3/10
C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
Nissan
3/10 C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
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- Highs New available turbocharged engine, roomy cabin, impressive cargo capacity.
- Lows Base powertrain lacks any degree of punch or personality, tepid handling, cheap cabin trim pieces.
- Verdict The Sentra is a solid choice if you want a no-nonsense means of getting around, but it lacks the character of many rivals.
Overview
The Nissan Sentra is a fine choice for economy-car shoppers who value interior space and cargo room above exciting driving dynamics. Even among budget-minded small cars, the Sentra feels remarkably disinterested in providing any kind of driving enjoyment. Lower trims have weak acceleration, numb steering, and get roly-poly when tackling corners with any real speed. Better alternatives with more personality—such as the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3—are available. The new Sentra Turbo SR and Nismo trims have a punchier turbocharged four-cylinder and firmer suspension settings to add some excitement, though they come with price tags that dent the Sentra’s budget mantra.
What's New for 2017?
The Nismo (reviewed separately) and the SR Turbo are new, sporty additions to the 2017 Sentra lineup. While these performance variants are quicker than the standard models, and have a more planted and stable feel when zipping around tight curves in the road, we do wish they felt more playful.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- S: $17,885
- SV: $19,735
- SR: $20,885
- SL: $22,395
- SR Turbo: $22,885
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Sentra comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 124 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While the six-speed makes the most of the modest power output, keep in mind it’s only available on the base Sentra S trim or on the Turbo R and Nismo. Other models make do with the CVT. Please, don’t rush the base engine because the result will only be added drone and fewer MPGs. The 188-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the Turbo R and Nismo isn’t the liveliest engine we’ve experienced in a small car, though it’s a major boost from the tepid manners of the base powertrain. Both the Turbo R and Nismo have retuned electronic power steering, larger brakes, stiffer suspensions, and ride on larger alloy wheels. But if you’re expecting a next-generation 1990s-era Sentra SE-R, you might be underwhelmed. These new sporty Sentras are heavier and more refined than their illustrious ancestor, at the expense of some fun-loving mechanical personality.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Here is where the Nissan Sentra can hold its head high, so to speak. There is plenty of adult-friendly space in both the first and second row. Better still, the 15.1-cubic-foot trunk is one of the largest you’ll find among compact sedans, and there’s a reasonable number of nooks and crannies to store valuables in the cabin. But a lot of cheap plastic bits and pieces are constant reminders that this car has been engineered to be low-cost transportation. The Nismo model adds fake carbon-fiber trim, more heavily bolstered front seats, and red accents here and there. It's a little less spartan overall, but not by much.
View Photos
Infotainment and Connectivity
The base Sentra is equipped with a 5.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, a single USB port, voice recognition, and a four-speaker stereo. Higher trims come with a 5.8-inch screen, and a Sentra buyer can add extras like navigation, satellite radio, and a Bose audio system. If you’re looking for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, sorry, they’re notably absent from this Nissan sedan.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
View Crash Test Results
For more information about the Nissan Sentra’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
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