Nissan Sentra is a mid-size sedan which has focussed its attention toward creating a comfortable and streamlined user-experience but the rudimentary engine is rather disappointing when you put your pedal to the metal. However, the infotainment is quite appealing and intuitive.
Starting at the base price of $17,790; the Sentra S comes standard with a 1.8L engine and a few fundamental features necessary in a 2020 sedan. Climbing up the trim ladder, the power and list of features increases, but the price increases faster, with the Nismo trip priced at $25,840.
Available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all but the base model.
New 7.0-inch touchscreen with the NissanConnect interface
SV version adds a new Special Edition package
Features
vehicle bio
base price
$17890
bodystyle
4dr Sedan
passenger capacity
5
drivetrain
FWD
engine type
displacement
110 cu.in.
horsepower
130 hp @ 6000 rpm
torque
128 lbs.-ft @ 3600 rpm
transmission
6-speed manual
chassis
frame type
Unibody
suspension front
front independent suspension
suspension rear
Semi-independent rear torsion beam suspension w/anti-roll bar
brake rotors (f/r)
60.2/60.2
dimensions
wheelbase
106.3 in.
length
182.1 in.
width
69.3 in.
height
58.9 in.
curb weight
2851 lbs.
ground clearance
6.4 in.
capacity
passenger volume
40.5 cu ft.
cargo volume
42.8 cu ft.
payload capacity
972 lbs.
performance
zero to 60 mph
9.1 sec.
fuel economy
city/combined/highway
27/30/35 mpg
highway range
462 mi.
warranty
basic warranty
3 yr. / 36000 mi.
drivetrain warranty
5 yr. / 60000 mi.
powertrain warranty
60 months. / 60000
corrosion warranty
5 yr. / unlimited
roadside assistance
3 yr. / 36000 mi.
Pictures
exterior
interior
Colors and Styles
Aspen White
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
The Nissan Sentra faces stiff competition from the highly competitive mid-size sedan market. The Honda Civic is the segment leader and the major competitor to the Nissan, followed by the Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen Jetta. Let's see how the Sentra fares against the rivals.
2020 Nissan Sentra front view
2020 Nissan Sentra rear view
7.0/10 Features
4.3/10 Engine and Performance
6.2/10 Fuel Economy
7.7/10 Interior
5.0/10 Exterior
7.7/10 Safety
2020 Nissan Sentra Features
7.0/10
The base model at $17,790 gets a 130 hp 1.8L engine which gets upgraded to 1.6L turbocharged engine at 188 hp output. All models get a 7-inch touchscreen as standard, while Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not an option for the S trim. The top trim at $25,840 gets the Nismo treatment like better suspension, body styling, and bigger wheels.
Trim
Nissan Sentra S
Nissan Sentra SV
Nissan Sentra SR
Nissan Sentra SR Turbo
Nissan Sentra SL
MSRP
$18,580
$19,190
$20,690
$22,670
$23,120
Key Features
1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
16" x 6.5" 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels
17" x 6.5" 10-spoke machined aluminum-alloy wheels
1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature
124 hp, 125 lb.-ft. of torque
124 hp, 125 lb.-ft. of torque
124 hp, 125 lb.-ft. of torque
188 hp. 177 lb.-ft.
124 hp, 125 lb.-ft. of torque
Intelligent Auto Headlights
Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition
LED low-beam projector headlights with LED accents
Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Manual Shift Mode
Leather-appointed seats
7" touch-screen display
Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control with in-cabin microfilter
Rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light
LED low-beam projector headlights with LED accents
Bose® Premium Audio System with eight speakers, including dual woofers
RearView Monitor
Premium cloth seat trim
Intelligent Cruise Control
Power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature
LED low-beam projector headlights with LED accents
Bluetooth streaming audio
370Z-inspired steering wheel
Heated front seats
Heated front seats
Fog lights
We Recommend
The Nissan Sentra SR Turbo is the best value for money trim in the lineup. It has the best ratio of features to price with an Xtronic CVT, heated seats and power sunroof. However, just in case you want more power at your command, the Turbo variant of the Nissan Sentra SR is always an option which comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) 4-cylinder engine, and is capable enough to generate 188 hp, along with 177 lb.-ft. of torque for an additional $2000.
2020 Nissan Sentra Engine and Performance
4.3/10
Performance is not a Sentra strong suit 4 far from it. Acceleration is among the worst in the class, and braking and handling are simply acceptable. But it is free of overtly bad habits, so while unremarkable to drive, it isn't irritating during A-to-B transport either. - Edmunds
Engine and Transmission
Nissan is certainly not eyeing the enthusiast market with the Sentra, considering the platitudinous power band, and the engine noise which could be compared to a lullaby. However, if you consider vehicles merely as a means of transport and don't concern yourself with technicalities like throttle response or road-holding, the base variant of the Sentra is the one for you.
2020 Nissan Sentra Engine
The Sentra gets amped up from 130 hp to 188 with a turbocharger, in the SR Turbo and the Nismo trims. This upgrade improves the 0-60 time for the ride and adds some grams of adrenaline to the otherwise dull ride. The price, however, comes as a downside for these variants. The Sentra's stock 1.8L I4 feels slothful, and bites in protest when you try to whip it beyond its limits.
The six-speed manual is a respite from the otherwise uninspiring experience, but the CVT is another disappointment added to the list. The CVT transmission makes a desperate attempt to provide you the shifting feel, you will expect from an orthodox automatic ride, but fails terribly at the task.
Models
Nissan Sentra Nismo
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic Si Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
MSRP
$17,790
$20,240
$18,100
$18,700
$20,250
$20,240
$18,870
Engine
Regular Unleaded I-4, 1.8 L
1.4L Turbo Inline 4
2.0 L inline-four
1.8 L inline-four
2.0 L inline-four
2.0 L inline-four
1.4L Turbo Inline 4
Transmission
6-Speed Manual
8 Speed Automatic
6-speed Automatic
CVT
CVT
6-speed Auto
6 Speed Automatic
Horsepower
130hp @ 6000rpm
147hp@5000 rpm
147hp @ 6200 rpm
132hp @ 6000 rpm
205hp @ 6500 rpm
155hp @ 6000 rpm
153hp@5600rpm
Torque
128lb.-ft @ 3600rpm
184lb.-ft@1400 rpm
132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
128 lb-ft@4400rpm
138 lb.-ft @ 4200 rpm
150 lb.-ft. @4000 rpm
177lb.-ft@2000-4000
In comparison to the rest of the sedans, especially the Honda Civic and the Chevrolet Cruze, the Sentra lags behind by a mile. Not just in terms of pure horsepower, even the driving dynamics are far superior, making the Nissan feel outdated in 2020. The VW Jetta is another sedan worth mentioning, with the massive torque that the engine can churn out.
Acceleration
As futile as it may have seemed, Nissan did actually test out the Sentra in an acceleration test from 0-60. Not so surprisingly, the Nissan Sentra took 9.5 seconds to get to the 60 mph mark. The sedan goes on to complete the quarter of a mile distance in 17.4 seconds. The ride does not only disappoints in accelerating from a standstill. Pin the throttle while passing, and the scenario remains unchanged for the Nissan Sentra.
2020 Nissan Sentra Acceleration
Models
Nissan Sentra Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
0-60 MPH(sec)
9.5
7.7
8.3
9.4
8.2
8.0
7.7
Quarter mile(sec)
17.4
NA
16.4
17.2
16.3
16.2
16.3
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
5.9
5.2
10.2
9.8
8.4
11.2
5.6
Curb Weight (lb..)
2866
2959
2767
2840
2742
2899
2870
The brawnier rival sedans are, as you would've guessed, faster in the sprint to 60 mph as compared to the 124 hp Sentra. The Volkswagen Jetta and the Chevrolet Cruze are the first ones to read 60 mph on their instrument cluster in 7.7 seconds, followed by the Mazda 3 sport and the Honda Civic. The Toyota Corolla, another sedan with a docile engine finishes next to the Nissan on the roster.
Ride and Handling
The tall sedan rocks like a boat about to capsize when you take it around a corner too fast. The electronic steering, detached from the wheels, giving you no feedback from the ground, although, it may not pose a problem for non-enthusiasts. Mirroring the steering feel the brakes just add fuel to the flame; the vague pedal response doesn't tend to mimic the actual braking forces on the car.
Climbing up the trim ladder to the R turbo and Nismo, the handling is a drastic improvement but given the price, the competitors exceed the current Sentra's capabilities. Although, the plush suspension manages to absorb most of the bumps, recuperating from them still poses a challenge.
The Sentra's tall and boxy body makes it even more difficult for the car to stay collected in the corners. The steering of the ride is extremely light and ignores the feedback portion just like our crush ignores us. Take the ride out for a spin on some windy day, and the car starts to tremble at high speeds.
Braking
The pedal response is sadly not the only thing plaguing the brakes of the Nissan Sentra. The small discs, 11-inch up front and 9 at the back have a tough time stopping the boxy sedan, nor does the soft suspension do you any favors, with the amount of load transfer to the front as the sedan nose-dives under braking. Try stopping the ride under high speeds, and you will be introduced to major steering shake.
2020 Nissan Sentra Wheel
Models
Nissan Sentra Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
Brake Front (in.)
11
11.5
10.3
10.8
10.2
10.7
10.8
Brake Rear (in.)
9
10.8
9.7
9.1
9.8
9.5
10.4
70-0 MPH (ft.)
122(60-0MPH)
191
182
183
180
179
110(60-0MPH)
In comparison, the sedans in the segment have a slight advantage of decently sized brake rotors and compliant suspensions which translate to better stopping distance from 70mph to standstill, with the Cruze and Mazda 3 being the highlights to this comparative.
2020 Nissan Sentra Fuel Economy
6.2/10
Fuel-economy would certainly rank high up on the list of deciding factors for those looking for a pocket,-friendly, value-for-money sedan in this segment. After going through such a sacrificing performance, you may expect the Sentra to be at least act as your pocket's best friend, but guess what, you are going to get disappointed yet again. The mileage of the Nissan Sentra fails to amaze. 30 mpg is a good number, but the competitors can manage far better.
Models
Nissan Sentra Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
MPG (city)
27
30
28
28
32
27
30
MPG (highway)
35
39
37
35
42
36
39
MPG (combined)
30
34
32
31
36
30
33
Fuel Tank Capacity(Gal.)
13.2
13.2
14
13.2
12.39
13.2
13.7
Especially the Honda Civic, not only it has a peppy engine, its fuel economy is a staggering 36 miles to the gallon and an unbelievable 42 on the highways. Not far behind is the Volkswagen Jetta, the sedan with mammoth torque figures, can go up to 39 miles on the highway with a gallon in the tank.
2020 Nissan Sentra Interior
7.7/10
The Sentra is one of the biggest cars in the segment, but its interior space is no greater than most competitors in this class. Its interior design is basic and plain, and it's immediately obvious that it was built for yesteryear. - Car and Driver
Seating and Comfort
The cabin of the compact sedan follows a very functional approach; its comfortable and quiet despite the lack of luxuries that would overburden the price. However, by no means does this set the Nissan apart from the rest of the competition, who follow the same trend. The high seats may not be so welcoming to the taller occupants, but it gives you great visibility from the driver's seat. The front seats feel a bit too flat, and overstuffed. The ride may follow all the comfort-traits of a conventional sedan, but it cannot be really called comfortable when eyeing long tours. The Sentra is one of the biggest and buffiest sedan in the competition, thus providing the passengers with the best-in-class interior space. the insides of the Sentra is pretty quiet and muffles most of the engine noise. However, push the pedal a little too hard, and the underpowered engine and CVT starts to revolt, sending a lot of grunt to the ride's cabin.
2020 Nissan Sentra Front seat
Models
Nissan Sentra Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
39.4/54.7/42.5
38.5/55.9/41.1
38.8/56.2/42.3
38.3/54.8/42.3
39.3/57.0/37.1
38.3/54.8/42.3
38.9/54.8/42
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
36.7/53.9/37.4
37.2/54/37.4
37.3/55.0/35.7
37.1/55.0/37.4
37.1/55.0/37.4
37.6/54.4/35.8
37.3/53.7/36.1
The cabin is roomy and good for long rides, even with three adults in the back, To keep the headroom sufficient, the boxy sedan is made quite tall, which undermines the handling. The seats are well-cushioned, but you can't expect Mercedes level comfort or Porsche level bolstering from the Nissan.
Infotainment System
The center-console is ergonomically well laid-out and goes heavy on the tech end. The 2020 model gets a 7-inch touchscreen standard across all trim levels with either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The infotainment is intuitive and easy to use, even while driving, a departure from the complicated tech most sedans now have. The Sentra's infotainment panel is more straightforward than intriguing. All the controls are pretty easy to use and can be navigated through easily without deviating much of your concentration towards them.
2020 Nissan Sentra Infotainment Display
Interior Features
7" Touch-Screen Display
Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System
Siri Eyes Free
Rearview Monitor
Integrated Key With With Remove Keyless Entry And Trunk Release
Tilt And Telescoping Manually Adjustable Steering Column
Cargo Capacity
The Sentra's versatility shines through with the cargo space Nissan offers at the back of this compact sedan. The 15 cubic feet volume is among the best the segment offers. However, the tall sedan makes loading and unloading cargo a workout session.
2020 Nissan Sentra trunk Space
Models
Nissan Sentra Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
Cargo Capacity (lb..)
15.1
14.1
14.4
13.0
15.2
12.4
14.8
The Honda civic closely rivals the cargo volume of the Sentra followed closely by the Chevrolet Cruze. However, the Mazda 3 and Corolla disappoint with smaller than average trunk for a mid-size sedan.
While Nissan's Maxima and Altima have undergone redesigns with sharp new looks, the Sentra is still a styling generation behind the top-tier trims pack visual flair like LED daytime running lights, rear spoilers, and more. - Car Connection
Design and Dimensions
Upfront you'd be greeted by Nissan's iconic trapezoidal chrome grille, followed by a tall boxy sedan eerily reminiscent of the Versa with more bogy lines running across the hood and fenders. However, the uninspiring design won't turn heads like the Honda or the Mazda 3 with edgier designs.
2020 Nissan Sentra Side view
Models
Nissan Sentra Sedan
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE
Toyota Corolla L Sedan
Honda Civic LX Sedan
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L
Curb weight (lb..)
2866
2767
2844
2840
2724
2899
2870
Length(in)
182.6
185.1
181.9
183.1
182.3
180.3
183.7
Width(in)
69.3
70.8
70.9
69.9
70.8
70.7
70.5
Height(in)
58.9
57.4
56.5
57.3
55.7
57.3
57.4
Ground clearance (in)
6.4
5.6
5.3
6.7
6.3
6.1
6.4
Wheelbase (in)
106.3
105.7
106.3
106.3
106.3
106.3
106.3
The Sentra sports top of the line ground clearance with 6.4-inches under the chassis. It's not particularly a good thing since the sedans are not meant to be taken off-road. The Sentra is on the heavier side compared to the competitors as well.
Exterior Features
16" Steel Wheels With Wheel Covers
Intelligent Auto Headlights
Halogen Headlights
Dual Power Outside Mirrors
2020 Nissan Sentra front view2020 Nissan Sentra front view2020 Nissan Sentra side view2020 Nissan Sentra rear view2020 Nissan Sentra headlight2020 Nissan Sentra taillight
2020 Nissan Sentra Safety
7.7/10
The Nissan comes with a plethora of assist and crash mitigation features to keep you safe behind the wheel. The 2020 model gets a few features as standard which used to be optional. The features available are:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Rear Child Safety Locks
Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3...
Back-Up Camera
2020 Nissan Sentra Competition
Nissan Sentra vs Honda Civic
The Civic is an all-rounder sedan; not only it has a fun and peppy engine, but it also has good, comfortable interiors, heavy on the tech, and versatile on the cargo volume. The Nissan comparatively has a much weaker stand against the Honda. The 130hp engine feels uninspiring and the manual transmission is much better on the Civic. Ride and Handling through the city as well as highways are dynamic and fun as well as light on your pockets with the Honda.
2020 Honda Civic
Nissan Sentra vs Volkswagen Jetta
The German sedan comes with a torque-rich engine, which makes it fun to drive and pull away from stoplights. The sedan, however, does not compromise with comfort or practicality with the 14.4 cubic feet trunk at the back. With premium interiors, the Jetta feels otherworldly compared to the hard plastics in the Sentra's cabin. On the tech end, however, the infotainment in the Sentra is far better compared to the outdated Jetta.
2020 Volkswagen Jetta
Nissan Sentra vs Chevrolet Cruze
The small footprint of the Cruze translates to better maneuverability and handling through tight city corners and parking lot. However, the small sedan does not sacrifice passenger capacity or cargo volume. The engine packs more punch than the Sentra's base model engine. Overall the Cruze is a slightly better package than the Sentra.
2020 Chevrolet Cruze
2020 Nissan Sentra Final Verdict
With better options at the dealers like the Honda Civic and Chevrolet Cruze, the Nissan Sentra does not offer value for money as the engineers may have intended. The GT-R fanboys hoping to settle for the Nismo trim of the Sentra would be disappointed as well. While the former has been dubbed the 'supercar slayer9 the latter struggles against the basic sedans. In this segment, the Nissan Sentra is clearly not among the top contenders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the 5-year cost of owning a Nissan Sentra?
The 5-year cost to own a Nissan Sentra is around $30,000.
Does Nissan provide roadside assistance with the Sentra?
Yes, the Nissan Sentra offersRoadside Assistance Benefits, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for emergency roadside assistance.