2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, having entered its eighth generation, showcased a bold and athletic exterior, a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative designs. The V-Motion grille, expressive headlights, and a choice of vibrant paint colours, including two-tone options, gave it a modern and dynamic appearance. The interior was spacious, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims, offering a comfortable and user-friendly experience. The Sentra's second row was roomy, though best suited for two passengers, and the trunk provided a generous 404 litres of cargo space.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra carried over the redesign from 2020, maintaining its sleek, coupe-like exterior reminiscent of a downsized Altima. The interior was praised for its modern yet simple layout, with easy-to-use controls and a touchscreen that served as the visual centrepiece. The Sentra offered trims with varying features, from the base S with essential amenities to the SR with sportier elements and special editions like the Midnight Edition. The 2022 model continued to impress with its spacious seating and practical storage solutions, making it a strong contender in the compact sedan segment.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, providing adequate performance for daily commuting. The Sentra's lightweight design, with curb weights ranging from 1,349 to 1,411 kilograms, contributed to its nimble handling. Fuel efficiency was a highlight, with consumption figures of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for S and SV models, and slightly higher for the SR. The Sentra's suspension and steering offered tidy road manners, making it a practical choice for urban driving.

The 2022 Sentra retained the same engine and power specs, with the option of a six-speed manual transmission in Canada. The CVT managed power well, providing consistent performance in both city and highway settings. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension handled most road conditions comfortably. While not a standout in terms of performance, the 2022 model offered a balanced driving experience suitable for commuting and occasional road trips.

The 2021 Sentra's interior was thoughtfully designed, with well-placed features and traditional controls. It offered ample storage, including a large glove compartment and roomy door pockets. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort on long rides, and heated front seats were standard. The SR Premium grade added luxury touches like Prima-Tex seating and a power-sliding glass moonroof.

The 2022 Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench for added versatility. The interior offered spacious seating, with comfortable front seats and decent rear legroom. The centre console featured ample cupholders and trays, enhancing practicality for everyday use.

The 2021 Sentra came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, upgraded to 8 inches on higher trims, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The audio system varied from a basic four-speaker setup to a premium Bose system on the SR Premium. While navigation was not available, smartphone integration allowed for easy access to navigation apps.

In 2022, the Sentra continued with a 7-inch touchscreen as standard, with an 8-inch option on SV and SR trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with conventional hard buttons and dials. However, the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback compared to competitors like the Honda Civic.

The 2021 Sentra boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360 with driver assistance technologies. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2022 Sentra also offered a robust set of standard safety features, with additional options like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. It earned top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, though headlight ratings were lower.