2020 Nissan Sentra Review
2020 Nissan Sentra Review
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2020 Nissan Sentra Review
byCameron Rogers
Senior News Editor
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.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
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.
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
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.
7.3 /10
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.
Performance
6.5/10
How does the Sentra drive? Acceleration is not bad off the line, but the Sentra loses vigor as you gain speed. We measured a 0-60 mph time of 8.8 seconds. That's a little below average for the small sedan class but similar to other slowish cars such as the Kia Forte and Toyota Corolla. In routine driving, the Sentra's continuously variable automatic transmission is smooth and unobtrusive. But it doesn't provide much engine braking effect when you lift off the gas, so you might find yourself needing to use a little more of the brakes than you might expect when slowing down.
The brake pedal is smooth and easy to control in casual use. Emergency braking performance, however, is subpar. Our test Sentra needed 131 feet to stop from 60 mph. For context, the segment average is about 123 feet. Steering and handling are unremarkable but should suffice for the average owner for everyday use.
The brake pedal is smooth and easy to control in casual use. Emergency braking performance, however, is subpar. Our test Sentra needed 131 feet to stop from 60 mph. For context, the segment average is about 123 feet. Steering and handling are unremarkable but should suffice for the average owner for everyday use.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Sentra? Comfort is one of the Sentra's stronger attributes. The ride is very composed and easily smooths out road imperfections. This softness, though, can make the Sentra feel floaty at higher speeds. Road noise is ever present but never intrusive, and nothing the stereo can't easily cover.
The front seats have decent cushioning and support. The best seats in the house are shockingly found in the rear. They're plush, comfortable and accommodating for two average-size adults. The climate control system is not particularly powerful, but air flow coverage from the vents is good. Our test car did not have rear air vents, but that's typical for this class.
The front seats have decent cushioning and support. The best seats in the house are shockingly found in the rear. They're plush, comfortable and accommodating for two average-size adults. The climate control system is not particularly powerful, but air flow coverage from the vents is good. Our test car did not have rear air vents, but that's typical for this class.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The controls are easily accessible for both driver and passenger and are simple to understand whether tuning the radio or adjusting the climate control. The large 8-inch touchscreen infotainment is equally easy to read and use.
There's plenty of interior room for front occupants. Rear-seat legroom is among the most generous in the segment. Most drivers will find it easy to settle into a comfortable driving position thanks to the decent range of adjustments that come from the seat and steering wheel. Visibility is quite good toward the front and sides, but over-the-shoulder and rear visibility is impeded by the thick rear roof pillars and sloped rear window.
There's plenty of interior room for front occupants. Rear-seat legroom is among the most generous in the segment. Most drivers will find it easy to settle into a comfortable driving position thanks to the decent range of adjustments that come from the seat and steering wheel. Visibility is quite good toward the front and sides, but over-the-shoulder and rear visibility is impeded by the thick rear roof pillars and sloped rear window.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The Sentra comes with many standard safety features and driver aids. Adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking camera system are still options, but overall Nissan's standard safety suite is pretty generous. We did, however, experience some glitches with the backup camera and one false alarm with the forward collision system in our test car.
The infotainment system is a little slow to respond and the graphics look dated. There's a good number of device connection options, but you need to step up to the midlevel SV trim for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Nissan does not offer an onboard navigation system.
The infotainment system is a little slow to respond and the graphics look dated. There's a good number of device connection options, but you need to step up to the midlevel SV trim for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Nissan does not offer an onboard navigation system.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space is better than average for a small sedan. The 60/40-split rear seats fold down to help accommodate longer cargo items. But the only release is from the rear seat; there aren't any releases in the trunk. Also, the seats don't fold completely flat, which can make loading longer objects, like a flat-screen TV, more of a hassle.
There's sufficient interior storage for small items, cups and bottles, although others including the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta do this better. There's also a good amount of child seat space, but you might find the cushions make access a bit tight to car seat anchors.
There's sufficient interior storage for small items, cups and bottles, although others including the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta do this better. There's also a good amount of child seat space, but you might find the cushions make access a bit tight to car seat anchors.
Fuel Economy
6.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Sentra achieves an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined (29 city/39 highway), which is about average for a base engine in this class. We observed 28.7 mpg over three tank fills in our test vehicle, with a best fill of 32 mpg. That's slightly below what we expected given the EPA figures.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Sentra a good value? The redesigned Sentra offers compelling value. It comes well equipped with loads of standard tech and safety features and starts at a lower price than a lot of the class. It now has a more refined, spacious cabin with an interior design that looks to emulate Mazda and Honda. Touchpoints all feel pretty good, but our test car had some noticeable interior trim gaps.
Nissan gives you a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance. All are typical for a non-luxury automaker.
Nissan gives you a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and three years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance. All are typical for a non-luxury automaker.
Wildcard
7.0/10
The newest Sentra maintains its point-A-to-B sensibility, but it looks much better doing it than prior generations. It makes for a solid daily driver with its comfortable and relatively upscale interior. Its top rivals, however, manage to be similarly comfortable and practical while delivering a driving experience that's more fun and enjoyable.
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.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (149 horsepower, 146 lb-ft of torque) is standard across the board and drives the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The Sentra S kicks things off with features such as 16-inch steel wheels, push-button ignition, a 7-inch touchscreen and a four-speaker audio system. Standard safety features include a blind-spot monitor, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency front and rear braking.
Moving up to the SV adds alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, extra USB ports and a six-speaker audio system. You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
The SV is eligible for the SV Premium package, which adds 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, a power driver's seat, heated front seats and leather upholstery.
At the top of the model range is the sporty SR. It builds on the SV's content, adding 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and sporty exterior design flourishes. It also has a Premium package, which includes upgrades from the SV Premium, plus a heated steering wheel, a surround-view parking camera system, simulated leather upholstery and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.
Build Your Sentra®
- 3 Trims
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Nissan Sentra.
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
2020 Sentra, the best yet in its class
D.Winters,04/27/2020
SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I traded a late model honda civic, for the new sentra, i found after two months owning it, that it handles better is much quieter on the highway, has a much more updated saftey package that is standard on all trim levels A step ahead of my Civic.
5 out of 5 stars
Wonderful car.
Wonderful car.,07/31/2020
SV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Nice ride and quiet cabin. Beautiful dashboard and instrument cluster at night. Sound system is stunning and the wind noise in the highway at 80 mph. Is Barely noticeable. I love it!
4 out of 5 stars
Great car better than my 2011 Sentra.
M. Starks,06/28/2020
SV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
We picked ours up yesterday and put 140 miles on it. Has a lot of nice features for the money. Handles very well, better than I thought it would. The engine pulls along pretty good for 149 horsepower. The seats are comfortable but, you may be limited to fitting in them if you are a little wide do to the side bolsters. Everything is right at your finger tips but, the car can be a little … tough in spots to see out of. I would recommend getting one with the around view 360 for parking since you cannot tell where the front end is at. The car is low so you may damage it if you are not careful. The car is quiet and smooth to a point. The only drawback is like with most Nissan vehicles is the road noise from the tires on some highways. You would think they would add more sound deadning material in the floorboards. The trunk is bigger than expected also. The gas mileage is promising since it was already getting 34 miles to a gallon in all around driving. Since the car is not broken in yet I cannot use the cruise control. We will take it on a long trip this weekend to really test it. We are pleased with this Sentra it is a good car with a lot to like especially for the money if you can find one.
4 out of 5 stars
My Third Nissan Sentra
Ana,09/25/2020
S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
My first Sentra was 1997 base model. It was always parked outdoors, was very reliable with no breakdowns, and I put over 300K miles on it before the body started rusting away. I gave it to someone who actually fixed the body and his sister drove it for years afterwards before it finally gave out at a little under 450K miles. Unheard of even at that time. I went to Honda (different … models) for a while after that and wasn't thrilled with the declining quality of the brand. Decided to go back to Nissan in 2017 and leased a base model Nissan Sentra. The monthly leasing fee was less than my cable (internet, phone, tv) bill, and the car drove smoothly, but it was also lumbering with no pick-up. I looked at other brands before I brought that lease back and was interested in two of them, but when I told the salesman that he came back with such a great offer on a new, base model 2020 Sentra, that I would have been a fool to turn it down. Just a point I want to make. I do not care about all the new tech or bells and whistles in cars today. The Sentra lease I returned only had a little over 11K ml. in 3 years, which should give you an idea how little I now drive. My main concern is reliability and safety. Gas mileage is negligible because I live and work in a small town. The furthest I drive is when going to the dentist which is about 40ml. away, or the capital, which is about 60. Well, a day after picking up my car I had a dentist appointment, and this car drove very well on the highway. Very smooth on the roads with pretty good pick-up. I felt no drag as I did with the 2017 model. The TCS (tractor control system) gave me warnings when I drove over unstable surfaces, and the blind side alert lit up briefly when I was considering a pass into another lane and there was a car there. I find the rear-view camera very helpful for getting out of my single car garage. So far so good, and it meets my present needs. The design of the car is a little more streamlined and as a result more aerodynamic and not clunky like it was before. It has more things in it than I'll probably ever use. If there is one thing I have an issue with it is while using my phone for driving directions. In order for it to go through the radio speakers I have to switch to Bluetooth from the buttons on the steering wheel, which means in-between directions I can no longer listen to the radio as I did with my last Sentra. Maybe I just haven't figured it out yet, but even if it doesn't work the same way, I consider that a minor annoyance. All in all, while I'm not ecstatic, I am satisfied with this lease.
Safety
Our experts like the Sentra models:
- Intelligent Forward Collision Warning
- Sounds an alert if sensors detect an imminent front collision. Can also apply the brakes if the driver does not react quickly.
- Rear Automatic Braking
- Applies the brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the car.
- Intelligent Cruise Control
- Slows down or speeds up to maintain a set distance between the Sentra and the car in front.
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover5 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover9.9%
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More about the 2020 Nissan Sentra
Used 2020 Nissan Sentra Overview
The Used 2020 Nissan Sentra is offered in the following submodels: Sentra Sedan. Available styles include SV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Pre-owned Nissan Sentra models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 149 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2020 Nissan Sentra comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic. The Used 2020 Nissan Sentra comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2020 Nissan Sentra?
Price comparisons for Used 2020 Nissan Sentra trim styles:
- The Used 2020 Nissan Sentra SV is priced between $18,998 and$27,995 with odometer readings between 147 and58822 miles.
- The Used 2020 Nissan Sentra S is priced between $21,703 and$23,998 with odometer readings between 7546 and48976 miles.
- The Used 2020 Nissan Sentra SR is priced between $22,590 and$26,998 with odometer readings between 4395 and91942 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2020 Nissan Sentras are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Nissan Sentra for sale near. There are currently 66 used and CPO 2020 Sentras listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $18,998 and mileage as low as 147 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2020 Nissan Sentra.
Can't find a used 2020 Nissan Sentras you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Nissan Sentra for sale.
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Should I lease or buy a 2020 Nissan Sentra?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Nissan lease specials
Check out Nissan Sentra lease specials
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