Used 2021 Nissan Sentra for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 13.89% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 224 listings available, which suggests a modest amount of inventory for shoppers to compare.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Sentra earns a 4.83/5 user rating and a 7.17/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the stylish interior, safety features, and fuel efficiency. That lines up well with the Sentra’s compact-sedan mission: a polished daily driver that feels more upscale than a basic commuter. It also suits you if you want a small sedan with broad appeal rather than a single standout gimmick.

With 30.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Owners rate it 4.83/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a car that feels dependable, with praise centred on its fuel efficiency, safety, and overall day-to-day appeal. The expert assessment also describes it as reliable, and notes that it is a comfortable, grown-up compact sedan that can serve well over years of ownership.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is not outright durability so much as the practical trade-offs some owners mention, especially trunk space and cabin noise.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Nissan Sentra?

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S is the simplest version, while SV and SR add an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and SR models bring 18-inch alloy wheels and a more aggressive exterior look. Base S models also miss some of the nicer equipment found higher up the range.
• Powertrain: All models use a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with front-wheel drive and either a CVT or, on S and SR, a six-speed manual.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard and includes intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, rear sonar, high-beam assist, and intelligent driver alertness. Base S models get standard cruise control, while SV and SR add adaptive cruise control.
• Infotainment: The S uses a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR get an 8-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and wireless smartphone integration is not mentioned.
• Fuel efficiency: Fuel consumption is 8.0 L/100 km city, 6.0 highway, and 7.1 combined for S and SV models, and 8.2 L/100 km city, 6.2 highway, and 7.3 combined for SR models. Manual-transmission versions use more fuel.

Which 2021 Nissan Sentra trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Sentra is offered in 4 trim levels: S, SV, SR, SR Premium.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the value play if you want the lowest entry price and are comfortable with the simpler 7-inch touchscreen and fewer comfort upgrades. It still gives you the core Sentra experience, including standard safety tech and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the 8-inch touchscreen, nicer interior materials, rear disc brakes, and more tech without jumping to the top of the range.
• SR: Choose this if you want the sportier look, 18-inch alloy wheels, and the more upscale feel that comes with the higher trim. It is the right pick if style matters more to you than pure value.
• SR Premium: This is the most feature-rich version, adding the premium Bose audio system and a 360-degree camera system. It suits you if you want the most equipment and are willing to pay for it.

Safety Shield 360 is standard across the line, while adaptive cruise control is limited to SV and SR models, and the 360-degree camera system is reserved for SR Premium.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Nissan Sentra?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you are patient.

• Deal availability: 30.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 224 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.89% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $17,586 CAD, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Nissan Sentra's resale value?

The current average of $17,586 CAD sits slightly below last year's $20,423 CAD.

That decline suggests the market has become more favourable for buyers, but it also means future sellers may need to price competitively to stand out. If you buy now, you are entering at a lower baseline than last year, which can help soften depreciation pressure later. Strong demand for well-rated compact sedans should still support values, especially for clean examples with desirable equipment.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.83/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra safe?

The 2021 Nissan Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and it includes intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, rear sonar, vehicle dynamic control with traction control, high-beam assist, and intelligent driver alertness. Base S models get standard cruise control, while SV and SR models add adaptive cruise control. SR Premium models also include a 360-degree camera system.

Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Sentra or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 30.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 13.89% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.83/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It pairs a polished redesign with strong safety, technology, and fuel efficiency.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $18,905 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $17,586 CAD average.
• It offers a broadly capable, modern-feeling compact sedan with few shortcomings.

The bottom line: If you want the better value today, the 2021 is the smarter buy because pricing has eased and owner satisfaction is strong. If you are willing to spend more for a newer model year, the 2022 is the cleaner alternative for buyers who want a straightforward compact sedan with a slightly higher asking price.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.