2019 Nissan Sentra NISMO Review

The NISMO brand has its roots firmly planted in the motorsports industry, going back over 30 years, and serves as a synecdoche for the elite of track performance. This heritage runs alongside a 50-year legacy of compact Nissan performance sedans. Now the two bloodlines come together and give birth to the Nissan Sentra NISMO. Yet, even with such a prestigious parentage, the latest NISMO offering proves that you can't achieve excellence without innovation. The sedan performs adequately, but even with 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque under the hood, it doesn't do its forebears proud, with rivals like even the standard Hyundai Elantra blowing it out of the water. It's a big disappointment for Sentra fans who are looking for a sporty compact sedan to enjoy around town, especially when you consider its more substantial $25,940 price tag compared to the affordable Sentra range.

What's the Price of the 2019 Nissan Sentra NISMO?

The Sentra NISMO has a starting MSRP of $25,940. This doesn't vary too much since the NISMO offers no package options and only a few standalone add-ons. This price excludes tax, licensing, registration, and Nissan's $895 destination charge.

Handling and Driving Impressions

The handling on the NISMO is as uninspiring as its powertrain. Still, the sport-tuned upgrades to the sedan's chassis and steering are noticeable during regular driving, making the car feel responsive in town. But when you test its limits, the NISMO's weaknesses become glaringly obvious. Steering is inaccurate and tells you very little about what is going on with the wheels, which are somewhat lacking in grip, even with all-season sport tires equipped.

While the steering might not communicate well, the chassis certainly does, even if it does so in all the wrong ways. The stiff suspension means you will feel even minor imperfections on the road, and the larger NISMO-specific wheels create an alarming amount of noise. This makes it impossible to draw any real joy from an already subpar driving experience. At least the NISMO front seats offer the support you'll be needing if you try to make the sedan act as sporty as it claims to be.

On the plus side, the larger brakes on the NISMO are quite impressive, stopping the vehicle from 60 mph in just over 110 ft. But it's a bit sad that the best aspect of a so-called performance car is how quickly you can bring it to a halt. The poor ride quality and only average driveability of this compact sedan make it impossible for Nissan to compete with Hyundai, Honda, or even Toyota for sheer excitement.

Verdict: Is the 2019 Nissan Sentra NISMO A Good car?

Take this as you will, but the Nissan Sentra NISMO is a better car than the base model Sentra. It offers improved all-round performance, a unique interior, and sports-oriented body detailing that does more than just alter its appearance. It handles well on the road, but it lacks the personality to really be considered a performance vehicle. With only front-wheel-drive and a somewhat unrefined powertrain, the NISMO won't thrill performance-oriented drivers, but it will make your mundane daily commute a little more enjoyable.

However, these extra performance upgrades don't require you to make any sacrifices to the Sentra's level-headed utility. Trunk space is excellent, and the price tag is appealing. Sadly, the infotainment is a little dated, and comfort won't last for extended drives. The interior also feels cheap, despite the NISMO branding.

It's not a terrible car; but, there are many, much better options out there even when looking for a sportier everyday sedan. It may be a step up from the base Sentra, but is it really worthy of the NISMO badge? We honestly can't say that it is.

What Nissan Sentra NISMO Model Should I Buy?

Since there is only one trim level available to the NISMO, there is no choice to be had here. The accessory options are limited and mostly cosmetic, so going above the base model and price is unnecessary. This means that you get the most value for money by simply sticking with the factory-issue NISMO.

2019 Nissan Sentra NISMO Comparisons

2019 Nissan Sentra NISMO vs Toyota Corolla Sedan

The Toyota Corolla XSE is the closest thing to a competitor for the NISMO, adding sports-inspired body features and a manual transmission. However, these changes are even more skin-deep than those made to the NISMO. The Toyota's 1.8-liter four-cylinder produces a significantly lower 132 hp and 128 lb-ft, but neither vehicle offers performance that really warrants the description of sporty, nor have they made many improvements since they were first introduced. The Corolla offers a more spacious interior, but the Sentra has better cargo capacity. The infotainment systems on each sedan are dated. With similar price tags, it ultimately comes down to brand loyalty on this one since both cars are equally unsophisticated.

2019 Nissan Sentra NISMO vs Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra Sport is Hyundai's answer to the Nissan NISMO, sporting a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers an admirable 201 hp and 195 lb-ft. The Elantra seems to incorporate its sports-focused improvements more organically than the NISMO, with a more refined powertrain and better handling characteristics. The interior is also a significant step up from the Sentra, with better build-quality and leather-appointed seats. Unfortunately, the Elantra does lose some personality thanks to this refinement, whereas the NISMO tries to maintain its focus on looking sporty. Overall, the Hyundai Elantra is a punchier performer and has a more appealing interior. And with a slightly lower price tag, it is easily the better choice for those seeking an everyday car that can add a little bit of excitement to their daily drive.