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2016 Nissan Sentra

Nissan Sentra OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
Interior Profile
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 S 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $16,780
2016 FE+ S 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $18,160
2016 SV 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $18,550
2016 SR 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $20,410
2016 SL 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $22,170

Overview

A longtime participant in the compact-sedan segment, the Nissan Sentra remains an appealing choice for the economy-oriented buyer. In addition to good fuel efficiency, you get plenty of rear seat space -- an attribute that’s lacking in a number of compact (and larger) sedans. Value-priced option packages are another bonus, at least for upper trim levels.

What's New for 2016

Sentras gained a mild refresh for the 2016 model year, including revised exterior styling and newly available active-safety technology, such as blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The new front fascia is clearly influenced by larger Nissan models, including the Maxima. Highlights include a V-shaped chrome grille, boomerang-shaped headlights and taillamps, and new 17-inch alloy wheel design. Upper trims get LED headlights.

Nissan Sentra

Choosing Your Nissan Sentra

All Sentras continue to come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. Those who like to shift for themselves can still have a six-speed manual gearbox -- but only on the base S model, where a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional. All other trim levels come with the CVT as standard equipment. With CVT, fuel economy is estimated at 29 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway (32 mpg combined).

Five trim levels are available:

Nissan Sentra

S

The base S starts out at $16,780 (plus destination charge) with the manual transmission and $17,630 with the CVT. Each comes with a considerable amount of equipment for the price. Standard features include automatic headlights, chrome door handles, cruise control, air conditioning, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and remote keyless entry. The four-speaker audio system has a CD player, MP3 capability, and USB port. Also standard are power windows and door locks, a tilt/telescopic steering column, power mirrors, 16-inch steel wheels, and Bluetooth phone connectivity.

Nissan Sentra

FE+ S

For the economy-minded, the FE+ S boosts estimated fuel economy to a combined 34 mpg, and goes for $18,030. The CVT is standard, as are low-rolling-resistance tires, a rear deck-lid spoiler, and deflectors for the rear tires and underbody.

Neither the S nor the FE+ S trim level has any option packages available.

Nissan Sentra

SV

Building on the S and starting at $18,550, the SV adds higher-end features like premium cloth seating, rearview camera, SiriusXM capability, Bluetooth streaming audio, NissanConnect with mobile apps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Siri Eyes Free voice recognition, keyless entry, and a rearview monitor. The six-speaker audio system has a 5-inch display screen.

Three SV option packages are offered:

  • Style Package adds a moonroof and 16-inch alloy wheels.
  • All Weather Pacakage adds heated mirrors and front seats.
  • Driver's Assist Package includes navigation, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Nissan Sentra

SR

The sport-oriented SR has premium sport cloth seats with heat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, mirror-mounted LED turn signals, foglamps, heated power mirrors, 17-inch aluminum wheels, chrome exhaust tips, LED headlights, and an SR-exclusive sport body kit, grille, and spoilers. These extra features push the price to $20,410.

An SR Premium Package adds a moonroof, leather seating, NissanConnect with navigation, Bose eight-speaker sound system, HomeLink universal remote, blind-spot monitoring, and much more.

Nissan Sentra

SL

The $22,170 SL has features like 17-inch 10-spoke aluminum wheels, navigation with a 15.8-inch touchscreen, leather-appointed upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming mirror, and a power driver’s seat.

An SL Premium Package adds a moonroof, eight-speaker Bose audio, and illuminated vanity mirrors.

CarsDirect Tip

In our view, a mid-range S or SV offers the best value for the Sentra's target buyer. We can't fault Nissan for putting so much into the SR and SL, for only a few thousand dollars more. Still, their prices almost push the Sentra into competition with more premium-level competitors.

Get your price on a Nissan Sentra »

Read our review on the Nissan Sentra »

Nissan Sentra
author image
Contributing Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Editor

With a refreshed exterior and interior that introduces Nissan’s new design language, the 2016 Nissan Sentra offers mid-size utility and convenience in an affordable compact package.

Pricing and Equipment

The refreshed-for-2016 Nissan Sentra is a four-door five-passenger front-wheel drive compact sedan.

All 2016 Sentra sedans are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base trim.

Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (continuously variable transmission) is optional on the base S model and the only available transmission on all other trim levels.

  • The base Sentra S with the six-speed manual transmission starts at $16,780.
  • The fuel-economy special FE+S model starts at $18,030 with the standard CVT transmission.
  • Nissan's best-selling SV trim includes some nice standard features, and pricing begins at $18,550.
  • The sport-themed Sentra SR includes premium sport cloth seats and a rear spoiler with prices starting at $20,410.
  • The top-trim Sentra SL includes leather seating and 17-inch wheels. SL prices start at $22,170.

Performance Pros

Nissan Sentra

The 2016 Nissan Sentra is powered by an efficient 130-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 128 pound-feet of torque. The base S model comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission.

All other trim levels receive Nissan’s Xtronic CVT transmission, which has been remapped to provide a more “natural” feel when driving. Nissan’s tweaks to the CVT help avoid the droning sound that many will associate with a CVT-equipped vehicle under full throttle.

The Sentra includes Eco and Sport modes. The option allows the driver to push a button and electronically reconfigure the CVT transmission and throttle responsiveness. While not dramatically different, the modes do allow you the option of burning a little more fuel in exchange for performance when you need it. I especially found the Sport mode useful in traffic when I wanted the Sentra to stay higher in the revs, the engine's sweet spot, for passing maneuvers.

Fuel economy is in line with the rest of the segment. The six-speed manual earns 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Models equipped with the Xtronic (CVT) earn 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, except for the economy-oriented FE+ S grade at 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

Performance Cons

The rear drum brakes found in the Sentra S and SV trims feel dated for a vehicle being advertised as new for 2016. The good news is that the higher trim levels receive four-wheel disc brakes.

The Sentra’s fuel economy is right in line with the majority of the compact sedan’s major competitors, but even FE+ S numbers come up a little short compared to the 2016 Corolla LE ECO’s 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway, and fall even further behind when compared to the performance-oriented, turbocharged 2016 Honda Civic's 31 mpg city and 42 mpg highway.

Interior Pros

Nissan Sentra
  • The 2016 Sentra treats occupants to a spacious open interior. Of interest, the Sentra’s 111 cubic feet of total interior volume place the Sentra mid-size sedan territory.
  • Complementing the generously-sized cabin is the Sentra’s 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, plenty of room for trips to the grocery store and family road trips.
  • The refreshed interior includes comfortable new front seats; I spent the better part of a day driving around in the 2016 Sentra and felt very little fatigue. The available power driver’s seat with power lumbar support adds to the new Sentra’s long-trip worthiness factor.
  • With 37.4 inches of legroom, a number you’d expect to see in a mid-size sedan, the Sentra’s rear seats provide plenty of room for two adults or three children making the sedan a strong pick for families looking for value and reliability.
  • A new acoustic windshield lends to a quieter driving environment.
  • The base Sentra’s simple four-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system includes a USB connection for iPod and other compatible devices. Six-speaker audio controlled by a five-inch touchscreen is standard on the other trim levels and a 5.8-inch navigation touchscreen is available in the SV and SR models, standard on the top-trim SL.
  • The mid-grade 5-inch touchscreen audio includes SiriusXM radio, Siri Eyes Free Voice Recognition, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and the NissanConnect with Mobile Apps system.
  • The 2016 Nissan Sentra can be equipped with Nissan’s “Safety Shield” active safety technology including forward emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and a rearview monitor.

Interior Cons

Nissan has gone to great lengths camouflaging the Sentra’s hard plastic interior surfaces, but there are plenty of them. The limited soft-touch areas are a reminder of the Sentra’s lower price tag.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

I really can’t overstate how important a comfortable driver’s seat is. Being able to quickly and easily find a comfortable driving position can make or break my appreciation of a car. The Sentra’s revised front seats are extremely comfortable and help you forget that you are driving in an affordable compact car.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

I couldn’t believe the roominess of the Sentra’s rear seating. Along with the decent size trunk, the back seat alone qualifies the Sentra as a smart choice for families looking for affordable day to day transportation.

The Bottom Line

Nissan Sentra

In many ways Nissan’s 2016 Sentra reaches beyond expectations. By providing sub-compact fuel-economy ratings, the interior space of a mid-size sedan and a decidedly compact segment price tag, the new Sentra offers great value for individuals and families. Sentra’s attractive new exterior provides plenty of curb appeal too, adding to the sedan’s overall appeal.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 1.8L I-4 / 130 HP / 128 ft.lbs.
Available: 1.8L I-4 / 124 HP / 125 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 6-spd man w/OD
Available: Xtronic 2-spd CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
27 / 36 / 31 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
Standard: 1.8L I-4 / 130 HP / 128 ft.lbs.
Available: 1.8L I-4 / 124 HP / 125 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
27 / 36 / 31 Mpg
Brakes
Front Disc/rear Drum
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
13.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$50
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
15.1 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
96 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
182.1 "
Exterior Width
69.3 "
Exterior Height
58.9 "
Front Headroom
39.4 "
Rear Headroom
36.7 "
Front Legroom
42.5 "
Rear Legroom
37.4 "
Front Shoulder Room
54.7 "
Rear Shoulder Room
53.9 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,848 Lbs. / 2,851 Lbs. / 2,853 Lbs.
Wheel Base
106 "
Turning Radius
17.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Steel
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Split-bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan / Clock
Speakers
4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2016 Nissan Sentra for Sale

4 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Nissan
S
Color: Silver
Price

$8,187

Mileage

92,774 mi

Map location icon

California Motors Direct (34 mi)

Phone: (714) 515-6100
Nissan
SV
Color: Fresh Powder
Price

$8,998

Mileage

121,949 mi

Map location icon

Temecula Nissan (77 mi)

Phone: (951) 395-0568
Nissan
SV
Color: Black
Price

$9,995

Mileage

96,852 mi

Map location icon

Metro Auto (27 mi)

Phone: (714) 740-7244
Nissan
S
Color: Silver
Price

$9,995

Mileage

101,740 mi

Map location icon

Car Castle (27 mi)

Phone: (714) 992-4000
See All Used Car Listings

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