2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Honda Civic

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 cabin with a well-positioned 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, enhancing both style and comfort. The rear seats were roomy, though best suited for two passengers, and the trunk provided ample cargo space with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic adopted a more conservative and mature design, reminiscent of the larger Accord. The interior focused on simplicity, with a minimalistic layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The dashboard featured a metal honeycomb mesh to hide air vents, adding a touch of elegance. The Civic's redesign aimed to enhance comfort and support, with the Touring trim offering leather-lined seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Despite its low stance, the Civic provided generous rear legroom and a spacious trunk, though the Touring's premium sound system slightly reduced cargo capacity.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with 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 city driving, with fuel consumption rates of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for the S and SV models. The suspension and steering provided a balanced and enjoyable driving experience, making the Sentra a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder with 158 horsepower for the LX, EX, and Sport trims, and a turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder with 180 horsepower for the Touring trim. Both engines were paired with CVTs, featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional driving feel. The Civic's Sport and Touring trims included a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness. With improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning, the Civic delivered a fun and engaging driving experience, though its fuel efficiency fell slightly short of expectations during testing.

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, though the lack of a covered compartment for device connections was a minor drawback. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long journeys, and heated front seats were standard. The SR Premium trim offered additional features like a power-adjustable driver's seat and a moonroof, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support. The Touring trim featured leather upholstery and a power-adjustable driver's seat, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging for some, but the rear seat offered ample legroom. The redesigned centre console provided accessible cupholders, though it sacrificed some storage space. The trunk remained spacious, with a split-folding backseat for added utility.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, upgraded to an 8-inch display in the SV and SR trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, though navigation was not available. The SR Premium trim offered a premium Bose audio system, enhancing the in-car entertainment experience.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display. The Vehicle Activity display provided valuable information about the car's lighting status. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim upgraded to a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a premium Bose audio system. The system's voice recognition technology was notably improved, offering a seamless user experience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including advanced airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured an upgraded Honda Sensing suite, with improved adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sensors enhanced the system's performance. The Civic also introduced a proper blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert, replacing the previous LaneWatch system. The car's architecture was strengthened for better collision protection, and new airbag designs improved safety.