Nissan Versa vs Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

It’s getting hard to find a basic subcompact sedan, but Nissan is keeping the faith.

The Nissan Versa returned to the Canadian line-up in the 2021 model year after a six-year hiatus, slotting below the Sentra in the lineup. The most recent redesign was just a year earlier, for the 2020 model year. For 2023, the Versa gets a handful of updates, including freshened styling and more available tech features. In addition to the Versa S, the lineup includes SV and SR models; we tested the latter for this review.

Since the Versa has been on sale, the ranks of subcompact cars have thinned considerably. The Chevrolet Sonic, the Ford Fiesta, the Honda Fit, the Hyundai Accent, and the Toyota Yaris are no longer sold in North America. That leaves the Kia Rio and the Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback as the Versa’s main competitors, and the Rio is on its way out of Canada for 2024 as well. But, as is always the case in this market segment, shoppers must also consider whether to buy a new car like the Versa or a potentially better-equipped used car for similar money.

The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a stylish outlier among fuel-efficient sedans, and it’s also accessibly priced. But unfortunately, it's not very appealing to drive. Power and acceleration are on the weak side — even among other hybrids — while inconsistent power surges make it feel as though it's a few generations behind the rest of the class.

Verdict: The Elantra Hybrid is a great value, but its unrefined hybrid powertrain and cheap-feeling interior have it following, rather than leading, the class.