2017 Nissan Sentra | Consumer Guide Auto

2017 Nissan Sentra

Pros: Competitive pricing; absorbent ride; rear seat and trunk space rank among the best in the class; good fuel economy; simple control layout

Cons: Subpar acceleration on non-sport models; one of the noisiest cars in the compact class; non-sport models have lackluster handling, with noticeable body lean in turns and limited cornering grip

CG Says: For 2017, Nissan Sentra gains two new sport models. The SR Turbo model has a turbocharged 188-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, uprated brakes, and sport suspension. NISMO uses the same engine as SR Turbo and adds performance suspension and unique exterior trim. All Sentras get larger center-console storage and thicker glass for better sound insulation. Sentra is a compact sedan. The standard engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 124 horsepower when paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or 130 hp with a six-speed manual transmission. Available safety features include forward-collision emergency braking, blind-spot alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control, power driver’s seat, Siri Eyes Free capability, and NissanConnect telematics are also available. Sentra’s combination of a spacious trunk and back seat, excellent EPA fuel-economy ratings, and high features-per-dollar quotient look very appealing, at least on paper. In practice, the car is slow, doesn’t handle exceptionally well, and is extremely noisy. Sentra’s features that do stand out are more than overshadowed by its dynamic shortcomings. Given the fact that most rivals have similar strengths without such glaring weaknesses, this is a tough car to recommend.

The Facts

Class	Compact Car
Body Style(s)	4-door sedan
Passenger Count	5
Drive Wheels	front-wheel drive
Manufacturer	Nissan
Nation of Manufacture	Mexico
Base Prices	S: $16,990 SV: $18,790 SR: $19,990 SR Turbo: $21,990 SL: $22,500 NISMO: $24,990