hand is the widest car in the segment and measures 67.8 inches. In terms of overall dimensions, the difference is minimal and all cars look spacious from the outside.

The new Nissan Versa manages a rating of “good” in the IIHS crash tests. It ranks highly in the reliability index, making safety one of the strongest suits of the Versa.

Though it misses out on some active safety features, the Versa includes practical features like airbags, traction control, and brake assist. Some safety features include:

• Brake Assist
• Electronic Stability Control
• Child Safety Locks
• Traction Control

The Nissan Versa is practical, it has immense potential as a daily driver and its high fuel efficiency is evidence of the fact. It is spacious and has practical features that make it reliable and dependable. It makes for a great family. However, if you’re looking for a car that not just has a capacious cabin but also a luxurious cabin and has abundant power, the Versa may not be the car for you.