2019 Ford Fiesta vs Nissan Versa

Offering big savings and modern flavor, the 2019 Ford Fiesta and Nissan Versa appeal to the budget-savvy drivers among us. But, at first glance, choosing between them isn’t easy. That’s why we created this comparison guide. We’re here to walk you through their differences and help you make the best purchase.

Get More for Your Money: 2019 Ford Fiesta

In the economy segment, the goal is to spend less. But you don’t want to sell yourself short of any modern comforts or conveniences. That’s where the Fiesta comes in. This Ford might be easy on your budget, but the Fiesta also comes standard with niceties like power locks and infotainment voice controls. To get these items on the Versa, you need to pay extra.

And, as you move up the Fiesta trim models, you find features that aren’t available on the Versa at all. These include an extra USB port to charge devices and a navigation system.

Safety Lineup: 2019 Ford Fiesta

Both the Ford Fiesta and the Nissan Versa come standard with the usual assortment of airbags and seatbelts. And both feature standard rearview cameras to help you out of a tight spot.

But the Fiesta takes things a step further with its emergency assistance functions. Ford’s SYNC technology pairs with your smartphone and automatically calls 911 if the airbags deploy. Unfortunately, the Versa doesn’t offer any extra safety aids.

Configure Your Ride: 2019 Ford Fiesta

Want options? The Fiesta has you covered. Its base powertrain is pretty quick, spitting out 120 horses and giving you sporty handling to boot. And then there’s the performance-based Fiesta ST. With its twin-turbo, 197-horsepower engine, it leaves segment competitors in the dust.

With the Versa, you don’t get any powertrain options. There’s only one engine, and it’s not as powerful as anything you’d find on the Fiesta, limiting you to 109 horses. Unlike the Fiesta, the Versa isn’t exactly tuned for a sporty ride. To merge onto the highway, you’re going to have to plan ahead.

Thrifty Daily Drive: 2019 Nissan Versa

Here, a less powerful engine helps the Nissan take the lead. Choose the continuously variable transmission and you’ll earn 31 city miles and 39 highway miles per gallon. With the five-speed manual transmission, those figure drop to 27 city and 36 highway mpg. 

The Fiesta may not be as thrifty, but this Ford does do a good job of maintaining fuel-efficiency in the face of a sporty ride. With its base engine, this Ford subcompact earns up to 27/37 mpg.

In the end, the 2019 Ford Fiesta is the best option for any daily drive, whether you’re looking for a thrifty-yet-speedy ride to work or a high-tech economy car. And you’ll love how much you get for your money.