5/10
C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
Chris Doane Automotive
|Car and Driver
5/10 C/D RATING
Specs
Photos
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- Highs Zippy available turbocharged engine, plenty of interior space, generous cargo room.
- Lows Slow and unrefined base engine, minimal driver engagement, bargain-basem*nt interior quality.
- Verdict The 2018 Nissan Sentra offers practical, reliable transportation at a budget price, but it lacks the character of most rivals.
Overview
The Nissan Sentra is a comfortable and cheap ride that goes about its business without any fuss, and its reputation as a reliable and sensible choice helps it sell in big numbers. But better alternatives with more personality—such as the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3—are available. The Sentra's lower trims offer little more than the basics, while the SR Turbo and NISMO variants bring modern features and decent performance thanks to their more powerful turbocharged engine.
What's New for 2018?
Only minor changes hit the Sentra in 2018. A 5.0-inch color screen with a backup camera and automated emergency braking are now standard on all trims. Adaptive cruise control becomes standard on SR and SL models, while dual-zone climate control is standard on SV models and higher. Sixteen-inch wheels are new for SV grades, while SL trims adopt the Premium Tech package for no extra cost. Finally, top-performing NISMO Sentras now come with the NISMO Tech package.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- S: $17,885
- SV: $19,980
- SR: $21,395
- SL: $24,335
- NISMO: $26,685
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
It says something that a car wearing an Eco badge—the Hyundai Elantra—is quicker than the base Sentra. The Nissan's 130-hp 1.8-liter is slow, and it barks in protest when it’s pushed. The six-speed manual transmission adds a modicum of spice to an otherwise mind-numbing experience, and the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) attempts to mimic the shifting feel of a conventional automatic by using simulated fixed ratios. The turbocharged engine, with 188 hp on tap, provides significant improvement in off-the-line speed, response times, and fun, but the models powered by it are too expensive to justify. The Sentra's tall body tips and rolls in curves, and its steering is devoid of feeling. Although the SR Turbo and NISMO models have firmer suspensions that make the car feel somewhat responsive, the base car has a wafty demeanor that fails to forge the all-important driver-car connection.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Interior space is possibly the Sentra's strongest feature. There's a good amount of headroom and legroom for both front- and rear-seat occupants. But cheap materials spoil the picture. The dash and steering wheel are made of a squishy rubber, and there are small patches of padding for arm cushions, but the rest is a symphony of hard, hollow plastic, designed for the 2000s. Not even the NISMO model, which weakly attempts to spruce up the cabin with random bits of faux carbon-fiber and red accents, can make this an upscale experience. With 15 cubic feet of trunk space, the Sentra is excellent for storage, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat expands cargo capacity.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Sentra's base infotainment system has a 5.0-inch display with standard Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity, and voice recognition software. Higher trims come with the NissanConnect package that includes such features as a 5.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, eight-speaker Bose audio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system responds promptly to commands, but accomplishing tasks such as connecting to Bluetooth forces deep dives into the menus and multiple clicks. These days, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are essential, and their lack is felt here, especially when nearly every other Nissan offers them.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
View Crash Test Results
For more information about the Nissan Sentra’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
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