Compare the2019 Chevrolet SonicVS 2019 Nissan Versa Sedan

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

© 1999 - 2026Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (Advanta-STAR). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2026/04/05

The Sonic LT/Premier offers an optional collision warning system, which detects an impending crash through forward mounted sensors and flashes a bright light and sounds a loud, distinctive tone to warn the driver to brake or maneuver immediately to avoid a collision. The Versa Sedan doesn't offer a collision warning system.

The Chevrolet Sonic has Daytime Running Lights to help keep it more visible under all conditions. Canadian government studies show that driving with lights during the day reduces accidents by 11% by making vehicles more conspicuous. The Versa Sedan doesn’t offer Daytime Running Lights.

The Sonic LT/Premier’s optional lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. The Versa Sedan doesn’t offer a lane departure warning system.

The Sonic’s blind spot mirrors use wide-angle convex mirrors mounted in the corner of each side view mirror to reveal objects that may be in the driver’s blind spots. The Versa Sedan doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

The Sonic has standard OnStar®, which uses a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver and a cellular system to get turn-by-turn driving directions, remotely unlock your doors if you lock your keys in, help track down your vehicle if it’s stolen or send emergency personnel to the scene if any airbags deploy. The Versa Sedan doesn’t offer a GPS response system, only a navigation computer with no live response for emergencies, so if you’re involved in an accident and you’re incapacitated help may not come as quickly.

Both the Sonic and the Versa Sedan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front-wheel drive, height-adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, rearview cameras and available rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Chevrolet Sonic is safer than the Nissan Versa Sedan:

	Sonic	Versa Sedan
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	152	311
Neck Stress	262 lbs.	418 lbs.
Neck Compression	60 lbs.	75 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	328/406 lbs.	751/789 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	3 Stars
HIC	273	561
Chest Compression	.3 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	36%	62%
Neck Stress	166 lbs.	239 lbs.
Neck Compression	74 lbs.	162 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	200/219 lbs.	524/501 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

A significantly tougher test than their original offset frontal crash test, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH small overlap frontal offset crash tests. In this test, where only 25% of the total width of the vehicle is struck, results indicate that the Chevrolet Sonic Sedan is safer than the Versa Sedan:

	Sonic	Versa Sedan
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Restraints	GOOD	MARGINAL
Head Neck Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Peak Head Forces	0 G’s	0 G’s
Steering Column Movement Rearward	2 cm	10 cm
Chest Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Max Chest Compression	21 cm	24 cm
Hip & Thigh Evaluation	GOOD	GOOD
Femur Force R/L	.9/.8 kN	3.2/1.2 kN
Hip & Thigh Injury Risk R/L	0%/0%	1.81%/.7%
Lower Leg Evaluation	GOOD	POOR
Tibia index R/L	.52/.41	1.81/.7
Tibia forces R/L	3/1.6 kN	5.8/2.6 kN

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Chevrolet Sonic is safer than the Nissan Versa Sedan:

	Sonic	Versa Sedan
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	104	216
Chest Movement	1.1 inches	1.5 inches
Abdominal Force	184 G’s	220 G’s
Hip Force	366 lbs.	556 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	239	686
Spine Acceleration	35 G’s	64 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	17 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Sonic is 2.1% less likely to roll over than the Versa Sedan.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Sonic the rating of “Top Pick” for 2016, a rating granted to only 144 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Versa Sedan is not a “Top Pick” for 2016.

The Chevrolet Sonic has a better fatality history. The Sonic was involved in fatal accidents at a rate 44.7% lower per vehicle registered than the Versa Sedan, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Warranty

The Sonic’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the Versa Sedan’s (6 vs. 5 years).

Chevrolet pays for the first scheduled maintenance on the Sonic. Chevrolet will pay for the first oil change, lubrication and any other required maintenance in the first year. Nissan doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Versa Sedan.

There are almost 3 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Nissan dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Sonic’s warranty.

Reliability

The Chevrolet Sonic’s engine uses a cast iron block for durability, while the Versa Sedan’s engine uses an aluminum block. Aluminum engine blocks are much more prone to warp and crack at high temperatures than cast iron.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 3 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is ranked 10th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet 6th in reliability, above the industry average. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, Nissan is ranked 10th.

Engine

The Sonic’s 1.4 turbo 4 cyl. produces 29 more horsepower (138 vs. 109) and 41 lbs.-ft. more torque (148 vs. 107) than the Versa Sedan’s 1.6 DOHC 4 cyl.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Sonic Manual gets better highway fuel mileage than the Versa Sedan Manual (27 city/38 hwy vs. 27 city/36 hwy).

The Sonic has 1.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Versa Sedan (12.2 vs. 10.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Transmission

A six-speed manual is standard on the Chevrolet Sonic, with closer gear ratios for better performance and a lower final drive ratio for quieter highway operation, less engine wear and better fuel mileage. Only a five-speed manual is available for the Versa Sedan.

To help the driver achieve optimum performance and fuel economy, the Sonic has a standard up-shift light to indicate when to shift based on power needs and conditions. The Versa Sedan doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

A standard “hill holder” feature keeps the Chevrolet Sonic with manual transmission from rolling backwards on a steep slope. The Versa Sedan doesn’t offer a hill holder feature.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Sonic’s brake rotors and drums are larger than those on the Versa Sedan:

	Sonic	Versa Sedan
Front Rotors	10.8 inches	10 inches
Rear Drums	9 inches	8 inches

The Sonic stops much shorter than the Versa Sedan:

	Sonic	Versa Sedan
60 to 0 MPH	128 feet	140 feet	Consumer Reports
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	139 feet	152 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Sonic has larger standard tires than the Versa Sedan (195/65R15 vs. 185/65R15). The Sonic LT’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Versa Sedan (205/55R16 vs. 185/65R15).

The Sonic’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Versa Sedan’s 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Sonic offers optional 17-inch wheels. The Versa Sedan’s largest wheels are only 15-inches.

The Chevrolet Sonic’s wheels have 5 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Nissan Versa Sedan only has 4 wheel lugs per wheel.

Suspension and Handling

The Sonic has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Versa Sedan’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Sonic is 1.1 inches wider in the front and .9 inches wider in the rear than on the Versa Sedan.

Chassis

The Sonic Hatchback is 1 foot, 3.6 inches shorter than the Versa Sedan, making the Sonic easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Passenger Space

The Sonic Sedan has 3.3 inches more front hip room, 1.7 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear headroom, 5.4 inches more rear hip room and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Versa Sedan.

Cargo Capacity

The Sonic Hatchback has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat up than the Versa Sedan (19 vs. 14.9 cubic feet).

Servicing Ease

The Sonic has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The Versa Sedan doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

Ergonomics

The Sonic (except LS/Manual) offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The Versa Sedan doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

To help each driver find a more comfortable driving position, the Sonic has a telescoping steering wheel. Much better than just a tilt steering wheel or adjustable seat, this allows a short driver to sit further from the steering wheel while maintaining contact with the pedals. The Versa Sedan doesn’t offer a telescoping steering wheel.

The power windows standard on both the Sonic and the Versa Sedan have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Sonic is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The Versa Sedan prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Sonic LT/Premier’s front and rear power windows all open fully with one touch of the switches and its front windows also automatically close, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Versa Sedan SV’s power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

The Sonic’s standard power locks allow the driver or passenger to lock or unlock all the doors at a touch without leaning over, or reaching to the back seat. Power locks are only available on the Versa Sedan SV.

The Sonic has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The Versa Sedan doesn’t offer automatic headlights.

The Sonic LT/Premier’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. The Versa Sedan doesn’t offer heated side mirrors.

The Sonic LT/Premier’s power mirror controls are mounted on the armrest for easy access. The Versa Sedan’s power mirror controls are on the dash, hidden behind the steering wheel, where they are awkward to manipulate.

The Sonic (except LS) offers optional heated front seats, which keep the driver and front passenger extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated seats aren’t available in the Versa Sedan.

On extremely cold winter days, the Sonic’s optional (except LS/RS) heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Versa Sedan doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

A built-in pollen filter removes pollen, exhaust fumes and other pollutants from the Sonic’s passenger compartment. This helps prevent lung and/or sinus irritation, which can trigger allergies or asthma. The Versa Sedan doesn’t offer a filtration system.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Sonic is less expensive to operate than the Versa Sedan because it costs $54 less to do the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance for 50,000 miles. Typical repairs cost less on the Sonic than the Versa Sedan, including $78 less for a starter, $162 less for fuel injection, $102 less for a fuel pump, $37 less for front struts and $29 less for a timing belt/chain.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Chevrolet Sonic, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Nissan Versa Sedan isn't recommended.

Car and Driver performed a comparison test in its November 2011 issue and they ranked the Chevrolet Sonic Premier Hatchback four places higher than the Nissan Versa Sedan.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Sonic second among small cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Versa Sedan isn’t in the top three.

See Available Inventory