2020 Nissan Sentra Review
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2020 Nissan Sentra Review
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
- Comfortable ride
- Improved cabin materials and design
- Lots of standard safety and technology features
Cons
- Slow acceleration
- Dated infotainment graphics
- Mediocre emergency braking performance
What's new
- Redesigned for 2020
- New base engine with more power
- Sleeker exterior design and more refined interior
- More standard advanced driver safety aids
- Part of the eighth Sentra generation introduced for 2020
Overview
In recent years, the Nissan Sentra staked its claim as a budget-friendly alternative in the small sedan class. It didn't have the best build quality or ride comfort, but in return it cost less than rivals such as the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3. Well, for 2020, the Nissan Sentra nearly flips the script.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Nissan Sentra SV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.35 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$125/mo
Sentra SV
vs
$171/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
This redesigned Sentra has a much nicer interior, so it doesn't seem so much like a rental-fleet vehicle. It also rides a lot smoother over bumps and has a sleeker and more distinctive exterior look. The new Sentra is a little more expensive than before, but overall it's a good value. Desirability has shot up dramatically.
We also credit Nissan for making its suite of advanced driver safety aids — called Safety Shield 360 — standard equipment on the Sentra. It includes advanced driver assistance systems that can help mitigate accidents, such as forward and rear collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
Edmunds Expert Rating
average
7.3/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The newest Sentra delivers on the most important aspects for a small sedan. It's stylish, comfortable and well stocked with features. Its performance is unremarkable, but otherwise the Sentra is a pretty solid choice, especially if safety and value are top priorities for you.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Which Sentra does Edmunds recommend?
The bargain-priced S is loaded with safety and tech features, but we think most buyers would be better served by the SV. It adds quality-of-life upgrades that include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, adaptive cruise control and more. It's a supremely good buy when you consider all these additions cost less than $1,200.
2020 Nissan Sentra models
The Nissan Sentra is a small sedan offered in three trims with a short list of option packages. The base S model is relatively lightly equipped but comes with numerous advanced driver aids. The SV is only a little more expensive but adds a wealth of upgrades. The SR is the reasonably priced range-topping model with a few sport-themed touches.
