Nissan Sentra
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Sentra

2019 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: The 2019 Nissan Sentra now has standard NissanConnect telematics and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality. 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. The SR Turbo and NISMO models have a turbocharged 188-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. SR Turbo has uprated brakes and sport suspension, while NISMO adds performance suspension and unique exterior trim. Available safety features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control, power driver’s seat, and Siri Eyes Free capability 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 base Sentras are slow, don’t handle exceptionally well, and are extremely noisy. (The exceptions are SR Turbo and NISMO that are quicker with better handling than mainstream Sentras.) 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: $18,685
SV: $19,985
SR: $21,485
SL: $23,915
SR Turbo: $23,465
NISMO: $26,735

Base Engine
1.8-liter 4-cylinder (S, SV, SR, SL)
Horsepower
124 (130 with manual transmission)
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
CVT
EPA City Range (mpg)
27-29
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
35-37

Optional Engine
turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (SR Turbo, NISMO)
Horsepower
188
Std. Transmission
6-speed manual
Avail. Transmission
CVT
EPA City Range (mpg)
25-27
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
30-33

Nissan Sentra NISMO
2019 Nissan Sentra NISMO
Nissan Sentra SR Turbo
2019 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - 4
80%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - 4
80%
Side Crash - 5
100%
Rollover - 4
80%

For complete ratings click here.

Share this: