DecodedCarsHonda Civic vs Nissan Versa
2025 Honda Civic vs 2025 Nissan Versa — two rivals compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Honda Civic is more fuel-efficient: 49 vs 35 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $550 a year less in fuel for the Honda Civic (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Honda Civic is the bigger car, about 2 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Nissan Versa has had fewer recall campaigns (28 vs 43).
The two cars
The 2025 Honda Civic is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,067 lb (1.5l 4dr Sedan).
The 2025 Nissan Versa is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive. It measures about 177 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,659 lb.
Buying used? The 2024 Civic and the 2022 Versa have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2016 Civic and the 2015 Versa.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Honda Civic if…
- You want lower fuel bills (49 vs 35 MPG)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
Choose the Nissan Versa if…
- You put reliability history first (28 vs 43 recalls since 2005)
Pros & cons of each
2025 Honda Civic
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 49 MPG combined — 63% better than the average 2025 midsize car (30 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Many owner complaints106 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models — most often about the steering.
2025 Nissan Versa
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 22% better than the average 2025 compact car (28.6 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- No recalls so far
Full 2025 Honda Civic specs →Full 2025 Nissan Versa specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →