Manual transmissions are going extinct, and fast. Fewer and fewer cars let you row your own gears, especially on the affordable end of the market. Automakers figure most people just want the convenience of an automatic, so that’s where they put their money.
But there’s one little outlier that refuses to give up the clutch. For 2025, America’s cheapest new car still comes with a manual—and it starts at just $17,190. Even crazier is that its price actually dropped while everyone else keeps raising theirs.
That makes it a real unicorn in today’s car world. Most budget brands ditched the stick years ago, but this one is betting there are still drivers who want more fun behind the wheel, even if it means giving up some modern frills.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Nissan and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed.
The 2025 Nissan Versa Is Still the Cheapest Stick-Shift You Can Buy
The Nissan Versa has held the crown as America’s cheapest car for years, whether you choose the manual or the automatic. It’s almost always priced well under $20,000, making it a standout in today’s market.
With manuals disappearing fast—especially among sedans—the 2025 Versa feels like a rare find. For budget shoppers who still want to row their own gears, it checks a lot of boxes.
2025 Nissan Versa Trims and Pricing
|
Trim |
MSRP |
|---|---|
|
Versa S (5-Speed Manual) |
$17,190 |
|
Versa S (Xtronic) |
$18,990 |
|
Versa SV |
$20,490 |
|
Versa SR |
$21,190 |
If you want a stick, you’ll have to stick with the entry-level Versa S—it’s the only 2025 trim that offers a manual.
2025 Nissan Versa: Specifications and Fuel Economy
The 2025 Nissan Versa packs a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes 122 horsepower at 6,300 RPM and 114 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM, sent to the front wheels through a five-speed manual.
Performance numbers for the manual aren’t official, but tests suggest a 0–60 mph time of about 9.8 seconds, with a top speed around 115 mph. That’s plenty quick for daily driving, while the CVT automatic version hits 0–60 in 9.5 seconds.
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.6-liter inline-4
- Base Trim Transmission
-
5-speed manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
122 hp @ 6,300 rpm
- Base Trim Torque
-
114 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
27/35/30 mpg
- Make
-
Nissan
- Model
-
Versa Sedan
- Segment
-
Subcompact Sedan
Now for one of the biggest questions: is the 2025 Nissan Versa efficient enough? The manual version delivers 35 MPG city, 35 MPG highway, and 30 MPG combined, all on regular unleaded.
That puts it right up there with pricier rivals like the Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla. If fuel efficiency matters, the 2025 manual Versa has you covered.
You Get a Bargain, but There Are Trade-Offs
The Versa’s feature list is all about no-frills practicality—but a few surprises sneak in for buyers expecting bare-bones gear. Outside, it sticks to the essentials: 15-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, and a black grille. Function wins over flashy styling, keeping the base price low.
Inside, the story’s the same. Cloth seats, manual climate controls, and a multi-function steering wheel cover the basics, while a 7-inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps tech up to date.
Voice control via Siri and Google Assistant, plus three USB ports, round out the digital setup, proving even a budget sedan can stay connected without breaking the bank.
Better Safety Gear Than You’d Expect
The Versa’s safety gear is more robust than its bargain price might suggest. Standard features include front, side, and curtain airbags, plus Vehicle Dynamic Control and a rearview camera.
Most impressive is the standard Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. Even as America’s cheapest new car, the Versa proves essential safety tech is no longer just for higher-priced models.
Big Value Packed Into Small Dimensions
The Versa’s dimensions show smart packaging in a subcompact footprint. At 177 inches long and 68.5 inches wide, it’s easy to maneuver in the city while making the most of interior space.
Cargo capacity hits 14.7 cubic feet, and rear passengers get 31 inches of legroom. Nissan focused on usable space over flashy design, giving a cabin that feels roomier than its size—and price—might suggest.
Budget-Friendly to Own and Drive
For budget-minded buyers, running costs are key—and Nissan makes it easier with a free two-year or 24,000-mile Maintenance Care program. That includes three free oil changes and more.
Insurance varies, of course, but the 2025 Versa averages around $180 a month, or about $2,190 a year. Not bad for keeping a new car on the road.
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Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
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Should You Go Stick or Pass On the 2025 Nissan Versa Manual?
Go for the 2025 Versa Manual if you want a small, reliable sedan and the fun of shifting your own gears—all at a price well below the competition.
It also comes with solid safety gear, though you’ll be giving up some advanced interior features and performance. For budget buyers who value practicality and engagement, it’s a smart pick.