Nissan has ceased sales of the Versa in the United States, but the model lives on in Latin America. The next-generation 2027 Versa is now in production at Nissan’s Aguascalientes A1 plant in Mexico, targeting markets where affordable, compact sedans remain in high demand.
US Market Shift
The decision to discontinue the Versa in the US reflects a broader trend: American consumers are increasingly shifting away from subcompact cars in favor of larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks. This move leaves the Sentra as Nissan’s entry-level sedan in North America, with the aging Altima expected to remain until 2027. At that point, the Sentra will become Nissan’s only remaining sedan in the region.
New Design Details
The new Versa features a redesigned front fascia, though it’s arguably less refined than the previous generation’s look. The design includes split headlights and a busy three-layer configuration. The rear of the car, revealed in leaked photos from late 2025, appears evolutionary, with updated taillights and black plastic trim. The overall profile remains largely unchanged from the 2019 model.
Powertrain and Features
Under the hood, the 2027 Versa is expected to use the same naturally aspirated 1.6-liter gasoline engine as the Kait subcompact crossover in Latin America. This setup produces 113 horsepower and 110 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A manual gearbox is unlikely to be offered.
The Broader Context
The Versa’s survival in Latin America underscores a simple truth: demand for affordable cars persists in many regions where economic realities prevent widespread adoption of more expensive vehicles. Meanwhile, in the US, the average new car transaction price reached a record $50,326 in December 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book. This makes the Versa’s discontinuation particularly striking; it effectively vanished from a market where sub-$20,000 cars are becoming increasingly rare. The Sentra is now the closest option, starting at $23,645.
The decision to focus production elsewhere speaks to Nissan’s broader market strategy, prioritizing regions where the Versa remains a viable product. While the exterior styling may be debatable, the continued production ensures this model will continue serving budget-conscious buyers in Latin America.
