Nissan Sentra 2024 Review
Nissan Sentra 2024: The Nissan Sentra: Stimulating the Mind, Not the Soul
The Nissan Sentra stands out as one of the most affordable new cars on the market today. Equipped with a suite of driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking and rear-cross-traffic alert, it offers solid value. However, its buzzing powertrain and lackluster driving dynamics might put you to sleep rather than thrill you.
Every Sentra is front-wheel drive and comes with a 149-hp four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). In this segment, the only compact cars offering all-wheel drive are the Mazda 3 and Toyota Prius. Still, the Sentra boasts an attractive design, comfortable front seats, practical trunk space, and impressive highway fuel economy. Although it’s not as engaging to drive as the Honda Civic, it’s definitely easier on the wallet.
Nissan Sentra 2024: What’s New for 2024?
For the 2024 model year, Nissan has refreshed the Sentra with a new look. This update includes redesigned headlights and taillights, a more refined bumper design, and new 16- and 18-inch wheel options. The addition of the Xtronic CVT is said to enhance fuel economy and provide a smoother driving experience. Engine start-stop functionality is also new for the 2024 Sentra. While the interior remains largely unchanged, it now features Nissan’s updated logo on the steering wheel.
Nissan Sentra 2024: Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2024 Nissan Sentra starts at $22,320 and can go up to $25,410 depending on the trim and options. The base Sentra S comes with a good array of standard features. Moving up to the mid-level SV trim offers additional technology like adaptive cruise control and dual-zone automatic climate control, with minimal price increase. For added luxury, consider the SV Premium package, which includes heated front seats, quilted leather upholstery, a leather shift knob, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a sunroof.
Nissan Sentra 2024: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All Sentra models are powered by a 149-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While the CVT mimics traditional gear changes, the Sentra we tested was noisy and sluggish, particularly during highway passing maneuvers. The driving experience lacks excitement, with steering that is heavy and predictable but not as communicative as competitors like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. The Sentra features an independent rear suspension and wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches. The version we drove, equipped with the largest wheels, provided a firm ride and excessive road noise. Nonetheless, the Sentra remains comfortable and compliant for daily commutes and weekend trips. We were particularly impressed with its braking system, offering a reassuring pedal feel and strong stopping power from 70 mph, coming to a stop in a competitive 170 feet.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA has not yet estimated the fuel economy for the 2024 Sentra, but its modest powertrain updates are expected to improve on last year’s figures. The 2023 Sentra achieved up to 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, with the sporty SR trim dropping to 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The Sentra remains as efficient as some competitors with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT, though the Toyota Corolla leads with 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. During our testing, the Sentra SR matched its government highway rating of 37 mpg on our 75-mph highway route. However, the Corolla XSE sedan achieved an even more frugal 41 mpg. For more details on the Sentra’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Nissan Sentra 2024: Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Sentra features one of the more attractive designs in its segment. The center of the dashboard is adorned with a trio of circular air vents above sturdy climate controls. The interior materials are a blend of soft and hard plastics, with the softer materials covering key surfaces and helping to mask the rest. Models with quilted leather upholstery look particularly upscale, although they contrast with the sporty, flat-bottom steering wheel. Nissan provides added comfort with its Zero Gravity front seats, which are spacious, plush, and supportive. Opting for the available sunroof reduces headroom, but otherwise, adults will find ample space in both the front and rear. The Sentra’s 14-cubic-foot trunk can accommodate seven carry-on suitcases—one more than the Toyota Corolla sedan.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Nissan Sentra features a centrally mounted touchscreen on every model’s dashboard, complemented by physical volume and tuning knobs. The base model comes with a 7.0-inch display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For those opting for the SV and SR trims, there’s an available 8.0-inch screen, which enhances connectivity with front and rear USB ports. This larger display supports additional features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Sentra is equipped with a comprehensive array of standard driver-assistance technologies. Most trims, except for the base model, also offer adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. For details on the Sentra’s crash-test performance, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard rear automated emergency braking
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Nissan provides a competitive, though not exceptional, limited and powertrain warranty. In comparison, compact rivals from Kia and Hyundai offer more extensive coverage, while Toyota and Volkswagen include complimentary maintenance.
- Limited Warranty: Covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain Warranty: Covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Scheduled Maintenance: No complimentary scheduled maintenance
