2020 Nissan Sentra

Pros: Easy-to-use controls; broad range of available features; competitive pricing; pleasant ride and handling balance

Cons: Engine noise when accelerating

CG Says: The Nissan Sentra is redesigned for 2020, gaining crisp new styling, new technology features, and a more powerful engine. The new 149-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder puts out 149 horsepower (25 more than the previous 1.8-liter engine) and is paired exclusively with a CVT automatic transmission. The previously available manual transmission has been dropped, as has the higher-output turbo 1.6-liter engine. The Sentra is the larger of Nissan’s two compact sedans; it’s 5.7 inches longer than its Nissan Versa sibling, which is also redesigned for 2020. Standard on all 2020 Sentras is Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of features, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Other available features include adaptive cruise control, rear door alert, driver attention monitor, heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and a 360-degree camera display. The redesigned 2020 Nissan Sentra makes great strides over its predecessor on most every front; it moves from an also-ran in the compact-car class to a compelling choice that’s worth putting on your shopping list.