by Aiden Eksteen
A majority of the most affordable cars sold in the US right now are new compact sedans, and while the 2021 Nissan Sentra may not be one of the top sellers, it's now in its eighth-generation guise and the best its ever been. Contemporary styling and a polished and dependable driving experience define the newest Sentra sedan. Powering the front wheels of the compact 4-door sedan is a sedate but competent 149-horsepower inline-4 unit that, along with a CVT, avails it with decent acceleration responses and fuel economy. With a starting price of $19,510, the 2021 Nissan Sentra sedan is a very appealing offer alongside the likes of the Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, and Volkswagen Jetta. Some may still be deterred by its rental car image, albeit significantly alleviated now, while others may prefer a vehicle with a little more flair, both in terms of looks and performance. But if it's a comfortable and dependable family runabout you're looking for, the 2021 Sentra easily makes the cut.
Just one year after its launch, Nissan is already improving the Sentra. The changes to the new model include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the entire range. The body has also been dropped by two inches. Nissan says this gives it a more assertive stance compared to the 2020 model. More optional extras can be added to the SR trim. These include NissanConnect Services with a Wi-Fi hotspot and a new two-tone paint combo made up of Electric Blue Metallic with a black roof.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
S |
2.0L Inline-4 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$19,510 |
SV |
2.0L Inline-4 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$20,570 |
SR |
2.0L Inline-4 Gas
|
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
|
Front-Wheel Drive
|
$21,850 |
Nissan went all in with the latest generation of the Sentra sedan, bestowing it with a modern aesthetic, new underpinnings, and many more creature comforts and conveniences. This, along with better-quality materials has helped it break away from the image of a typical rental car that no one would actually want to own. It is far more interesting to look at and its ride has been impressively refined to deliver a truly comfortable driving experience. Every model is put forward with a good selection of inclusive features and Nissan's comprehensive Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assists and safety systems. Alongside these superb improvements, there is also loads of room inside the comfortable cabin. The NHTSA and IIHS review of the 2021 Nissan Sentra returned excellent safety rating scores, and consumer reports show promising reliability expectations. All of this combined to make it an ideal family runabout and one of the top contenders in the segment.
Performance remains the same throughout the Sentra line with just one powertrain offered, so your choice solely comes down to which cosmetics and features you'd like. The entry-spec Sentra S is a good option for anyone that's on a tight budget and looking for a competent family sedan. It comes with good comforts and conveniences, including a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Nissan's Safety Shield 360 suite of driver assists and safety systems is also standard. The mid-spec Sentra SV is a bit more expensive but offers a whole lot of value. It comes with LED headlights, a larger eight-inch touchscreen, an upgraded six-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control and premium upholstery with orange stitching.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Nissan Sentra: