Nissan Sentra: Price, Specs, Features & Pros and Cons

The Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan for buyers who want a comfortable commute, useful standard technology, and an attainable price. Its roomy front seats, 14.3-cubic-foot trunk, and strong crash-test results make it an appealing everyday car.

The current US model has four trims, all with the same 149-hp engine, continuously variable transmission, and front-wheel drive. There is no hybrid, all-wheel-drive, or performance powertrain. Its strengths are value, comfort, and safety; buyers seeking stronger acceleration should compare other compact sedans.

WheelPedia Rating: 8.1/10

The Sentra earns points for its standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless phone integration, useful passenger space, accessible starting price, and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation.

Rating Category	Score	Weight
Safety	9.0/10	20%
Reliability and ownership	7.5/10	15%
Performance and driving	6.5/10	15%
Comfort and practicality	8.0/10	15%
Efficiency	8.0/10	15%
Features and technology	9.0/10	10%
Price and value	9.0/10	10%
Overall WheelPedia Rating	8.1/10	—

See how we rate cars for the full scoring method.

Key Highlights

The 2027 Sentra starts at $22,890 MSRP, excluding the $1,275 destination charge, taxes, and options.
Every trim uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque.
The S and SV are EPA-rated at 30 city / 38 highway / 33 combined mpg; the SR is rated at 29 / 36 / 32 mpg.
Front-wheel drive is standard. AWD and a hybrid are not offered.
A 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
The 2027 Sentra is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with Good ratings in the small-overlap front, updated moderate-overlap front, and updated side tests.
The trunk holds 14.3 cubic feet.

Quick Specifications

Specification	Nissan Sentra
Vehicle type	Compact sedan
Seats	5
Engine	2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder
Output	149 hp / 146 lb-ft
Transmission	Xtronic CVT
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive
Best listed fuel economy	30 city / 38 highway / 33 combined mpg
Trunk	14.3 cu. ft.
Length	183.3 in.
Width	71.5 in.
Wheelbase	106.5 in.

Specifications and prices on this page refer to the 2027 US-market Sentra.

Expert Tip
Start with the SV. It costs $700 more than the S and adds a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and remote start. Choose the S if the lowest purchase price is your main priority.

About the Nissan Sentra

The Sentra was redesigned for 2026, and the 2027 model continues that layout with revised CVT tuning and an optional SR Midnight Edition appearance package. Nissan says the transmission changes aim for smoother, more linear response; buyers should judge the result during a test drive.

Its main appeal is how much equipment comes with the lower trims. The standard touchscreen and phone connectivity spare buyers from paying extra for basic daily technology. The S is an affordable starting point, while the SV adds enough convenience to make its relatively small price increase worthwhile.

Price and Trims

These are Nissan’s US base MSRPs. Add $1,275 for destination and handling, plus taxes, options, and any dealer charges.

Trim or package	Starting MSRP	Main reason to choose it
S	$22,890	Lowest price, standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and safety equipment
SV	$23,590	Digital gauge display, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, remote start
SR	$24,990	Sport styling, 18-inch wheels, upgraded audio and wireless charger
SR Midnight Edition	$25,640*	SR with black wheels, badges, trim, and contrasting roof
SL	$27,990	Heated front seats, ProPILOT Assist, surround-view camera, Bose audio, moonroof

*The SR Midnight Edition price is the $24,990 SR base MSRP plus its $650 package; other options and destination remain extra. The Midnight Edition is a package, not a separate engine or drivetrain.

Engine, Powertrain, and Performance

All Sentras use a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 149 hp and 146 lb-ft, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. Power goes to the front wheels. The 2027 model receives revised transmission tuning; engine output remains the same across trims.

The Sentra has enough power for routine commuting, but a full passenger load or quick highway pass calls for more planning than in a stronger compact sedan. The SR is chiefly a styling and equipment upgrade. There is no turbocharged, hybrid, manual-transmission, or AWD version in the current US range.

Driving Experience

The Sentra aims for calm, predictable daily driving. Its independent rear suspension, front and rear Zero Gravity seat design, and compact dimensions suit commutes and longer trips. The SV’s 16-inch wheels may be a better match for rough roads than the SR’s 18-inch wheels and shorter tire sidewalls.

Nissan’s 2027 CVT tuning is intended to make acceleration feel more natural. This is a manufacturer-described change, so we would not treat it as proof of a measured performance gain. Try a stop-and-go route and a highway merge on your test drive, and check whether the touch-based climate controls suit you.

Fuel Economy

Trim	EPA-estimated city / highway / combined
S	30 / 38 / 33 mpg
SV	30 / 38 / 33 mpg
SR, including Midnight Edition	29 / 36 / 32 mpg
SL	30 / 38 / 33 mpg on Nissan’s current retail specifications table*

*Nissan’s current retail table and detailed press-kit specification table list 30 / 38 / 33 mpg for the SL, but a footnote in the same press kit says 29 / 36 / 32 mpg. Confirm the EPA label on a specific SL before relying on its figure. Real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

The Sentra is efficient for a gasoline compact sedan. A buyer who drives many city miles should still compare its fuel spending with a hybrid alternative such as the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.

Interior, Comfort, and Technology

A 12.3-inch central touchscreen is standard on every trim. The S pairs it with a 7-inch driver display; SV, SR, and SL add a 12.3-inch digital driver display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup.

Key standard and available features include:

Three standard USB-C ports, including a rear charging port
Standard intelligent cruise control on S, SV, and SR
Available Qi2 wireless charger on SV; standard on SR and SL
Available heated front seats and heated steering wheel; standard on SL
Available ProPILOT Assist on SR with the Premium Package; standard on SL
Available surround-view camera on SR; standard on SL
Available Bose eight-speaker sound system on SR; standard on SL
Available moonroof on SV and SR; standard on SL

The front seats offer generous legroom. Rear passengers get adequate space for a compact sedan, though tall adults should check the 34.8-inch rear legroom and headroom in person. The cabin’s large screens look modern, but some climate functions use capacitive controls rather than conventional knobs.

Dimensions, Cargo, and Practicality

Dimension	Measurement
Length	183.3 in.
Width	71.5 in.
Height	57.1 in.
Wheelbase	106.5 in.
Front legroom	44.0 in.
Rear legroom	34.8 in.
Trunk capacity	14.3 cu. ft.
Seating	5

The 14.3-cubic-foot trunk handles groceries, suitcases, and routine errands. Its 60/40-split folding rear seat gives longer objects a path into the cabin, though the sedan trunk opening still limits bulky cargo. Families should check child-seat fit and rear-seat access with their own equipment before buying.

Exterior Design

The S has 16-inch steel wheels, while the SV adds 16-inch alloys. The SR gets a sportier fascia, side sill extensions, rear spoiler, and 18-inch alloys. The SL takes a more comfort-focused approach with 17-inch wheels and a standard moonroof.

The new SR Midnight Edition adds black 18-inch wheels, black exterior details and badges, and a contrasting black roof. It is an appearance package with the same 149-hp engine used elsewhere in the lineup.

Safety Features and Ratings

Standard safety and driver-assistance equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind-spot warning and intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and prevention, high-beam assist, and a rearview camera. The SL adds rear automatic braking, while the surround-view camera and ProPILOT Assist are available on a suitably equipped SR and standard on SL.

The 2027 Sentra is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It earns Good ratings in the small-overlap front, updated moderate-overlap front, and updated side-impact tests. IIHS also gives its headlights a Good rating, standard pedestrian front crash prevention Good, and standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention Acceptable. IIHS says the underlying 2026 tests apply to 2026–27 models; read the 2027 Sentra test details for the full breakdown.

Reliability, Warranty, and Ownership

The current generation arrived for 2026, so a firm long-term reliability verdict would be premature. The familiar 2.0-liter engine and single CVT powertrain simplify the choice, but owners should follow the maintenance schedule and keep service records, particularly for transmission-related work. Before buying a used Sentra, check its VIN for recalls and review its maintenance history.

Coverage	Length
Basic limited warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles
Powertrain limited warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles
Corrosion perforation warranty	5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance	3 years / 36,000 miles

These coverage terms do not predict future reliability. Compare your insurance quote, expected fuel use, tire costs, and the complete out-the-door price before deciding.

Pros and Cons

What We Like

Strong IIHS crash-test results and Top Safety Pick+ designation
Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration
Competitive entry price and useful equipment on the SV
Comfortable front seats and a practical 14.3-cubic-foot trunk
Up to 33 mpg combined on the S and SV
Available comfort and parking features on higher trims

What We Don’t Like

Only one engine and drivetrain choice
Modest passing power; SR styling does not bring more horsepower
No hybrid or AWD option
Larger SR wheels may be less forgiving on rough pavement
Touch-based climate controls may take adjustment
Limited long-term reliability history for the redesigned generation

Competitors

Toyota Corolla: Compare its hybrid efficiency and available hybrid AWD if low fuel use or extra traction matters.
Honda Civic: Compare its gas and hybrid powertrains, cabin layout, and driving response.
Hyundai Elantra: Check its trim equipment, cabin room, warranty, and available hybrid version.
Kia K4: Compare pricing, technology, rear-seat room, and warranty coverage.

Compare the exact trim, destination charge, available equipment, and insurance cost. Similar starting prices can hide meaningful differences in the final purchase price.

Should You Buy the Nissan Sentra?

Buy the Sentra if your priorities are a comfortable compact sedan, good standard technology, strong IIHS results, and a manageable purchase price. The SV is the most sensible starting point because its convenience upgrades cost only $700 above the S at base MSRP.

Choose the S if you want to spend as little as possible and are satisfied with its standard equipment. Consider the SL if heated seats, ProPILOT Assist, surround-view camera, and Bose audio make a real difference to your daily drive. Choose the SR for its appearance after trying its 18-inch wheels on roads you use regularly.

Compare other cars if you need a hybrid, AWD, or noticeably stronger acceleration. Get an itemized quote for the precise trim and options, then test the seat comfort, rear space, climate controls, and highway response yourself.

FAQs

How much does the Nissan Sentra cost?

The 2027 Sentra S starts at $22,890 MSRP in the US. Nissan lists a $1,275 destination charge separately, and taxes, options, and dealer charges affect the final price.

Which Sentra trim is the best value?

The SV is our pick for most buyers. At $23,590 base MSRP, it costs $700 more than the S and adds a larger digital gauge display, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and remote start.

Does the Sentra have a hybrid or all-wheel drive?

No. Every current US Sentra uses a gasoline 2.0-liter four-cylinder, CVT, and front-wheel drive.

How much horsepower does the Sentra have?

All 2027 trims produce 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. The SR and Midnight Edition do not increase engine output.

What gas mileage does the Sentra get?

Nissan lists the S and SV at 30 city / 38 highway / 33 combined mpg and the SR at 29 / 36 / 32 mpg. Its retail specification table lists the SL at 30 / 38 / 33 mpg, although one press-kit footnote conflicts; check the SL’s EPA window label.

Does the Sentra have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. Both are standard on every current Sentra trim, along with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen.

Is the Nissan Sentra safe?

The 2027 Sentra is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with Good ratings in the three principal crashworthiness evaluations. Its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash-prevention system is rated Acceptable, so consult the individual IIHS categories as well as the award.

Is ProPILOT Assist standard?

It is standard on SL and optional on SR with the Premium Package. It is not listed for S or SV.

How much trunk space does the Sentra have?

The Sentra has 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space and 60/40-split folding rear seats.

What is the Sentra warranty?

Nissan lists a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for the 2027 Sentra.

Final Verdict

The Sentra makes a strong case for buyers who want a well-equipped compact sedan at a reasonable price. The SV is the standout: it adds meaningful daily conveniences without moving far from the base price. The IIHS results and generous standard technology strengthen its appeal.

Its trade-offs are straightforward. Acceleration is modest, there is no hybrid or AWD, and the redesigned generation has little long-term ownership data. Test-drive the Sentra alongside a Corolla and Civic if those factors matter, and compare the final price of the exact trim you want.

This page covers the 2027 US-market Nissan Sentra. Prices, equipment, ratings, and availability may change.