Sixt CCAR

Nissan Versa Sedan

In a world where compact SUVs are taking over, the Nissan Versa sedan remains one of the last true alternatives. It doesn’t try to wow you with power figures, and it definitely isn’t trying to be a status symbol. What it does offer is practicality, efficiency, and a user-friendly experience. For drivers who just want a car that gets them from point A to point B without hassle, that’s a strong selling point.

Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 122 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 114 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. In the Sixt rental fleet, the Versa is typically equipped with a CVT, which is the transmission found in most upper trims.

With the CVT, fuel economy is impressive, returning around 32 mpg in city driving and up to 40 mpg on the highway. The power delivery is smooth and consistent. It’s not quick, but it’s more than capable for everyday driving. The engine stays quiet during light acceleration, though it does get noticeably loud when you push it hard.

Handling is steady and predictable. The steering is light, which makes low-speed maneuvering and tight parking a breeze. In corners, the Versa feels neutral with just a bit of understeer, and it never feels unsettled or twitchy.

The suspension is tuned for comfort. It does a good job of absorbing rough pavement and potholes, keeping the ride smooth even on beat-up roads. Inside the cabin, road and suspension noise are well controlled most of the time. At highway speeds, there’s some noticeable wind and tire noise, but that’s expected in this segment and price range.

The interior layout is straightforward and easy to live with. Materials are basic, mostly hard plastic, but they’re put together well and feel solid. The seats are decently cushioned and remain comfortable on longer drives. Up front, there’s plenty of space, while the rear seat is tighter, especially in terms of legroom.

Every Versa comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims upgrade to an 8-inch display. The interface is simple, easy to learn, and quick to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard starting with the SV trim, making it easy to plug in and go.

One of the Versa’s stronger suits is its list of standard safety features. Even the base model includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring. That’s more than you usually get at this price point.

Trunk space is another area where the Versa delivers. With 14.7 cubic feet of cargo room, it offers more storage than many of its rivals. The trunk opening is wide and the load floor is low, which makes loading and unloading easier. The rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 split, so you can expand the space when needed. It’s practical enough for daily errands or even a short road trip.

Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue is one of the smallest SUVs on the American market, but size isn’t the whole story here. While many automakers are dropping their entry-level models or letting them fade into the background, the Venue remains a fully realized part of Hyundai’s lineup. It’s not a hand-me-down from a larger sibling. It has its own identity.

Under the hood, it runs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 121 horsepower. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission, and Hyundai has done a good job here. There’s no lag, no awkward gear changes, and the power delivery feels smooth and seamless.

In city driving, the Venue really plays to its strengths. The steering is direct, the ride is tuned for comfort, and the suspension keeps things composed even when the pavement gets rough. Acceleration onto the highway can feel a little underwhelming, but for everyday commuting and errands, the power is more than adequate. All-wheel drive isn’t offered, so buyers looking for off-road capability or winter traction will need to look elsewhere.

Inside, the Venue makes smart use of space. The front seats are roomy, with an upright seating position that gives you a clear view of the road ahead. That elevated feel is part of what draws many drivers to SUVs in the first place. The back seat is tighter, especially for taller passengers, but it works fine for shorter trips or occasional use.

The interior design keeps things simple and functional. Most of the materials are hard plastic, but everything feels well-assembled and sturdy. That’s pretty typical in this segment, so it doesn’t feel like a drawback. Even the base trim includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is easy to figure out, and connecting your phone is quick and hassle-free.

If you step up to the SEL or Limited trims, you get a few more creature comforts. Heated front seats, push-button start, two-tone roof options, and LED headlights are all available, which gives the Venue a bit more personality and polish without stepping too far into premium territory.

Safety tech is another strong point. Hyundai includes a solid suite of standard features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, and driver attention monitoring. Higher trims add blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. For a vehicle in this price range, the level of safety equipment is impressive.

The cargo area is well thought out for a vehicle this size. There’s enough room in the back for several grocery bags or a couple of mid-size suitcases. If you need more space, the rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split and create a nearly flat load floor. It’s a setup that makes the Venue surprisingly versatile and gives it a bit of that small-wagon utility.

MINI Cooper

The new MINI strikes a smart balance between timeless charm and contemporary updates. It stays loyal to its roots while folding in fresh tech and performance improvements that bring it up to speed for today’s drivers.

Visually, the MINI Cooper sticks with the familiar shape that’s made it an icon. The round LED headlights and distinctive hexagonal grille give it a face that’s instantly recognizable. There are new paint choices and roof designs this year, including an eye-catching “Energy Silver” roof, which gives owners more ways to add their own twist to the car’s personality.

Under the hood, the Cooper comes with a choice of two engines. The standard setup features a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that puts out 156 horsepower. If you’re looking for a bit more kick, the Cooper S delivers with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder making 204 horsepower. Both are mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that shifts cleanly and keeps things moving with minimal fuss. A manual gearbox isn’t on the table anymore, which might leave some purists wishing for a bit more driver involvement.

From behind the wheel, the new MINI still feels like a MINI. It’s agile and quick to respond, with sharp steering and a firm suspension that holds its line well through tight corners. It’s a car that likes to be driven, though the lack of a manual gearbox and paddle shifters on the automatic do take a bit of the edge off for those who crave a more hands-on driving experience.

Inside, the cabin leans clean and modern. Materials feel solid and thoughtfully chosen. The standout is a round 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen that handles both infotainment and vehicle controls. Recycled fabrics and a subtle ambient lighting system give the space a warm, contemporary feel. Even so, some drivers may miss having more physical buttons for commonly used functions, which now live mostly in the screen.

The options list includes a fair number of extras aimed at boosting comfort and usability. Among them are a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, parking assist, and wireless phone charging. These features aren’t standard, but they’re available for those who want to spec the car to fit their routine, whether that’s city commuting or weekend road trips.