2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented a bold and athletic exterior, a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative designs. The V-Motion grille and expressive headlights gave it a serious look, while the availability of vibrant paint colours and two-tone schemes added flair. Inside, the Sentra offered a spacious and well-organized cabin, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims. The flat-bottomed steering wheel and roomy second row enhanced comfort, although the centre seat was less accommodating. The trunk provided 404 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for added versatility.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the dwindling hatchback market with its redesigned model, produced in North America. It shared design elements with the Civic sedan but featured unique styling from the rear doors back. The Civic hatchback offered a modern interior with digital instrumentation and a sophisticated infotainment system, especially in the Sport Touring trim. The cabin was comfortable, though some passengers noted the lack of rear air vents and limited front passenger seat adjustments. The trunk boasted 693 litres of space, with a two-piece cargo shade for convenience, and the rear seats folded 60/40 for additional cargo capacity.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT, with manual transmission options available in Canada. The Sentra's lightweight design contributed to its adequate performance for daily driving, with fuel consumption ratings of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for most models. The suspension and steering provided a balanced driving experience, with SV and SR trims offering enhanced braking systems.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice of engines, with the Sport trim featuring a 2.0-litre engine delivering 158 horsepower. The Sport and Sport Touring trims boasted a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, providing a more spirited drive. The Civic hatchback was front-wheel drive, with a CVT or six-speed manual transmission available. The CVT worked well with the turbo engine, while the manual transmission offered a more engaging experience. The Civic's suspension and steering delivered a satisfying ride, though it was more suited for daily driving than aggressive cornering.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was thoughtfully designed, with well-placed features and traditional controls. It included multiple USB ports and a 12-volt outlet, with ample storage options like large door pockets and a spacious glove compartment. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long journeys, with heated seats standard and power adjustments available on higher trims. The Sentra's interior was practical and user-friendly, making it a comfortable choice for everyday use.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a generous trunk capacity of 693 litres and a two-piece cargo shade. The rear seats folded 60/40, though the load floor wasn't flat. The cabin offered comfortable seating, with the driver enjoying the best seat thanks to power adjustments. Heated front seats were standard, with heated rear seats in the Sport Touring trim. The Civic's interior featured a mix of materials, with automatic climate control and a dual-zone system in higher trims, providing a comfortable environment for all occupants.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came equipped with a range of audio options, starting with a basic four-speaker system and upgrading to a premium Bose system in the SR Premium trim. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. While navigation wasn't available, smartphone integration allowed for easy access to navigation apps.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a new infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 9-inch display on the Sport Touring trim. The top-tier system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs for sound controls improved usability, and the voice recognition system performed well. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a more comprehensive display in the Sport Touring trim.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. This included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback was equipped with the Honda Sensing suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, though these were only available with the CVT. The Civic also had standard automatic high-beam headlights and advanced airbags. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety performance.