2019 Nissan Sentra Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byCalvin KimVehicle Test Engineer

　　Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.

　　

What's new

NissanConnect infotainment system is standard on Sentra SR, SL and Nismo modelsNew SV Special Edition package includes driver safety features, 17-inch wheels, disc brakes and other luxury featuresPart of the seventh Sentra generation introduced for 2013

　　The 2019 Nissan Sentra doesn't attract much attention. It's not as popular in terms of sales as other top small sedans, and it's fair to say that its styling isn't as memorable. But depending on your needs, it could still be worth a look.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Nissan Sentra S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$124/mo  for Sentra S

　　Sentra S

　　S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M) - $17,990 MSRPS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $18,680 MSRPSV 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 4/19 (1.8L 4cyl CVT) - $19,290 MSRPSV 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) - $19,290 MSRPSR 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) - $20,790 MSRPSR TURBO 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $22,770 MSRPSL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) - $23,220 MSRPNISMO 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $26,040 MSRPNISMO 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $26,040 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　There's a range of versions to satisfy drivers. The entry-level Sentra S is all about affordability, for instance, while the Nismo is meant to appeal to enthusiasts with its enhanced performance and handling capability. And no matter which Sentra you look at, know that you'll be getting a roomy interior, large trunk space, easy-to-use controls and a smooth ride.

　　There are some downsides to the Sentra. Most Sentras aren't much fun to drive, and Nissan's infotainment systems and advanced driver safety features are a little behind the times. The Sentra's top competitors generally have more content and performance for just slightly more money. Overall, though, the Sentra has enough appealing qualities to justify taking a look.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

6.9 / 10

　　

Trim tested

　　Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Nissan Sentra SL (1.8L inline-4 | CVT automatic | FWD).

　　NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2016, the current Nissan Sentra has received some revisions, including a more powerful optional turbocharged engine and new smartphone integration features. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Nissan Sentra, however.

　　

Scorecard

Overall	6.9 / 10
Driving	6.0
Comfort	7.5
Interior	8.0
Utility	8.0

　　

Driving

6.0

　　Performance is not a Sentra strong suit — 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.

　　

Acceleration

5.0

　　The base 1.8-liter engine offers poor acceleration whether from a standstill or when passing, with a 0-60 mph time of 10 seconds that makes the Sentra one of the slowest cars in the class. The significantly stronger turbocharged 1.6-liter should deliver a much better experience.

　　

Braking

6.0

　　The Sentra's overall performance inspires confidence, although the brakes require a light foot in traffic, where inputs can be sensitive. In our simulated-panic stop from 60 mph, the Sentra posted average performance for the class.

　　

Steering

7.0

　　The Sentra thankfully lacks the heavy-at-low-speeds, light-at-high-speeds steering effort of some other Nissan products. Effort is appropriate for easy commuting and maneuvering around parking lots. There's sufficient feedback, but class leaders do better.

　　

Handling

6.5

　　Body roll is largely managed, and overall handling is adequate although rivals provide a greater sense of control. The Sentra is just generally outmatched by most competitors on a windy road, though the stiffer-sprung SR Turbo and Nismo trims should fare better.

　　

Drivability

7.5

　　The Sentra gets underway smoothly and humbly goes about its business in traffic or when running errands. It's an easy car to drive as long as you aren't in a hurry.

　　

Comfort

7.5

　　The Sentra can be a quiet, comfortable-riding compact sedan. The trouble is that many rivals are as well, and they also provide superior marks in most other areas. The oddly high-mounted seats were an annoyance for several taller editors.

　　

Seat comfort

6.5

　　The high-mounted seats might give a slightly more commanding view of the road, but they cut into the available headroom, especially for drivers of above-average height. The front seats are also quite flat yet simultaneously feel overstuffed with seat material.

　　

Ride comfort

7.5

　　Ride comfort is a strong suit for the Sentra. Small but sharp bumps in city driving are felt in the cabin, but not unbearably so, and the highway ride is smooth and composed.

　　

Noise & vibration

7.5

　　The Sentra can be impressively quiet for a small sedan as long as you go easy on the gas pedal. If you don't, the underpowered engine and CVT automatic conspire to produce loud droning noises a bit reminiscent of an enormous blender.

　　

Interior

8.0

　　The Sentra is straightforward and user-friendly, with controls that don't require navigating any high-tech interface. Visibility is also quite good, and the trunk is large. It's one of the more sensible compact cars.

　　

Ease of use

8.5

　　The infotainment screen is small but refreshingly easy to use with straightforward, easy-to-read virtual buttons. Everything important is within reach from the driver's seat including the logical, albeit small, steering wheel controls.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.5

　　Getting in and out of both the front and back seat is a breeze — the oddly high seats help in this way at least. The large door openings make for easy entry into this high-roofed sedan.

　　

Roominess

7.0

　　The Sentra has a large back seat with plenty of space for adults. The seats, especially the front passenger one, are mounted noticeably high. People of above-average height reported feeling out of place. Shorter drivers may appreciate the view.

　　

Visibility

8.0

　　Large windows and mirrors provide good all-around visibility, and the standard rearview camera is a nice addition.

　　

Quality

7.5

　　The Sentra lacks the polish of a Honda Civic or VW Golf but is nevertheless good for the segment. Frequently touched surfaces (such as the center console and elbow rests) are well-padded and made from quality materials. The plastic switchgear doesn't feel cheap or fragile.

　　

Utility

8.0

　　The 15.1-cubic-foot trunk is large for the class, and the Sentra's 60/40-split folding seat allows for some versatility. Center console storage and cupholders are sufficient but nothing clever. The rear seat has clearly marked LATCH anchors.

　　

Technology

　　The infotainment system is easy to use, and this year most Sentras come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Automatic emergency braking is standard on all trims, and a full suite of active safety technologies and driver aids are available on higher trim levels.

　　

Which Sentra does zzdcar recommend?

　　For most economy sedan shoppers, we think the Sentra SR will work out well. It features modern technology with enough luxury conveniences to ease the daily grind. Compared to the SV and S models, the SR features LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and heated seats.

　　

2019 Nissan Sentra models

　　The 2019 Nissan Sentra sedan is offered in S, SV, SR, SR Turbo, Nismo and SL trim levels. The basic S is a bargain, but it doesn't lack for features. Moving up to the SV, SR and SL trim levels gets you additional amenities. The SR Turbo and Nismo trims are equipped similarly to the SR but get a more powerful engine and other sport-enhancing modifications.

　　A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 124 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque (130 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque with the S trim's manual transmission) is standard on the S, SV, SR and SL models. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the S, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is optional on that trim and standard on all other Sentras.

　　The base Sentra S comes with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, cruise control, trip computer, a 7-inch central touchscreen, a rearview camera, a USB port, and a four-speaker sound system. Automatic emergency braking for imminent front collisions is also standard on all CVT automatic-equipped Sentra trim levels except the Nismo.

　　Stepping up to the SV gets you 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and ignition, upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

　　Optional for the SV is the SV Special Edition package. It bundles 17-inch wheels, rear disc brakes, a sunroof, illuminated sun visors, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

　　Compared to the SV, the SR gets a sport body kit, LED headlights, foglights, adaptive cruise control, heated mirrors, and unique cloth upholstery. For the SR, an optional Premium package adds the sunroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a power driver's seat, leather upholstery, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system.

　　The SR Turbo takes the SR trim and equips it with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (188 hp and 177 lb-ft) that's mated to a choice of a six-speed manual or a specially calibrated CVT automatic with a manual-shift mode. Nissan also includes a sport-tuned suspension, recalibrated steering, upgraded front brakes and a sunroof. An optional Premium package is available for the SR Turbo as well.

　　The Sentra Nismo comes with the SR Turbo's features and adds unique Nismo-branded trim pieces such as a spoiler, 18-inch wheels, exhaust, grille and badges, along with an exclusive Nismo interior appearance package. It also comes standard with the eight-speaker Bose stereo system.

　　The top-of-the-line SL loses the SR's sport-themed flourishes, keeps the 1.8-liter engine, and gains just about all of the optional features listed above plus heated front seats and mirrors.

　　

2019 Sentra Highlights

Type: SedanNISMOSedan

　　Trim: SSVSRSR TURBOSLNISMOS

　　

Base MSRP	$17,990
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$124/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles