2022 Nissan Sentra

　　

2022 Nissan Sentra Review

byRonald MontoyaSenior Consumer Advice Editor & Content Strategy

　　Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Ronald is a senior consumer advice editor and content strategy at zzdcar and has also contributed to the Associated Press. He has also been featured on ABC, NBC and NPR on a number of car shopping topics. He got his start in the auto industry by taking a part-time job at a car dealership, where he worked in the service and accounting department.

　　The 2022 Nissan Sentra is a small, economical sedan that underwent a full redesign in 2020. Power is supplied by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and routed to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Within the Nissan lineup, the Sentra is a step up from the smaller Versa and slots in just below the larger Altima.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$114/mo  for Sentra S

　　Sentra S

　　S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $19,950 MSRPSV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $21,030 MSRPSR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $22,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The 2022 model year brings minimal changes to the Sentra. The only noteworthy changes are a couple of packages. The All-Weather package adds a number of convenience features to the SV trim for those in colder climates, while the Midnight Edition adds some contrasting black trim and black 18-inch wheels for the SR trim.

　　We like the Sentra for its smooth ride, better-than-average interior materials, and plentiful safety and tech features for the money. But it's hamstrung by slow acceleration, an out-of-date infotainment system, and rather long braking distances in a class dominated by the Honda Civic and newer competitors including the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra. Check out the categories of our test team's Expert Rating to learn more.

　　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 it's 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below