2021 Nissan Sentra Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2021 Nissan Sentra is a smart choice of compact car, with a good mix of style, efficiency, technology and performance.
Following a makeover for the 2020 model year, the Nissan Sentra has ripened into a prime specimen of the compact sedan genre. With competitive safety, technology, and fuel efficiency now supplemented by an attractive exterior and interior design, the Sentra no longer feels like a compromise—it feels like a smart choice.
The Sentra entered its eighth generation of production last year. It began life as a sub-compact sedan in 1982, replacing the Datsun 210, and has appeared as a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, a five-door hatchback, and a station wagon over its generations, settling into compact four-door sedan form in its fifth generation in 2000.
The Sentra wears an athletic exterior, distinguished by crisp bends and lines, a bold look for a car that used to wear its sheet metal like a housecoat. Like all current Nissan vehicles, Sentra’s front end has the V-Motion grille with a proud Nissan badge in the centre of a black mesh. Expressive horizontally arrayed headlights (LED available) give the car a squinty, serious look.
Six exterior paint colours are available in Canada, including Monarch Orange Metallic, Electric Blue, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and Gun Metallic. Not boring. SR trim levels can sport one of three two-tone paint schemes (a $485 to $650 option) to call attention to the car’s exterior design. The bulging hood, fast roofline, and muscular wheel arches housing 16-inch steel wheels (S), 16-inch alloys (SV), or 18-inch alloy wheels (SR) give an air of agility and fun to the Sentra. It’s a good look.
Inside the Sentra, the layered dash feels positively expansive, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen (standard on SV and SR) at the top of the centre stack is perfectly positioned. The textured plastic on the centre console and doors is much better than the imitation wood veneers of the past. A flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel is also welcome, adding a subtle sporty touch that also improves comfort for long-limbed drivers. Sentra’s second row is roomy for the class, though better suited for two passengers than three across—the hard, narrow centre cushion is a bit of a penalty box. The Sentra’s trunk can swallow up to 404 litres of cargo, and the second row is split 60/40 to fold down for bigger packages to intrude into the cabin.
All Sentra models get a new 2.0-litre naturally aspirated (non-turbo) four-cylinder engine that’s tuned to produce 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) with an Xtronic CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission) makes the "S" car go, and not at a snail’s pace, either. In Canada, both the entry-level S and top SR grades are available with a six-speed manual transmission, netting discounts of $1,700 and $1,300 respectively over the equivalent CVT models. Tipping the scales at curb weights of just 1,349 to 1,411 kilograms (2,794 to 3,111 pounds), the Sentra is a relative lightweight, and while it is not fast, the nicely sorted CVT delivers adequate performance for commuting and hops around town. Fuel consumption is 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres city/6.0 highway/7.1 combined for S and SV models (9.3/6.3/8.0 for the S with a manual transmission), and 8.2 L/100 km city/6.2 hwy/7.3 combined for SR models (9.4/6.5/8.1 with the manual).
A big part of the driving experience is feel. How does the car align with your body? How do the controls feel under your hands? Is there a feeling of solidity and substance to the vehicle? On all counts, Sentra returns positive feedback, much improved over previous generations of the economy car. While we still don’t love CVT setups, we have to admit Nissan has the best of the bunch. Many drivers will never notice the difference between the CVT and a conventional stepped-gear transmission—they’ll just appreciate the efficiency when they go to the gas pump.
SV and SR models come with front and rear disc brakes, while entry-level Sentra S models are front disc/rear drums. The suspension is four-wheel independent (MacPherson struts front/multi-link rear) with stabilizer bars at both ends. Along with dual-pinion electric steering with vehicle-speed sensitive power assist, the results are tidy road manners and cornering—almost fun. While we’re almost always on the side of more power, the Sentra’s 149 hp feel like the right amount for a realistic balance of fuel efficiency and intended purpose.
There’s a lot to like about the way the Sentra just plain works. Features are well-placed within the interior, from the infotainment touchscreen display on the top of the centre stack to the neatly grouped controls, knobs, and buttons lower in the tower. Nissan has resisted the urge to innovate the interfaces, sticking with a traditional gear selector lever in the centre console, open cupholders with gripping “fingers,” a big glove compartment, and roomy covered storage beneath the centre armrest.
Two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a 12-volt port are at the bottom of the centre stack with a small cubby in front. We prefer those connections in a covered compartment to minimize clutter from wires and devices and to assure that if (when) you forget a connected device in the vehicle, it won’t be on display to tempt potential thieves. Big door pockets (front and rear) are a welcome feature, ready to handle those water bottles so you can remain hydrated.
Nissan’s Zero Gravity front bucket seats live up to their reputation, delivering comfort on long rides. If you had to drive cross-country in your Sentra, all of these features would add up to a tolerable trip. Heated front seats are standard, and you can get a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar on the SR Premium grade, which also includes Prima-Tex seating and a power-sliding glass moonroof. (A moonroof is also available on the SV grade for $900 extra.)
Standard audio in the Sentra starts with a simple AM/FM/USB with four speakers in the S, upgraded to six speakers and SiriusXM satellite radio capability in SV and SR, with a premium Bose system with eight speakers available in the SR Premium. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is included across the board, along with Bluetooth audio and hands-free, along with hands-free text-messaging assistant. A 7-inch touchscreen interface comes with the S, while SV and SR get an 8-inch touchscreen at the top of the centre stack.
Navigation is not available, though of course, you’ve got navigation and other apps on your smartphone, which you can operate via Sentra’s touchscreen interface and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto when hooked up with a USB cable.
Each Sentra model comes with a host of standard safety features, including Nissan advanced airbag system with dual-stage supplemental front airbags with seat-belt and occupant-classification sensors, seat-mounted side-impact supplemental airbags for front- and rear-seat outboard occupants, driver and front-passenger supplemental knee airbags, roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental airbags with rollover sensor for front- and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection, three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH system, zone body construction with front and rear crumple zones, hood buckling creases and safety stops, pipe-style steel side-door guard beams, and an energy-absorbing steering column.
Also included is a tire pressure monitoring system with individual tire display and Easy-Fill Tire Alert, a feature we wish all cars would adopt. Once air begins flowing into the tire, the Sentra’s four-way flashers come on to confirm the airing up has started. When the tire hits the appropriate pressure level, the horn then chirps to let you know the tire has been properly inflated. If you continue to fill the tire with air, the horn honks more aggressively to indicate over-inflation. Once air is let out of the tire, the Sentra’s horn chirps once to indicate the correct pressure has been reached. Move your pressure gauge back into your garage tool kit – you won’t need it in your Sentra’s glovebox.
Of course, Sentra gets a good array of driver assistance features (Nissan Safety Shield 360), too. Standard features include 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, a rear sonar system, vehicle dynamic control with traction control, intelligent engine brake, 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 come with adaptive cruise control that uses radar to maintain a safe following distance. SR Premium models include a 360-degree camera system.
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).
There was a time when the Nissan Sentra was an economy sedan you drove because you had no better option. It was a car that passed from owner to owner, bequeathed to a less-fortunate driver from one who was moving up the ladder. Those days are gone, and the Sentra is now a comfortable, grown-up compact sedan worthy of a place of pride in the driveway.
Sentra trim levels are very simple and straightforward. All Sentra models in Canada get the same 2.0-litre gasoline engine with either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT and front-wheel drive powertrain. The S model starts at an MSRP of $19,198 MSRP with the manual (all prices are before the $1,670 destination charge). This is the base model, nicely equipped. With the CVT, the S grade is priced at $20,898. The Nissan Sentra SV upgrades some tech, adds rear disc brakes, and nicer interior materials, and starts at $22,298, or add $900 more for the moonroof for a total of $23,198. Pricing for the top-of-the-line Nissan Sentra SR also comes in at $23,198 when the manual transmission is equipped, while the CVT version costs $24,498. The SR Premium caps the line-up with pricing of $26,598.
If you’re a commuter and you’ve got extra room in your driveway, a 2021 Nissan Sentra would make a great addition. It is efficient, attractive, compact, and reliable. It would also make a great first new car for an aspiring young professional or graduate. With the way used car prices have risen in the past few years, a $25,000 new car makes even more sense.
While Sentra has ripened over the years, the compact car competition hasn’t been sitting still. Sentra must be measured against the new Toyota Corolla (starting at $19,350), Honda Civic (starting at $24,465), Mazda3 (starting at $20,600), Hyundai Elantra (starting at $17,899), Kia Forte (starting at $17,895), and others. Even as crossover vehicles dominate sales, this highly competitive compact sedan slice of the market continues to percolate. If you buy a 2021 Nissan Sentra, you’ll get one of the best cars for the money, with features and capabilities you can live with for years.
User reviews for 2021 Nissan Sentra
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2021 Nissan Sentra Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: simulated alloy · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 5.25
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.31 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: simulated alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 5.25
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Travel Link · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.31 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): USB-C front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 5.25
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Movie Listing · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation