Manual transmissions are becoming an endangered species in 2025, with automakers steadily eliminating three-pedal options from their lineups. The situation is particularly dire in the affordable car segment, where manufacturers prioritize cost-cutting measures and focus on what they perceive as broader consumer demand for automatic convenience. For enthusiasts seeking an engaging driving experience without breaking the bank, finding a new car with a manual transmission has become increasingly challenging.
One notable exception emerges from an unexpected source in the budget sedan category. The 2025 Nissan Versa stands out as America’s cheapest new car offering a manual transmission, starting at just $17,190. What makes this pricing even more remarkable is that Nissan has actually reduced the Versa’s MSRP while most automakers continue pushing prices higher year after year.
This positioning represents something of an anomaly in today’s market landscape. Most budget-focused manufacturers have abandoned manual options entirely, citing low consumer demand and the additional costs of offering multiple transmission choices. Nissan’s decision to maintain three-pedal availability in their entry-level sedan suggests confidence in a small but dedicated buyer segment that values driving engagement over modern convenience features.
2025 Nissan Versa: The Cheapest Manual Car You Can Buy
For many years, the Nissan Versa has held the title of the cheapest car in America, with its Manual or Automatic transmission, as it always starts considerably lower than $20.000, and as we said, cars with a manual are becoming harder and harder to come by, let alone a manual sedan, so for a buyer on a budget, the 2025 Nissan Versa might tick a lot of boxes, and here is everything you need to know about it.
2025 Nissan Versa Prices
| Model | MSRP |
|---|---|
| Versa S (5-speed manual) | $17,190 |
| Versa S (Xtronic) | $18,990 |
| Versa SV | $20,490 |
| Versa SR | $21,190 |
The base-level Nissan Versa S is the only model in the lineup for 2025 that is offered with a manual transmission.
2025 Nissan Versa Specs And Fuel Economy
The 2025 Nissan Versa is equipped with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, which produces 122 horsepower at 6,300 RPM, and 114 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 RPM, which gets to the ground via a five-speed manual transmission. As for performance, according to Nissan, the CVT automatic version managed to get from 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds, but there are no official numbers for the manual version. According to some tests, it got from 0-60 in 9.8 seconds, and it can reach a top speed of 115 mph, which is enough for a daily car for most people.
- Base Trim Engine
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1.6-liter inline-4
- Base Trim Transmission
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5-speed manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
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122 hp @ 6,300 rpm
- Base Trim Torque
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114 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Now we come to one of the most important questions. Is the 2025 Nissan Versa Efficient Enough? Nissan says that the manual version does 35 MPG in the city, 35 MPG on the highway, and 30 MPG combined, and the car uses regular unleaded fuel, so the Versa gets the same MPG as some more expensive rivals, like the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla, so if efficiency is what you’re after, the 2025 Manual Versa has you covered.
Affordable Pricing Comes With Some Sacrifice
The feature list for this budget sedan reflects its no-frills positioning, though some inclusions might surprise buyers expecting bare-bones equipment. External appointments remain minimal, with 15-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, and a black grille representing the primary visual elements. The approach clearly prioritizes function over form, avoiding unnecessary styling flourishes that would inflate the base price.
Interior accommodations follow a similar philosophy of essential functionality. Cloth seating surfaces, manual climate controls, and a multi-function steering wheel provide the basics without venturing into premium territory. The inclusion of a 7-inch infotainment display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity shows Nissan recognizing that smartphone integration has become non-negotiable even at this price point. Voice control through Siri and Google Assistant, plus three USB ports, round out the digital amenities.
Safety Features Exceed Expectations
The safety equipment roster proves more comprehensive than the rock-bottom pricing might suggest. Standard protection includes front, side, and curtain airbags alongside Vehicle Dynamic Control and a rearview camera. Most notably, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection comes standard despite the Versa’s position as America’s cheapest new car, demonstrating that essential safety technology has become democratized across price segments.
Practical Dimensions Maximize Value
Physical accommodations reveal thoughtful packaging within the subcompact footprint. At 177 inches long and 68.5 inches wide, the exterior dimensions remain manageable for urban environments while maximizing interior space efficiency. The 14.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity and 31 inches of rear legroom suggest engineers prioritized passenger and storage needs over dramatic exterior styling, resulting in genuinely usable interior space that competes with larger, more expensive alternatives.
Running Costs
As a buyer on a budget, the running cost is a very important aspect of your decision, and for the 2025 year, Nissan USA is helping you decide with a free Maintenance Care program for two years or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first, which includes three free oil changes and more.
Of course, insurance varies from one individual to another, but on average, the 2025 Versa cost you $180 a month or $2.190 a year to insure, which is not very bad either.
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Strengths |
Weaknesses |
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Should You Buy The 2025 Nissan Versa Manual?
You buy the 2025 Versa Manual if you are looking for a small reliable sedan, and the engagement of selecting your own gears, with a price tag well under its competitors. If you are looking for decent safety equipment, but are willing to sacrifice some of the advanced interior features and performance, the Versa is a good choice.