Nissan Sentra (US) review

It’s the all-new Nissan Sentra, the latest iteration of the very pervasive mid-size sedan that’s been part of the global automotive makeup for over forty years.

Uh-huh. So more of the same then?

We won’t sit here and tell you the Sentra, in its many forms, survived so long because it was something particularly special. Over its many generations, this Nissan has often been just good enough to get you where you’re going on the cheap. Now, since “cheap” is hardly a thing anymore, the new Sentra might as well be half-decent at the very least.

Sooo… is it?

Jokes aside, the latest Sentra is a strong showcase for what Nissan brings to the table in terms of everyday utility. Updated looks, modern tech and surprisingly engaging drive dynamics elevate it from an automotive also-ran to a serious thorn in the sides of similar segment stalwarts such as the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra.

Bold claim. What’s it got going for it?

It’s design, for a start. Sure, the new Ariya-aligned grinning grille makes it look like an Altima poisoned with the Joker venom, but if this is meant to be a budget sedan, it’s refusing to dress like one.

It’s much the same on the inside as well, with a tidy dash arrangement featuring as many as two 12.3-inch displays for driver info and infotainment mixed with a decent amount of physical inputs. Overall, the Sentra’s cabin is sharp but more importantly functional.

What’s going on under the hood?

Not a whole lot. We’re pleased the Nissan tries to punch above its weight where it can, but the powertrain’s shortcomings are the one element the modern glow-up can’t disguise. A functional 2.0 inline-four powers all trims of the Sentra, delivering 149hp and 146lb ft of torque to the front wheels, sent there by a CVT transmission.

Depending on trim and, more specifically, wheel size, the Sentra scores up to 33mpg combined, keeping you away from the pump more often than not, which is always welcome.

Again, functional, though generally nothing to get super excited about. With that said, the sport mode software does wonders with what it has to work with, pushing the engine and, surprisingly, the transmission as much as possible to muster up some pep. The end result won’t blow your mind but it’s pleasing to discover the Sentra can give it some guts when a twisty road avails itself.

Is that just the sporty SR trim?

All trims have the same hardware, though the base model’s the only one that doesn’t have selectable drive modes to really activate any of the sporty throttle-mapping. The different trims distinguish themselves visually through a few subtle tweaks and if they’re wearing one of three available wheel sizes.

With the SR trim in particular, it rocks 18-inch alloys, two-tone roof, blacked-out facia and a number of sharp exterior highlights, concluding with a rear lip spoiler. It is the fastest looking trim, but that’s the only real difference.

What kind of technology is included?

For fun and convenience, there’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto, voice recognition courtesy of Google Assistant, an eight-speaker Bose audio system if you splurge for the higher trims, which also throw in a wireless charging pad. ProPilot assist, Nissan’s hands-on driver’s assist program, is available on the top-tier builds as well, though the other trims still get adaptive cruise control.

Safety tech has long-since been a priority for Nissan, and thus the new Sentra has a number of preventative aids like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and driver alertness monitoring as standard.

The latest Nissan Sentra does its best to dispel the notion that sedans for budget-minded shoppers are inherently dull. A sharp makeover gives the midsized four-door the chops to stand out amongst the crowd, and its similarly-styled interior follows suit.

While it still rocks some bare-bones powertrain hardware, the effort to eke out some fun with an aggressive sport mode and a CVT that plays ball makes a difference, and gives the Sentra the ability to follow through with the kind of playful behavior its design alludes to.

All in all, it’s a worthy upgrade from the outgoing model and will likely be a nuisance for the perennial segment chart-toppers.