2020 Nissan Versa — Full Specifications
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The 2020 Nissan Versa is a saloon/sedan powered by a 1.6L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 42 mpg (UK) / 35 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 36–42 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Nissan Versa workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2019 Nissan Versa: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 42 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. The overall NHTSA rating moves from 4★ to 5★.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.6L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 90 cu ft (2,549 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 42 combined / 38 urban / 48 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 35 combined / 32 city / 40 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 157 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 8 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2020 Nissan Versa, all with the 1.6L 4-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 30 to 35 mpg (US), or 36 to 42 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 42 | 35 (32/40) | 157 | $1,900 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (27/35) | 184 | $2,250 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 90 cubic feet (about 2,549 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2020 Nissan Versa
Running Costs: 2020 Nissan Versa
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2020 Nissan Versa at 42 mpg combined, expect roughly 866 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2020 Nissan Versa Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2020 Nissan Versa (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 21V471000, reported 23 June 2021. Risk: Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fuel system — campaign 20V112000, reported 26 February 2020. Risk: If a small hole is present, a fuel leak may occur if the operator fills the tank over half full, increasing the risk of a fire.
Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Nissan Versa. The most-reported areas are Power train (16), Forward collision avoidance (16), Unspecified (14). Complaints include 5 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 84 complaints across the 16 Nissan Versa model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2020 Nissan Versa
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (16 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Driver-assist sensors (16 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
- Engine (14 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Lighting (1 recall campaign) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Nissan models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2020 Nissan Versa's 42 mpg is 13 mpg above that make average. Its 157 g/km CO₂ figure is 83 g/km lower than the 240 g/km Nissan average.
Of the 16 Nissan Versa model years we cover, the 2020 is the most economical on its best configuration (42 mpg UK combined). See every Nissan Versa year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2020 Nissan Versa
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 Nissan Versa have?
It's fitted with a 1.6L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Nissan Versa?
The most efficient configuration returns around 42 mpg (UK) combined, or 35 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 36 to 42 mpg.
How much does the 2020 Nissan Versa cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2020 Nissan Versa have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2020 Nissan Versa have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2020 Nissan Versa (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Exterior lighting (1), Fuel system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2020 Nissan Versa?
Among the 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (16 complaints), Forward collision avoidance (16 complaints), Unspecified (14 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2020 Nissan Versa have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 90 cubic feet (about 2,549 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.