2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, showcased a sleek design with 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels on the Platinum variant. The redesign from the previous year refined its styling, though some details like the door handle alignment and rear diffuser panel could have been improved. Inside, the Altima featured a clean, contemporary design with an ergonomic layout. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the materials quality was on par with other midsize sedans, though color options were limited to black or gray.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, entering its eighth generation, sported an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. It offered eight exterior paint colors and three two-tone options for the SR trim. The Sentra's interior was spacious, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims. The flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch, and the second row provided ample room for two passengers. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with a standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing up to 188 horsepower, paired with a CVT and available in both FWD and AWD. The optional turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, exclusive to SR and Platinum trims, delivered 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The Altima's ride and handling were enhanced by features like Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control, making it a satisfying drive in various settings. The EPA rated the turbocharged engine at 29 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed 26.2 mpg.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a new 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with an Xtronic CVT and FWD. Weighing between 3,036 and 3,084 pounds, the Sentra offered adequate performance for commuting and city driving. Fuel economy was rated at 33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and 32 mpg combined for the SR. The Sentra's suspension and steering provided tidy road manners and almost fun cornering, making it a well-rounded choice for its intended purpose.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's seats were designed for superior comfort, though the lack of a front passenger height adjuster and ventilated front seats was a drawback. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote engine starter were available for cold climates. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage but lacked a wireless smartphone charging pad. The trunk provided 15.4 cubic feet of space, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle for convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior featured well-placed controls and a traditional gear selector lever. It offered two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a 12-volt port, along with big door pockets for storage. The Zero Gravity front bucket seats were comfortable for long rides, and the Premium Package on SV and SR models added power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and a power-sliding glass moonroof. The Sentra's trunk had a capacity of 14.3 cubic feet, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added flexibility.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system featured an 8-inch display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available upgrades included satellite radio, a navigation system, a 9-speaker Bose audio system, and NissanConnect Services. The connected services technology offered features like remote door lock access and automatic collision notification. However, the voice recognition system required specific commands for optimal performance.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a 7-inch touchscreen on the S trim and an 8-inch touchscreen on SV and SR trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant. The SR trim offered an optional premium Bose system and NissanConnect services with a WiFi hotspot and remote vehicle access. Navigation was available via subscription on SR models, and the system integrated with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for added convenience.

The 2020 Nissan Altima included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. Additional safety systems included a driver monitoring system, road-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera. ProPilot Assist offered semi-autonomous driving aids but was found to be somewhat unreliable. The Altima received a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. Standard driver assistance features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. SV and SR models added intelligent cruise control, and the SR trim could be upgraded with a 360-degree camera system. The Sentra received a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.