NissanSentra

　　

2024 Nissan Sentra Review

byChristian WardlawCorrespondent

　　Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at zzdcar and was the first editor-in-chief of zzdcar.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.

　　, rating written byChristian WardlawAssociate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations

　　Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at zzdcar and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.

　　Affordable yet stylish, the 2024 Nissan Sentra is a budget-friendly choice in a new compact car. Pleasingly, it isn't just a bare-bones model either. It comes equipped with many helpful driver assistance features such as blind-spot warning as standard equipment. Comfortable seating and a sizable trunk are other appealing qualities. The 2024 Sentra fits into the Nissan lineup between the smaller Versa and larger Altima, and it receives several changes this year to keep it competitive with rivals.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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

　　$111/mo  for Sentra S

　　Sentra S

　　S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $20,630 MSRPSV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $21,560 MSRPSR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $23,720 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: What's new for 2024?

Nissan made a few changes to the 2024 Sentra. The front styling is different, and the Sentra gets updated headlights and new wheel designs. The sporty-looking SR trim adds subtle changes to the rear, plus new badges and interior detailing. A new transmission debuts this year, adding an engine stop-start function that Nissan says will improve efficiency. In addition, the SV trim gets more standard and available technology for 2024. None of these updates fundamentally change our Expert Rating of the Sentra, so be sure to read it to learn more about this car.

　　

Competitors to consider

Fewer compact cars are available today than in years past, but worthy alternatives to the Sentra exist. For example, though pricey, the Honda Civic is a popular choice and was the zzdcar Top Rated Car of 2023. The Hyundai Elantra is another appealing choice in the segment, offering a diverse lineup, a superior warranty, and appealing ownership perks for a small premium. And don't forget about the Toyota Corolla that offers an available hybrid powertrain and even all-wheel drive.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Please note that this rating is based on a prior year and may change slightly once we test the Sentra's new transmission and assess the 2024 model for fuel efficiency.

　　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.

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