Without big announcements or farewell campaigns, Nissan confirmed the definitive departure of the Versa from the US market. The subcompact sedan, which for years was synonymous with accessible mobility, will not return for the model year 2026thus closing an important chapter both for the brand and for consumers who were looking for a new car at a reasonable price.
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For much of the last decade, the Versa occupied a unique place: It was the cheapest new vehicle available in the United States.
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In a market increasingly dominated by SUVs, giant screens and constantly rising prices, the small Japanese sedan remained a simple, functional and efficient option. Its disappearance not only affects Nissan’s portfolio, but also evidences a structural change in the industry.
The reasons behind the cancellation
Although the decision may seem abrupt, the context explains much of the movement. Sales of the Versa had lost steam in the face of the rise of crossovers, and its low profitability margin made it especially vulnerable to economic and regulatory changes.
The model was produced at the Aguascalientes plant, Mexicoand the new tariffs applied to vehicles imported from that country significantly increased costs, especially in the most basic versions. In a car whose main attraction was the price, any increase ended up directly affecting its commercial viability.
Before announcing its total cancellation, Nissan had already made decisions that anticipated the outcome. One of them was the elimination of the manual transmission, a variant that historically helped keep the price low, but whose demand had fallen significantly.
Production of the Versa for the United States concluded in December 2025, and the brand officially confirmed its departure with a clear and direct statement.
A Nissan spokesperson explained: “In line with Nissan’s product strategy, the Versa ended production in December 2025 for the US market. “We remain committed to offering affordable and stylish vehicles in the sedan segment with models like Sentra and Altima.”
The Versa 2025: the last representative
The 2025 Nissan Versa will go down in history as the latest exponent of a saga focused on accessibility. Its base price was around $18,585 dollars, a figure that kept it the most affordable new car in the country.
Under the hood there was a 1.6-liter engine with 122 horsepower, enough for urban use and daily trips, with consumption that could be between 35 and 40 miles per gallon on the highway, depending on the configuration.
In terms of equipment, the Versa was surprising for its segment. It included active safety systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and, in higher versions, compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, it offered a reasonably spacious interior for four adults and a trunk that surpassed several direct rivals.
For many young buyers, students or families on tight budgets, the Versa was the ideal gateway to the world of new cars.
What Nissan now offers as an alternative
With the release of the Versa, the entry level to the Nissan range clearly rises. The cheapest model becomes the Kicks Play, a variant based on the previous generation of the Kicks, with a price close to $23,000.
Above appear the Kicks new generation, from approximately $23,925 dollarsand the Sentrawhich starts around the $23,845 dollars. While they offer more space, technology, and a more modern feel, they no longer play in the same price league as the old Versa.
The disappearance of the Versa leaves a void that is difficult to fill. In 2025, it was practically the only new option below the $20,000 dollarsand its departure accelerates a clear trend: small, cheap cars are disappearing.
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