2020 Nissan Sentra Review

　　

2020 Nissan Sentra Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　In recent years, the Nissan Sentra staked its claim as a budget-friendly alternative in the small sedan class. It didn't have the best build quality or ride comfort, but in return it cost less than rivals such as the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3. Well, for 2020, the Nissan Sentra nearly flips the script.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Nissan Sentra S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) 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

　　$113/mo  for Sentra S

　　Sentra S

　　S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $19,310 MSRPSV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $20,370 MSRPSR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $21,650 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　This redesigned Sentra has a much nicer interior, so it doesn't seem so much like a rental-fleet vehicle. It also rides a lot smoother over bumps and has a sleeker and more distinctive exterior look. The new Sentra is a little more expensive than before, but overall it's a good value. Desirability has shot up dramatically.

　　We also credit Nissan for making its suite of advanced driver safety aids — called Safety Shield 360 — standard equipment on the Sentra. It includes advanced driver assistance systems that can help mitigate accidents, such as forward and rear collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the Sentra drive? Acceleration is not bad off the line, but the Sentra loses vigor as you gain speed. We measured a 0-60 mph time of 8.8 seconds. That's a little below average for the small sedan class but similar to other slowish cars such as the Kia Forte and Toyota Corolla. In routine driving, the Sentra's continuously variable automatic transmission is smooth and unobtrusive. But it doesn't provide much engine braking effect when you lift off the gas, so you might find yourself needing to use a little more of the brakes than you might expect when slowing down.

　　The brake pedal is smooth and easy to control in casual use. Emergency braking performance, however, is subpar. Our test Sentra needed 131 feet to stop from 60 mph. For context, the segment average is about 123 feet. Steering and handling are unremarkable but should suffice for the average owner for everyday use.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Sentra? Comfort is one of the Sentra's stronger attributes. The ride is very composed and easily smooths out road imperfections. This softness, though, can make the Sentra feel floaty at higher speeds. Road noise is ever present but never intrusive, and nothing the stereo can't easily cover.

　　The front seats have decent cushioning and support. The best seats in the house are shockingly found in the rear. They're plush, comfortable and accommodating for two average-size adults. The climate control system is not particularly powerful, but air flow coverage from the vents is good. Our test car did not have rear air vents, but that's typical for this class.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The controls are easily accessible for both driver and passenger and are simple to understand whether tuning the radio or adjusting the climate control. The large 8-inch touchscreen infotainment is equally easy to read and use.

　　There's plenty of interior room for front occupants. Rear-seat legroom is among the most generous in the segment. Most drivers will find it easy to settle into a comfortable driving position thanks to the decent range of adjustments that come from the seat and steering wheel. Visibility is quite good toward the front and sides, but over-the-shoulder and rear visibility is impeded by the thick rear roof pillars and sloped rear window.

　　

Technology

7.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The Sentra comes with many standard safety features and driver aids. Adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking camera system are still options, but overall Nissan's standard safety suite is pretty generous. We did, however, experience some glitches with the backup camera and one false alarm with the forward collision system in our test car.

　　The infotainment system is a little slow to respond and the graphics look dated. There's a good number of device connection options, but you need to step up to the midlevel SV trim for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Nissan does not offer an onboard navigation system.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? The 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space is better than average for a small sedan. The 60/40-split rear seats fold down to help accommodate longer cargo items. But the only release is from the rear seat; there aren't any releases in the trunk. Also, the seats don't fold completely flat, which can make loading longer objects, like a flat-screen TV, more of a hassle.

　　There's sufficient interior storage for small items, cups and bottles, although others including the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta do this better. There's also a good amount of child seat space, but you might find the cushions make access a bit tight to car seat anchors.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The Sentra achieves an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined (29 city/39 highway), which is about average for a base engine in this class. We observed 28.7 mpg over three tank fills in our test vehicle, with a best fill of 32 mpg. That's slightly below what we expected given the EPA figures.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the Sentra a good value? The redesigned Sentra offers compelling value. It comes well equipped with loads of standard tech and safety features and starts at a lower price than a lot of the class. It now has a more refined, spacious cabin with an interior design that looks to emulate Mazda and Honda. Touchpoints all feel pretty good, but our test car had some noticeable interior trim gaps.

　　Nissan gives you a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance. All are typical for a non-luxury automaker.

　　

Wildcard

7.0/10

　　The newest Sentra maintains its point-A-to-B sensibility, but it looks much better doing it than prior generations. It makes for a solid daily driver with its comfortable and relatively upscale interior. Its top rivals, however, manage to be similarly comfortable and practical while delivering a driving experience that's more fun and enjoyable.

　　

Which Sentra does zzdcar recommend?

The bargain-priced S is loaded with safety and tech features, but we think most buyers would be better served by the SV. It adds quality-of-life upgrades that include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control and more. It's a supremely good buy when you consider all these additions cost less than $1,200.

　　

2020 Nissan Sentra models

The Nissan Sentra is a small sedan offered in three trims with a short list of option packages. The base S model is relatively lightly equipped but comes with numerous advanced driver aids. The SV is only a little more expensive but adds a wealth of upgrades. The SR is the reasonably priced range-topping model with a few sport-themed touches.

　　A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (149 horsepower, 146 lb-ft of torque) is standard across the board and drives the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

　　The Sentra S kicks things off with features such as 16-inch steel wheels, push-button ignition, a 7-inch touchscreen and a four-speaker audio system. Standard safety features include a blind-spot monitor, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency front and rear braking.

　　Moving up to the SV adds alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, extra USB ports and a six-speaker audio system. You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

　　The SV is eligible for the SV Premium package, which adds 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, a power driver's seat, heated front seats and leather upholstery.

　　At the top of the model range is the sporty SR. It builds on the SV's content, adding 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and sporty exterior design flourishes. It also has a Premium package, which includes upgrades from the SV Premium, plus a heated steering wheel, a surround-view parking camera system, simulated leather upholstery and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

　　

2020 Sentra Highlights

Trim: SSVSRS

　　

Base MSRP	$19,310
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	33 MPG
Cost to Drive	$113/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles