2023 Nissan Sentra

Is the Sentra dull to drive, then? Dull would be an overly harsh summation – highly competent probably provides the best description of the Sentra’s road manners. If that sounds like damning with faint praise, it’s intended as a compliment – few sedan buyers are looking for the levels of grip and acceleration provided by a Subaru WRX. The Sentra is an effortless car to drive, with responsive steering and well-tuned suspension simplifying the driver’s job. Handling is aided by the car’s low center of gravity, while comfortable and well-shaped front seats will deliver everyone to the journey’s end without aches or pains.

There’s only one engine available in the Sentra, and it’s no fireball. Its modest 149 hp output is paired with a CVT transmission, resulting in performance that can best be described as leisurely. Around town, the lack of torque may cause the odd fretful moment at an intersection, but it’s more compliant at higher speeds once the engine settles down. For a $20,000 compact, the Sentra is a surprisingly capable mile-muncher. Most trims will return 33 mpg combined, though the additional equipment in flagship SR models reduces this figure to 32. That’s decent enough in isolation, but rivals like the Hyundai Elantra manage to better these figures, and there are no hybrid Sentra variants on sale.

Modest interior space. The Sentra’s bargain-basement price must be remembered while apprising its interior accommodation. It’s no Maxima in here, but there’s plenty of space in the front, and the manually adjustable cloth seats in S models are at least comfortable. Rear legroom is adequate, but there isn’t quite enough width for three adult passengers to sit abreast, so treat it as a four-seater only. At least the trunk is decently sized, with its capacity of 14.3 cubic feet beating rivals like the aforementioned Jetta.

Occupants will also be safe in a Sentra. Despite some concerns over frontal passenger protection, the NHTSA awarded it five stars, while the IIHS has given it Good ratings; SR models with upgraded lighting are particularly well-regarded. The standard safety kit includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams, but features like surround-view cameras and adaptive cruise are only available higher up the model range.

What else do you get? Again, we’d remind you that a base Sentra S only costs $21,045 including destination. It’ll come with a seven-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, power doors and windows, and a keyless start. That’ll be more than sufficient for many buyers, though if you can rustle up an additional $1,220, SV trim is well worth splashing out on. It increases the stock seven-inch infotainment screen by another inch while adding a digital instrument display and adaptive cruise control.

We’re less confident about recommending the $23,935 SR, whose rear spoiler and orange trim stitching write checks the Sentra’s ambling performance can’t cash. Like SV models, SRs can be specified with a Premium package which significantly ups the specification ante. SVs receive quilted leather with a heated power driver’s seat and a sunroof, while SRs gain synthetic leather, a Bose audio system, and surround-view cameras.

Final thoughts. The Sentra isn’t a car you’ll lust after, but it’s impossible to dismiss its value proposition. For less than $25,000, you can drive home in a brand-new top-of-the-range sedan; for little more than $20,000, you can park a car with identical mechanicals on your driveway. That’s an exceptional value, and it enables us to view drawbacks like the Sentra’s lethargic performance and underwhelming gas mileage in a more sympathetic view. We’ll also gloss over Nissan’s basic three-year, 36,000-mile warranty, which is less than a ringing endorsement of the car’s long-term prospects.

While we respect the Sentra hugely for its honest approach to affordable motoring, we would steer clear of the cheapest S trim. Mid-range SV has a superior infotainment system (which is the centerpiece of a modern car in many people’s eyes), and it can be upgraded with the Premium package to add more of a big-car feel. In some regards, the Sentra feels like an Altima after a boil wash, which is high praise at this price point.

Check prices for the 2023 Nissan Sentra