Starting at
Starting at
| 122 | Horsepower (HP) | 120 |
| 114 | Torque (lb-ft) | 113 |
| 14.7 | Cargo Volume (cu.ft.) | 13.7 |
Although SUVs have certainly become quite popular over the last couple of decades, a reliable and sporty sedan is still a great choice for a lot of drivers and families. A compact sedan, in particular, can be the perfect option if you want a four-door car that comfortably seats five people without getting something that feels like driving a boat around. When looking at the 2021 Nissan Versa vs 2021 Hyundai Accent, it is easy to see that they both have a lot in common and offer many similar features – but the Versa gives you all of this at a lower price.
Both of these cars have a single engine available, which makes it simple to choose the model and trim that is right for you, with either a manual transmission or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) available. The engines are pretty similar in terms of performance, both with regard to power and fuel economy, but the lower price of the Nissan Versa makes it a better choice to get the most for your money. Both of these sedans have three trim levels for you to choose from, with a number of improvements and additional features offered at each level – and across the board, the Nissan remains a more wallet-friendly choice.
Inside both of these cars, you will find a lot of similar features, including comfortable seating and great connectivity options. The 2021 Nissan Versa has a few advantages; however, such as a 7-inch Infotainment display standard. The starting trim for the Hyundai Accent comes with a 5-inch infotainment system, and a 7-inch screen is only offered on the higher trim options. Since you get these features in the Versa at a lower price, it only reinforces what a great value this impressive sedan represents.
When looking at a small sedan, you are not going to find a massively powerful engine, but you still want to get a model with enough power in it that it is fun to drive. Both the 2021 Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent have a single engine available, which makes it easy to compare them and see what each has to offer. The Versa gives you more power at a lower price, with two great options for the transmission, so you can get a setup that really works well for you.
In the Nissan Versa, you will find a 1.4L DOHC 4-cylinder engine that delivers 122 hp and up to 114 lb-ft of torque, which comes with front-wheel drive. If you want full control over your vehicle, then you can get this engine with a 5-speed manual transmission, though it is also available with a CVT that offers a smooth and responsive driving experience. The CVT delivers fantastic fuel efficiency, giving you an estimated 32 MPG in the city, 40 MPG on the highway, and 35 MPG combined.
The 2021 Hyundai Accent has a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that offers up to 120 hp and up to 113 lb-ft of torque, which you can see is a bit less powerful than Nissan’s engine. Hyundai also offers a manual transmission on the Accent, or a CVT, much like the Nissan Versa, but at a higher price than the Versa. Fuel efficiency for the Accent is very similar to the Versa, which is good, but you are still paying more for a comparable experience. With its lower price and impressive reliability, the Nissan Versa simply gives you more for your money and will help you keep your budget low for many years to come.
In terms of the trim levels available for these two cars, they are quite similar, but the lower price of the 2021 Nissan Versa lets it really pull ahead. The Versa starts with an S trim, which is available with either a manual transmission or the CVT and 15-inch wheels, starting at $14,980 MSRP.* From there, you can choose an SV trim that includes numerous upgrades, such as 16-inch wheels and premium seating, which comes with a CVT. Finally, the SR trim also has the CVT, with 17-inch wheels, sport cloth seating, and a number of other upgrades.
The trim levels and options for the 2021 Hyundai Accent are quite similar to the Versa, but across the board, they are priced higher, giving you less for your money. Starting with the SE, the Accent is also available with either a manual transmission or CVT, with 15-inch wheels and a starting price of $15,395.* From there, the Accent’s SEL trim features only the CVT. Again, it is a lot like the SV trim of the Versa, but the SEL still has 15-inch wheels rather than the larger 16-inch wheels of the Versa SV. Finally, the Limited trim of the Accent features 17-inch wheels and a lot of options similar to the Versa, but as it starts at $19,500 MSRP,* which is over $1,000 more than the Versa’s highest trim, the price difference puts it behind.
Whenever you are considering two different vehicles, the interior details are often among the most important things to look at before making a decision. Most of your time spent with your vehicle will be when you are driving it, so the comfort and technology options inside can make a big difference in the kind of enjoyment you get behind the wheel. Looking at the 2021 Nissan Versa and the Hyundai Accent, there are a lot of similarities between them, but the Versa pulls ahead at a lower price to really demonstrate its value. Many of these features and options will depend on the trim level you choose, so keep that in mind.
Starting interior features for the Nissan Versa include air conditioning, remote keyless entry with push-button ignition, and power windows and door locks. The Versa comes with standard cloth seating with a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, a 7-inch infotainment display, and a 4-speaker sound system. If you choose a higher trim for the Versa, like the SV, then you get a Nissan Intelligent Key with remote engine start, premium or sport cloth seating, and available heated front seats. The SV also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, chrome details in the interior, and a 6-speaker sound system.
Standard features for the Hyundai Accent include cloth seating, with a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat and air conditioning. Remote keyless entry is standard, as is a 5-inch infotainment display and a 4-speaker sound system, which is a smaller screen than is standard on the Versa. At higher trims, like the Limited, a 7-inch display and 6-speaker sound system are provided, as are heated front seats – though Hyundai puts the same cloth seats in all Accent trims, rather than upgrading them like Nissan does. Ultimately, the Nissan Versa gives you as much or more than the Accent does inside and at a lower price across the board.
Great safety systems are essential in any vehicle, and a reliable sedan should help protect you and your loved ones on the road. Standard safety features in the 2021 Nissan Versa include a comprehensive airbag suite, hill start assist, and traction control. You also get a number of driver assistance features, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and a Lane Departure Warning. Rear Automatic Braking is also standard, while a Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Intelligent Driver Alertness system come with the higher two trims, just not the starting Versa model.
The 2021 Hyundai Accent comes with stability and traction control, numerous airbags, and hill start assist on CVT models. Other advanced safety technologies like a blind spot monitor and a Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system are standard only on the highest trim. Other technologies that you find on the Versa are not even available. Considering the Accent costs more than the Versa at every trim level, the lack of such features is a major problem and really highlights the value and safety of the Nissan Versa.
While the 2021 Nissan Versa and the 2021 Hyundai Accent might have a lot in common, there are numerous ways that the Versa has more to offer. The fact that you get these great features, including safety systems that come standard on the Versa and are only offered as available options on the Accent, at a lower price really showcases the value of Nissan’s offering. When shopping for a car, you should always focus on getting the most for your money, and in this respect, the Nissan Versa is the clear winner.
Here at Newton Nissan of Gallatin, we are pleased to be able to offer the Versa and the rest of Nissan’s impressive lineup. Our friendly and helpful salespeople are ready to answer any questions you might have and to work closely with you in finding the car or SUV that meets your needs. Whether you have a clear sense of what you want or a lot of questions, we can help and provide you with long-term service and support so you can get the most out of your vehicles in the years ahead. Call or come visit us today to find out more and let us show you a better way to shop for your next car.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
