2020 Nissan Versa Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The SUV may have taken over as the ultimate family vehicle, but nothing can take the place of the sedan when it comes to a daily commuter. These vehicles are far more fuel efficient and easy to maneuver. Plus, better-designed options still have plenty of space for a respectable amount of cargo and a couple of kids, helping to broaden the number of consumers they appeal to.

In 2020, the Nissan Versa is completely redesigned. This year kicks of the third generation of the vehicle, which is the smallest sedan in Nissan's lineup. For many years, the Versa was one the cheapest vehicle out there. This is not the case in 2020. Buyers will likely find that the number of features added for this year justifies the increase in base price, however.

Nissan has eliminated the S+ trim level for this year. The SV, which used to be the top trim, now sits in the middle of the list. For 2020, the ultimate version of the Versa is called the SR.

There are three trim levels to choose from in 2020, somewhat simplifying the process. That said, all three trims are equipped differently in significant ways. Proper research is required to ensure that consumers end up with the model that is right for both their budget and their vehicle needs.

This is a guide designed to emphasize the differences between all three trim levels. The goal of the guide is to better prepare consumers to make a selection.

Compare the 2020 Nissan Versa S vs SV Trims. What is the difference?

Considering that there are only three trims, it really is not surprising that there is only one engine option for the 2020 Versa. It is a 1.6L four-cylinder and it will provide drivers with 122-horsepower as well as 114 lb-ft of torque. Although this is the same engine that the 2019 model has, it is now producing 13 more horsepower and 7 more lb-ft of torque. The S is the only trim level to come standard with a five-speed manual transmission but has the option of a CVT.

Going with the CVT improves fuel economy significantly. While the manual model gets an EPA estimate of 27MPG in the city and 35MPG on the highway, CVT models get 32MPG in the city as well as 40MPG on the highway. For just under two grand, the five-speed manual can be changed out for the continuously variable transmission instead.

The S, like all models, is a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Also consistent throughout the trims levels is the suspension. The Versa has an independent front suspension and a torsion beam rear one. There are stabilizer bars in both the front and rear. The S trim is the only one that comes with 15" steel wheels standard. There are no available wheel upgrades.

As for the brakes, all models of the Versa have ventilated disc brakes in the front and 8" drum brakes for the rear. Considering most vehicles are moving away from drum brakes, this is a bit disappointing to see. An anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, and brake assist are all standard on the S and all other versions of the Versa. Electric power steering is also standard.

As for the exterior, the Versa S features a chrome grille. It has halogen projector headlights with an automatic on/off feature. The outside mirrors on this trim are powered and have black caps. Exclusive to the S trim are also black door handles. The rear diffuser has a carbon-fiber appearance.

The entire look of the Versa is new for 2020. It has been designed to look more like the Altima, one of the larger sedans offered by Nissan. This year's Versa is 1.6" longer as well as 1.8" wider than the 2019 model. The roof of the vehicle measures in 2.3" lower than before. The result is a sleeker, more aggressive-looking sedan.

Although there are not many convenience features inside the S trim, the ones that can be found are significant. The air conditioning features an in-cabin microfilter. Power windows are standard with the driver's one getting a one-touch up/down function. Drivers also gets a remote keyless entry system that also adds push-button start. Finally, the S gives buyers a 12-volt power outlet.

The seating inside the S includes a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat and a four-way manually adjustable passenger's seat. Interestingly, these seats never get an upgrade in the Versa. For the backseat, models with the CVT have a 60/40 split-folding feature. For both versions of the S, drivers get standard cloth trim. The interior door trim has a matte carbon-fiber look. Trunk space is impressive for a vehicle this size. Drivers will find 14.7 cubic feet of cargo room.

Moving on to infotainment, the S trim is a bit lacking. It does give drivers a 7" touchscreen, but no access to NissanConnect or smartphone integration through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Drivers do get Bluetooth as well as voice recognition for audio controls. There are a total of three USB ports as well as an auxiliary input jack. For further convenience, there are steering-wheel-mounted controls.

There are several driver aids found on the entry-level S trim. It gives drivers rear automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, high beam assist, a rearview camera, and front collision alert with automatic emergency braking. Both the front and rear automatic emergency braking will kick on if an imminent collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is detected. These features are not always seen on entry-level models and are particularly nice to find on such an affordable sedan.

The construction itself of the Versa is designed to help keep drivers and their passengers safe. Like all models, the S has a zone body construction that includes both front and rear crumple zones. There are also hood buckling creases and safety stops, which are designed to help cage and protect the cabin of the vehicle in the event of a collision. All Versas also get the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with seatbelt as well as occupant-classification sensors. Smaller families may consider the Versa due to its standard LATCH car seat attachment system and child safety rear door locks.

Also standard is a tire pressure monitoring system. This system features an individual tire display as well as the convenient easy-fill alert function. To help secure the Versa, it comes standard with the Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System. This ensures that the vehicle detects a registered key fob before starting. This system essentially prevents anyone from "hot-wiring" the vehicle.

Perhaps a more appealing choice to buyers is the SV trim level of the 2020 Nissan Versa. It is mechanically identical to the S, although not available with a manual transmission. This trim level gets upgraded to 16" aluminum alloy wheels. For the SV, the heated outside mirrors are body-colored and add turn signal integration. The door handles are also body-colored here.

This trim level, as well as the SR, offers drivers three premium paint color choices. They are Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Monarch Orange Metallic, and Electric Clue Metallic. It costs just under 400 dollars to upgrade to one of these paint options.

There are not many new convenience features to be found inside the SV. It does add a rear seat alert. This feature beeps when the driver exits their vehicle in an attempt to remind them to check their backseat. There is also now a driver's seat mounted armrest. While the upholstery is still cloth, it is now listed as "premium cloth." The interior handles are chrome and the dash trim is Prima-Tex appointed. Prima-Tex is essentially a type of synthetic leather.

Tech features are where the SV makes a name for itself. This trim gets both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also adds NissanConnect, which is designed to seamlessly connect a smart device to the Versa in order to use its navigation, communication, and audio features. Also added to this trim is SiriusXM radio featuring a three-month trial subscription. One significant addition to the standard safety gear is added to the SV. This trim level gets a blind spot monitor complete with rear cross traffic alert.

Overall, the SV trim level adds enough new technology to make it worth upgrading to.

Compare the 2020 Nissan Versa SV vs SR Trims.  What is the difference?

Once again, the Versa sees no mechanical upgrades for the SR trim level. Drivers will notice, however, the stylish 17" split five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. This is the only trim to get fog lights, LED headlights including an LED signature, and dark chrome grille. Also found on the SR trim is a body-color rear spoiler. Whereas the S trim simply had black exterior mirrors, the SR has black-painted ones.

This trim also gives the Versa "follow me home headlights." With this feature, the vehicle will leave the headlights on for a bit after the engine is shut-off. The idea is to help drivers be able to see the path to their front door, get their key in the lock, etc. This trim level also get a remote start and the Nissan Intelligent Key. This key features buttons for not only locking and unlocking the vehicle, but also opening or closing the trunk and starting the engine.

The SR trim level of the Versa adds automatic climate control. It has sport cloth seating upholstery. Standard for these models is leather on both the steering wheel and gear shift knob. Optional here are heated front seats. While previous models had only four speakers, the SR brings this number up to six.

The SR is the only trim to offer intelligent cruise control as an add-on. This feature allows the Versa to maintain a set distance between it and the vehicle it is following. Other than that, safety features remain the same between the SV and the SR. Both the heated seats and intelligent cruise control as added together as part of the SR Convenience package, which only adds 300 dollars to the price.

The SR trim certainly makes a bigger impression on the outside, but does it add enough features to make it worth the extra money?

Which Trim to Choose?

Most consumers will want to skip over the S trim unless they are looking to spend as little as possible on a new sedan. Going up to at least the SV adds so many features that are aimed at making life more convenient. It also adds the increasingly popular blind spot monitor to the list of standard equipment.

Although the SV has a lot going for it, the SR is going to be the smart choice here in many cases. People who live in places with extreme temperatures will want it for its remote start feature alone. Plus, it adds the leather, LED headlights, and many other high-end features.

The 2020 Nissan Versa SR is a well-rounded sedan, especially if buyers choose to add the SR Convenience package to it.