The subcompact 2018 Ford Fiesta and Nissan Versa offer modern comfort and safety technology at a friendly price. If you're trying to decide between these two models, start with our comparison guide. We'll help you figure out which of these budget-savvy sedans is right for you.
Best Comfort and Convenience Features: 2018 Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta certainly gives you greater bang for your buck. If you're aiming for savings, you'll find the base model is well equipped for a comfortable drive. The window cranks are manual, but you do get power locks and remote keyless entry. The base Versa model, on the other hand, supplies both manual locks and crank windows. Only the top-trim Versa offers keyless entry.
If you've got the cash to add modern features, the Fiesta is still the best pick. Whereas the top-trim Fiesta Titanium offers both a leather-wrapped steering wheel and full leather upholstery, the top-trim Versa SV comes with upgraded cloth upholstery. The Versa SV's leather-wrapped steering wheel is a pay-extra option.
Savviest Tech Features: 2018 Ford Fiesta
The base Fiesta also bests the Versa in terms of modern technology. The Fiesta comes standard with everything you need to stream music or make hands-free calls, such as Bluetooth, Sync voice controls, and a 4.2-inch center display. By way of comparison, the entry-level Versa SV offers only Bluetooth phone connectivity and a CD player.
You'll also find that the Fiesta offers better tech upgrades. Choose the Fiesta SE with the SE Appearance package or the Fiesta Titanium for the Sync 3 infotainment system. Sync 3 takes smartphone integration to the next level, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. You can use this technology to interact with smartphone apps via the central touchscreen or voice controls. Unfortunately, the Nissan Versa doesn't offer the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces.
Thriftiest Ride: 2018 Nissan Versa
One thing that the Nissan Versa does have going for it is fuel economy. The Versa S Plus and SV come with a continuously variable transmission that helps you earn 31 city/39 highway mpg, excellent figures for a long commute. The base Versa S features a five-speed manual transmission that only slight affects fuel economy, dropping those figures to 27/36 mpg.
The 2018 Ford Fiesta does slightly better than the manual-equipped Versa, earning 27/37 mpg with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. If you're aiming for greater speed, you'll be happy to learn that the Fiesta ST balances power with fuel economy, earning 26/33 mpg.
Most Athletic Ride: 2018 Ford Fiesta
If you're looking for a fun commute, the Ford Fiesta has you covered. Its quick steering and deft handling makes for an impressive performance around corners. In addition to heading into the winding hills with confidence, you'll also enjoy one of the quietest rides in the segment.
Sporty isn't really a word one would use to describe the Nissan Versa in action. It's more vanilla in terms of steering and handling. But the Versa smoothly soaks up bumps in the road and gets you where you need to go with impressive fuel economy.
Although both the 2018 Ford Fiesta and Nissan Versa treat you to an affordable commute, you'll find that you get a lot more for your money with the Fiesta. This subcompact is home to an impressive array of comfort and tech options, so you can tailor your on-road experience to suit your personal tastes. The Ford Fiesta also does an excellent job of blending fuel savings with an athletic ride.