The next generation of Nissan’s affordable subcompact sedan might surprise buyers with more upscale looks and attention to detail
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- Facelift adds sharper styling inspired by Sentra and Murano.
- Updated 1.6-liter engine and CVT remain for affordability.
- Future production moves to Nissan’s Aguascalientes plant.
Rumours of the Nissan Versa’s demise have lingered for years, yet the unassuming small sedan refuses to fade away. Through the first nine months of the year, Nissan has sold 41,463 of then in the States, a 41.5 percent jump over 2024. Those numbers make it clear that America’s most affordable new car still has plenty of life left, and Nissan seems well aware of it.
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Earlier this year, the brand confirmed plans to launch more than 14 new and updated models by 2027, with a redesigned Versa sedan among them.
Admittedly, this product preview grouped the sedan with an updated NP300 Navara for Latin America. However, we believe there is still a chance the Versa will continue to be available in the USA. Let’s dive into what could be on offer for this redesigned subcompact.
Sharpened Looks
Styling for the 2027 Versa’s major facelift draws inspiration from the all-new Sentra and Murano crossover, introducing a striking new front end with split-level daytime running lights (DRLs) and a bold, contrasting grille.
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Most of the panels are all-new, but the window area (greenhouse) and roof remain unchanged. Cleaner, more simplified bodywork swaps curves with sharper lines and pronounced wheel arch detailing, while larger diamond-cut alloy wheels enhance its stance.
Around the rear end, the trunk features an integrated lip spoiler, and the bumper is squared off to improve aerodynamics.
Interior Upgrades
According to industry reports, a new digital gauge cluster and infotainment system may debut, offering faster input processing times and crisper visuals. Additionally, general improvements in cabin materials and ergonomics are expected to further enhance the overall feel and usability over the current car.
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A standard array of driver assists under Nissan’s ‘Safety Shield’ banner will carry over, yet higher trims could see the inclusion of a 360-degree bird’s-eye with moving object detection. Chassis tweaks could include increased rigidity and revised suspension tuning for ride comfort.
Familiar Firepower
Powertrain-wise, a lightly reworked 1.6-litre petrol unit is likely to carry over, as will the Xtronic CVT, which will remain the sole transmission choice.
Earlier this year, Nissan discontinued the five-speed manual transmission in the current Versa, citing that only 5 percent of Versa sales were for self-shifting models. So, sorry folks, it’s unlikely the manual will return.
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Given its positioning as Nissan’s most affordable sedan, hybrid or electric options seem improbable. This is a substantial facelift, not a clean-sheet redesign, and keeping costs low remains the Versa’s defining trait.
Rivals and Reveal
Once part of a crowded field including the Mitsubishi Mirage, Mazda2, and Toyota Yaris, the Versa now finds itself alone in the American subcompact sedan market.
Its biggest rival now comes internally in the form of the higher-riding Kicks crossover, yet it still holds a pricing advantage at $17,390.
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The current car is built at Nissan’s CIVAC plant in Cuernavaca, Mexico. However, due to a plan to cut global production capacity, this plant will shut its doors in 2026, resulting in Versa production transitioning to its Aguascalientes Plant.
Would you consider a refreshed 2027 Versa if it were to continue in the USA? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
2025 Nissan Versa
