Battle of the subcompacts: nissan versa vs ford fiesta – which reigns supreme?
What To Know
- The Versa gets an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the CVT, while the Fiesta returns 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission.
- The Fiesta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all but the small overlap front crash test, where it received an “Acceptable” rating.
- The Nissan Versa has a slightly better fuel economy than the Ford Fiesta, with an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the CVT.
The Nissan Versa and Ford Fiesta are two popular subcompact sedans that offer a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability. However, each car has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key aspects of these two vehicles to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Nissan Versa is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Fiesta, on the other hand, offers a more powerful 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine with 120 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque. Both cars come standard with a five-speed manual transmission, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) available as an option.
In terms of fuel economy, the Nissan Versa has a slight edge over the Ford Fiesta. The Versa gets an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the CVT, while the Fiesta returns 31 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission.
Interior and Comfort
The Nissan Versa offers a spacious and comfortable cabin for its size. The front seats are supportive and offer ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats are also relatively roomy, with enough space for two adults to sit comfortably. The Fiesta’s interior is slightly smaller than the Versa’s, but it still provides a decent amount of space for passengers. The front seats are comfortable, but the rear seats are a bit cramped for adults.
Features and Technology
The Nissan Versa comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system. Available features include navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose sound system. The Ford Fiesta offers a similar level of standard features, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Available features include navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Safety
Both the Nissan Versa and Ford Fiesta have received good ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Versa received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all IIHS crash tests. The Fiesta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all but the small overlap front crash test, where it received an “Acceptable” rating.
Reliability
The Nissan Versa has a slightly better reliability rating than the Ford Fiesta. According to Consumer Reports, the Versa has an average predicted reliability score of 3.5 out of 5, while the Fiesta has a score of 2.5 out of 5. This means that the Versa is less likely to experience major repairs or problems.
Price and Value
The Nissan Versa has a starting price of $15,680, while the Ford Fiesta has a starting price of $14,995. However, the Versa offers a more spacious interior, better fuel economy, and a slightly better reliability rating. Overall, the Versa provides a better value for the money.
The Verdict
The Nissan Versa and Ford Fiesta are both excellent choices for budget-minded shoppers looking for a subcompact sedan. However, the Versa offers a more spacious interior, better fuel economy, and a slightly better reliability rating. If you value space, efficiency, and reliability, the Versa is the better choice. If you prioritize performance and technology, the Fiesta is a better option.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which car has a more powerful engine?
A: The Ford Fiesta has a more powerful engine than the Nissan Versa, with 120 horsepower compared to 122 horsepower.
Q: Which car has a better fuel economy?
A: The Nissan Versa has a slightly better fuel economy than the Ford Fiesta, with an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the CVT.
Q: Which car has a more spacious interior?
A: The Nissan Versa has a more spacious interior than the Ford Fiesta, with more headroom, legroom, and cargo space.
Q: Which car has more standard features?
A: The Nissan Versa and Ford Fiesta have similar levels of standard features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a sound system.
Q: Which car has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Nissan Versa and Ford Fiesta have received good safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. The Versa received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all IIHS crash tests, while the Fiesta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all but the small overlap front crash test, where it received an “Acceptable” rating.