Nissan’s Budget Sedan Getting a Makeover
The Nissan Versa wasn’t flashy, fast, or particularly tech-heavy, but it mattered because it was accessible. It held the title of Nissan’s most affordable new vehicle and, for a time, the most affordable brand-new car you could buy in the US. After a major facelift in 2022 for the 2023 model year, the sedan carried on largely unchanged, even as rivals gradually abandoned the subcompact segment.
That affordability story ended quietly when Nissan axed the manual transmission, but the Versa still remained a price leader deep into the 2025 model year.
Now, leaked images circulating on social media are showing that Nissan isn’t done with the nameplate just yet. Instead of another light refresh, the next Versa appears to be getting a redesign – at least at the front – even while sticking to the same basic platform as the current car.
Josué Adán Granados/Facebook
Looks Like a Baby Murano
The restyled Versa was recently spotted in Mexico without camouflage, where it appeared to be filming a commercial. Photos were first shared in a Facebook group, which also appeared on Instagram, accompanied by a caption suggesting a full reveal is only months away.
Design-wise, the changes are concentrated at the front fascia. From the side, the greenhouse, roofline, and overall profile look familiar, confirming heavy carryover underneath.
Up front, though, the styling takes a clear detour toward Nissan’s current crossover design language. The split LED headlights and glossy black grille immediately recall the new Murano, and in a familiar shade of blue, the resemblance is hard to miss. It comes across as a Murano that’s been squashed down closer to the pavement.
Out back, everything is still very familiar: black trim links the redesigned taillights and reappears around the bumper-mounted reflectors. A small exhaust outlet tucked under the rear bumper hints at continued use of a small-displacement engine. There’s also a reworked trunk lid, with the license plate now mounted lower on the bumper than before.
What to Expect
Because the car was allegedly caught during an ad shoot, we expect an official debut sooner rather than later. Mechanically, the redesigned Versa should retain the familiar 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder and the existing transmission options, at least outside the US.
If Nissan were to keep the Versa alive stateside, this new generation would likely arrive as a 2026 model. That remains a big “if,” given ongoing profitability concerns and rising costs. Still, Versa is a strong seller in America; in fact, there’s been a surge in demand for the model this year. As of Q3 2025, 41,463 units have been sold, representing a 41.5 percent year-over-year increase.
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About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog