2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Nissan Sentra marked a significant departure from its predecessors in terms of design. Historically, the Sentra was known for its plain and cost-conscious appearance, but the 2020 model changed that perception. It adopted a more upscale look, reminiscent of a scaled-down Altima, with a lower and wider stance. The Electric Blue paint on the test car added to its appeal, and even with mid-level SV trim, the Sentra managed to look sophisticated. The exterior featured detailed stampings and a V-shaped grille that gave it a mature and recognizable appearance. Inside, the Sentra's interior was a step up in class, with a leatherette dash and flat-bottom steering wheel that felt like they belonged in a more expensive car. The SV Premium Package offered luxurious touches like quilted tan leather seats, making the Sentra's interior comparable to entry-level luxury cars.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra continued the eighth generation's design evolution, maintaining its athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. The car's expressive headlights and available two-tone paint schemes added to its visual appeal. The Sentra's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen positioned for easy access. The flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch, and the second row offered ample space for passengers. The trunk provided 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with split-folding rear seats for added versatility. Overall, the 2021 Sentra's design and interior features made it a practical and stylish choice in the compact sedan segment.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While it lacked turbocharged engines and manual transmissions, the Sentra's CVT was smooth and responsive, mimicking gear changes effectively. The independent suspension improved handling, providing a flat cornering experience and agreeable ride quality. The steering was quick and offered good on-center feel, making the Sentra feel controlled and supportive. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined, making it a cost-effective choice for daily driving.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra retained the same 2.0-liter engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. The front-wheel-drive setup with the Xtronic CVT provided adequate performance for commuting and city driving. The Sentra's lightweight construction contributed to its nimble handling, and the four-wheel independent suspension with stabilizer bars ensured tidy road manners. Fuel economy was similar to the 2020 model, with 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined for S and SV models. The Sentra's driving experience was enhanced by its well-tuned CVT and responsive steering, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra offered a surprisingly spacious backseat, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, providing excellent support for long drives. The lowered body profile improved side visibility, although the rear window's rake limited the rear view. The trunk provided 14.3 cubic feet of space, with foldable seatbacks for added cargo capacity. The driving position and controls were user-friendly, with traditional knobs for volume and tuning, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-organized, with a user-friendly layout of controls and features. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned at the top of the center stack, and the traditional gear selector lever and open cupholders added to the practicality. The Sentra offered ample storage options, including a big glove compartment and roomy door pockets. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long journeys, and the available Premium Package added features like power-adjustable seats and a moonroof. Overall, the Sentra's interior design and features made it a comfortable and functional choice for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra came with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi on the mid-level SV trim. The SV also included dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. However, features like ProPilot, navigation, and wireless charging were not available. The SV Premium Package offered LED headlights, while the SR trim added more advanced features. Despite the lack of some high-end options, the Sentra provided a solid set of tech features for its price.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a range of tech features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth audio across all trims. The SV and SR trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with an optional premium Bose system available on the SR. NissanConnect services provided navigation and remote access to vehicle functions, enhancing convenience. The Sentra also included a WiFi hotspot and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands. While some features were limited to higher trims, the Sentra's tech offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features, including rear side airbags, knee airbags, and a full suite of driver-assist technologies. These included forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and auto high beams. While crash test ratings were not available, the Sentra was expected to perform well in safety evaluations.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It came with an extensive array of safety features, including advanced airbag systems, crumple zones, and a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert. The Sentra also featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. The SR trim offered additional safety options like a 360-degree camera system, making the Sentra a safe and reliable choice.