What To Know
- Based on the available data, the Toyota Corolla has a slight edge over the Nissan Versa in terms of overall reliability.
- However, the Nissan Versa offers a lower average maintenance cost and a more affordable price point, making it a viable option for those on a budget.
- The Nissan Versa has slightly better fuel economy than the Toyota Corolla, with an estimated 35 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, compared to 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway for the Corolla.
When it comes to choosing a reliable and fuel-efficient compact sedan, the Nissan Versa and Toyota Corolla are two popular contenders. But which one offers the better reliability record? In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the Nissan Versa vs. Toyota Corolla reliability comparison.
Reliability Ratings
Both the Nissan Versa and Toyota Corolla have earned impressive reliability ratings from various sources.
- J.D. Power: The 2023 Nissan Versa received a 78/100 for reliability, while the 2023 Toyota Corolla scored a slightly higher 83/100.
- Consumer Reports: The 2023 Nissan Versa received a “Good” overall reliability rating, while the 2023 Toyota Corolla received an “Excellent” rating.
Common Problems and Recalls
While both the Versa and Corolla are generally reliable, they have both experienced some common problems and recalls.
Nissan Versa
- Transmission issues: Some Nissan Versa models have reported issues with their continuously variable transmission (CVT), including slipping, hesitation, and premature failure.
- Electrical problems: Electrical issues, such as faulty wiring, have been reported in some Versa models, leading to problems with lights, gauges, and other electronic components.
Toyota Corolla
- Fuel pump issues: The 2019-2020 Toyota Corolla models were recalled due to a faulty fuel pump that could cause the engine to stall or fail to start.
- Brake booster problems: Some Corolla models have experienced issues with the brake booster, which can lead to decreased braking performance.
Maintenance Costs
Maintenance costs are an important factor to consider when comparing the reliability of two vehicles.
- Nissan Versa: The Nissan Versa has a lower average maintenance cost than the Toyota Corolla, with an estimated annual cost of around $450-$600.
- Toyota Corolla: The Toyota Corolla has a slightly higher average maintenance cost than the Versa, with an estimated annual cost of around $500-$700.
Extended Warranties
Both Nissan and Toyota offer extended warranties for their vehicles.
- Nissan Versa: Nissan offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Extended warranties are available for purchase.
- Toyota Corolla: Toyota offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Toyota also offers extended warranties through its ToyotaCare program.
Factors to Consider
When choosing between the Nissan Versa and Toyota Corolla based on reliability, consider the following factors:
- Overall reliability ratings: The Toyota Corolla has a slightly higher J.D. Power and Consumer Reports reliability rating than the Nissan Versa.
- Common problems and recalls: The Nissan Versa has reported more transmission and electrical issues, while the Toyota Corolla has had fuel pump and brake booster problems.
- Maintenance costs: The Nissan Versa has a lower average maintenance cost than the Toyota Corolla.
- Extended warranties: Both Nissan and Toyota offer extended warranties, with Toyota’s ToyotaCare program offering additional benefits.
The Final Verdict: Reliability Over Time
Based on the available data, the Toyota Corolla has a slight edge over the Nissan Versa in terms of overall reliability. The Corolla’s higher J.D. Power and Consumer Reports ratings, as well as its fewer reported common problems and recalls, indicate that it may be the more reliable choice over the long term. However, the Nissan Versa offers a lower average maintenance cost and a more affordable price point, making it a viable option for those on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which car has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Nissan Versa and Toyota Corolla have earned high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Q: Which car has a better fuel economy?
A: The Nissan Versa has slightly better fuel economy than the Toyota Corolla, with an estimated 35 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, compared to 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway for the Corolla.
Q: Which car has a more spacious interior?
A: The Toyota Corolla has a more spacious interior than the Nissan Versa, with more headroom, legroom, and cargo space.