Cheapest New Car in America Could Soon Be Killed
Cars are more expensive than ever, with high inflation and supply chain shortages causing prices to significantly rise over the past couple of years. However, there are still some affordable options. This includes the 2023 Nissan Versa, the cheapest new car in America in 2023. However, with slow sales, the Versa could soon be killed.
2023 Nissan Versa is the cheapest new car in the United States
The 2023 Nissan Versa subcompact sedan is the cheapest new car in America — with a starting price of only $15,730 MSRP. It costs $515 less than the next most affordable one, the 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage subcompact hatchback ($16,245 MSRP).
Other budget-friendly new cars include the 2023 Kia Rio ($16,750 MSRP), 2023 Hyundai Venue ($19,650 MSRP), 2023 Kia Forte ($19,690 MSRP), 2023 Subaru Impreza ($19,795 MSRP), and 2023 Kia Soul ($19,890 MSRP). The rest of the top 10 list of most affordable new cars is rounded out by the 2023 Nissan Sentra ($20,050 MSRP), 2023 Nissan Kicks ($20,440 MSRP), and 2023 VW Jetta ($20,655 MSRP). However, the cheapest one of all is the Versa.
Nissan could soon discontinue the Versa
In an age of larger crossovers and SUVs, subcompact cars are a dying breed. Other automakers have discontinued their subcompacts for the American market in recent years. This includes the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and Chevy Spark. Also, in 2019, Nissan killed the Versa Note, the hatchback version. And soon, the cheapest car in America could follow suit.
The sales of the Versa have been slow in recent years. Per CarFigures, in 2022, Nisson only sold 13,399 units of the subcompact sedan in the U.S., compared to 60,913 in 2022. That translates to a 78% year-over-year drop in sales. Also, the drop is even more significant compared to 2015. That was the peak sales year, with sales of 144,528 units.
Like other automakers, Nissan must reckon with the fact that subcompacts are no longer in demand in America. This will result in the likely discontinuation of the Versa.
What’s new for the 2023 Versa?
For the new model year, the 2023 Versa has a light refresh for its exterior. This includes a new front fascia, new Nissan logos, a redesigned V-motion grille, and new wheels for the SR trim. Also, there’s a new paint color option: Gray Sky Pearl.
Other upgrades include a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, newly available chambray seat upholstery, a wireless charging pad, and an S Plus package for the S trim. Also, the Versa has an improved center console. Furthermore, it offers more advanced safety features than any model in the subcompact segment, such as the class-exclusive rear automatic braking.
Additionally, considering that the 2023 Versa only costs $250 more than the 2022 model ($15,580 MSRP), all of these upgrades make the affordable subcompact sedan an even greater value choice.
As the cheapest new car in America, the 2023 Nissan Versa is a solid pick for budget-minded automotive shoppers. However, with slow sales and dwindling demand for subcompacts, it could soon be killed.
