2020 Nissan Sentra: Specs, Prices, Ratings, and Reviews (2024)

Nissan equips every Sentra with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Nissan's latest generation of Xtronic continuously variable transmission helps keep the engine spinning around its sweet spot whether accelerating or simply cruising along. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive isn't available.

The Sentra earns an EPA-estimated 29 miles per gallon city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 combined. SR models only get 28/37/32 mpg (city/highway/combined).

The new Sentra seats five passengers and is wider (71.5 inches) and lower (56.9 inches) than before. Its 106.8-inch wheelbase affords 44 inches of front and 34.7 inches of rear leg room. The trunk offers 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

All Sentra trims include more than just the basic list of driver-assist technologies. Front and rear automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and a driver alertness monitor are on the impressive list of standard features.

Adaptive cruise control is included in the SV and SR trims.

The base trim makes do with a 7-inch touchscreen, four audio speakers, Bluetooth, and a USB port. The SV and SR upgrade to an 8-inch display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The S only gets one USB port, while the higher two trims get three.

Stepping up in the trim hierarchy, the SV includes 16-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, premium cloth seating, remote start, and a 7-inch driver information display. That’s a lot of added equipment for a minimal increase in price.

For even more creature comforts, the Premium Package is available for $2,460. It bundles heated front seats, leather seating, a power moonroof, a six-way power driver's seat, 17-inch wheels, and LED headlights. Again, the significance of the included features for the cost is impressive.

The SR dons a sportier look with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, LED fog lights, a dark chrome grille, black side mirrors, and a rear spoiler. The interior gets a splash of sport with orange stitching on the cloth seats and a leather-wrapped gear shift lever.

Even a black contrasting roof can be had for $595. The SR Premium Package ($2,170) matches that offered on the SV and further includes an eight-speaker Bose audio system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leatherette seating with orange stitching, a heated steering wheel, and a surround-view camera system

On the inside, the Sentra continues to expand well past the model’s economy car history. The compact sedan adopts a look that feels more high end with switchgear and gauges that put the driver first. The sweeping dashboard is a handsome touch, as are the circular vents and uncluttered controls for the HVAC system. Available quilted leather upholstery also raises the bar.

Loads of tech and safety features. The Sentra’s taken a major step up when it comes to tech features. Even the base trim now comes packed with a lot of the latest goodies. A 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, a 4.2-inch screen in the instrument cluster, and one USB port are standard.

A variety of driver-assist safety features are standard, as well. These include forward collision warning, front and rear automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor.

Drivers willing to climb up the Sentra’ ladder will find even more tech features. Our favorites include the 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Bose audio system, two more USB ports, and adaptive cruise control. For a compact vehicle, these are high-tech features.

Leaving budget cars in the past. Previously, the Sentra felt like a budget car on the inside. Lackluster materials, uncomfortable seats, and hard plastics made it feel uncomfortable and low rent. That’s not the case with the 2020 model.

Even the base Sentra feels above its budget-car price with comfortable cloth bucket seats, spacious seating for all passengers, and good sight lines. Better materials are found throughout the cabin, while high-quality trim and contrast stitching help it feel more upscale.

More power, decent fuel economy. Another change for the 2020 model year is the addition of a new engine. Power now comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 149 horsepower paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

While the engine isn’t the most powerful motor in the class, it has plenty of grunt for daily use. Our gripes lie with the CVT. The transmission is slow to respond, especially if you slam the throttle in an attempt to merge or pass.

Despite coming with a more powerful engine than last year, the Sentra is more fuel efficient. The EPA rates it at 29 miles per gallon city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 combined. While better than before, this still puts it behind options like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra.

Final thoughts. In every way imaginable, the 2020 Nissan Sentra is a better car than before. It has more tech features, standard safety features, style, and upgraded materials that help it stand out in its class.

Our main issues with the Sentra have to do with performance. The car, mainly because of its CVT, feels sluggish around the city and on the highway. It also has a stiff ride compared to other compact cars.

If you’re looking for a really upscale compact car, we recommend taking a look at the Mazda Mazda3. It’s one of the few compact cars that’s available with all-wheel drive and has a much more upscale design than the Sentra. It also comes with a more powerful engine. The Civic is another one of our favorite compact vehicles. It’s available in multiple body styles, offers punchy engines, and is a great value option.

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