Chevrolet Sonic vs. Nissan Versa

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Sonic and Nissan Versa contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Chevrolet Sonic and the Nissan Versa.

When we compare the Chevrolet Sonic's and the Nissan Versa's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Sonic has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Nissan Versa has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Chevrolet Sonic's and the Nissan Versa's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Sonic is a better car than the Nissan Versa.

Pricing: A used 2020 Chevrolet Sonic ranges from $11,800 to $19,195 while a used 2020 Nissan Versa is priced between $11,990 to $19,589.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Sonic loses 35.2 percent of its value and the Nissan Versa loses 30.9 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Versa retains 4.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Chevrolet Sonic.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Sonic is 8.7 out of 10 while the Nissan Versa's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Sonic being ranked 14 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Nissan Versa being ranked 16 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Sonic is 7.7 out of 10. For the Nissan Versa the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Versa a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Chevrolet Sonic.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Sonic’s base engine makes 138 horsepower, and the Nissan Versa base engine makes 122 horsepower. The Sonic is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 415 miles. The Versa is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 378 miles.This gives the Nissan Versa the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Chevrolet Sonic the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are subcompact cars, the Chevrolet Sonic has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Nissan Versa has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Chevrolet Sonic has higher safety ratings than the Nissan Versa, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.77 out of 5 Stars.