Used 2021 Nissan Sentra for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 12.58% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 229 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Sentra earns 4.8/5 from owners and 7.2/10 from experts. The expert score reflects a compact sedan that balances style, technology and efficiency well, while the owner feedback points to a car people appreciate for its stylish interior, safety features and fuel efficiency. It also fits shoppers who want an everyday commuter that feels more polished than a basic economy car. With 29.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some attractive opportunities.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owners also describe it as reliable and dependable, with comments that point to a car you can count on for everyday use. The expert assessment reinforces that impression by calling it efficient and reliable, with a practical, commuter-friendly character. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is less about durability and more about whether the car’s smaller trunk and road noise fit your expectations.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S trim is the entry point, while SV and SR add an 8-inch touchscreen, nicer interior materials, and more exterior presence. The base S is the one most likely to feel light on features, so make sure its equipment level suits your needs before you buy.
• Powertrain: All Canadian Sentra models use a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 149 horsepower and front-wheel drive. You can get either a CVT or, on S and SR models, a six-speed manual transmission.
• 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 models 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, along with Bluetooth audio and hands-free text messaging assistant. Navigation is not available.
• 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 city, 6.2 highway and 7.3 combined for SR models. Manual-transmission versions use more fuel than the CVT models.

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 can live with the simpler 7-inch touchscreen and front disc/rear drum brakes. It still gets the core safety suite and smartphone integration, so it covers the basics well.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the 8-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, SiriusXM capability and rear disc brakes. It also brings nicer interior materials and adaptive cruise control.
• SR: Choose this if you want the sportier look, 18-inch alloy wheels and the more upscale feel that comes with the trim. It keeps the same core mechanical package but adds more visual appeal and equipment.
• SR Premium: This is the pick if you want the most features, including the available Bose audio system and 360-degree camera system. It is the most complete version, but not the most value-focused.

The safety package is strong across the line, but adaptive cruise control is limited to SV and SR, while 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 patiently but still move quickly on a strong listing.

• Deal availability: 29.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 229 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.58% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $17,060 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 $17,060 CAD sits slightly below last year's $19,514 CAD.

That softer pricing suggests the Sentra has become more accessible for used buyers, which can help keep demand steady in the near term. For a future seller, the current trend means there may be less upside than there was a year ago, especially if the market stays well supplied. Still, a well-kept Sentra with the right trim and equipment should remain appealing because it offers a strong mix of value, safety and efficiency.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, 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 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, active ride control, intelligent trace control, hill-start assist, 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:

• 29.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 12.58% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 brings a polished redesign-era package with strong safety, technology and fuel efficiency.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $18,465 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $17,060 CAD average.
• It feels like a current, well-rounded compact sedan with few shortcomings.

The bottom line: If you want the better value, the 2021 is the smarter buy because it combines a lower average price with strong owner satisfaction and a solid feature set. If you are willing to spend more for a newer model-year alternative, the 2022 is the cleaner choice for buyers who want a slightly more current feel.

How does the 2021 Nissan Sentra compare to the 2021 Honda Civic?

Our experts score the 2021 Nissan Sentra 7.2/10 and the 2021 Honda Civic 7.2/10. The Sentra gives you a lower average used price and a stronger deal share, while the Civic brings more horsepower and a larger pool of listings. If you want the better value proposition, the Sentra is the easier buy; if you want more power and broader market choice, the Civic has the edge.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.