2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Subaru WRX, a performance-oriented offshoot of the Subaru Impreza, was known for its aggressive styling and sporty features. With a wider stance, lower front splitter, and a functional air intake, the WRX stood out as a bold and dynamic vehicle. Despite its sporty exterior, the non-STI version maintained a somewhat understated appearance, surprising those unfamiliar with its performance capabilities. The interior, while functional, was considered somewhat plain for a modern car, but it offered a straightforward layout with easy-to-use controls.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Sentra presented a more athletic and modern exterior, characterized by crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. The Sentra's design was further enhanced by expressive headlights and a selection of vibrant paint colours, including two-tone options for the SR trim. Inside, the Sentra boasted a spacious and well-organized cabin, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen in higher trims. The interior materials and design were a significant improvement over previous generations, offering a comfortable and practical driving experience.

The 2020 Subaru WRX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre boxer-four engine, delivering 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It featured symmetrical all-wheel drive and a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional CVT available. The manual transmission provided a precise and engaging driving experience, while the CVT offered multiple drive modes and paddle shifters for a more versatile performance. The WRX excelled in handling, with minimal turbo lag and precise steering, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The WRX STI variant took performance to the next level with a 2.5-litre engine producing 310 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for enhanced cornering capabilities.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It came with front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT, with a six-speed manual transmission available in Canada for certain trims. While not as powerful as the WRX, the Sentra's lightweight design and well-tuned CVT provided adequate performance for daily commuting. The Sentra's fuel efficiency was commendable, with consumption figures of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for the S and SV models. The Sentra's suspension and steering offered tidy road manners and a comfortable ride, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered excellent visibility, thanks to its simple sedan layout and large windshield. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. Front-row seating was spacious, with adequate head- and legroom, while the rear seats provided enough space for adults on shorter trips. However, the WRX's 340 litres of cargo space was limited compared to other compact sedans, though it was comparable to other performance-oriented vehicles.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra impressed with its well-organized interior, featuring a user-friendly infotainment touchscreen and neatly grouped controls. The cabin offered ample storage options, including big door pockets and a large glove compartment. The Sentra's Zero Gravity front seats provided exceptional comfort for long drives, and heated front seats were standard. The SR Premium trim added a power-adjustable driver's seat and a power-sliding glass moonroof. The Sentra's trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40 split rear seat for added versatility.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgradeable to a 7-inch version. The Starlink system was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information in multiple locations.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a 7-inch touchscreen in the base S model, with an 8-inch version in the SV and SR trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims also included SiriusXM satellite radio, with a premium Bose audio system available in the SR Premium. While navigation was not available, smartphone integration allowed for easy access to navigation apps.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The optional EyeSight suite added features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The WRX earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious drivers.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra boasted an extensive array of standard safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. This suite included intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning, among others. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.