Used 2019 Nissan Sentra

In the world of compact sedans, the 2019 Nissan Sentra offers a number of challenges to similarly priced rivals like the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze and VW Jetta. The Sentra has a sporty look and feel typical of Nissan sedans, and its feature-rich cabin is both roomy and handsome. There are a number of Sentra models from which to choose, including a turbocharged SR trim. Regardless of which model you choose, you’ll be getting a fuel-efficient sedan with a price ranging from the low $17,000s to about $26,000 for a nicely equipped Nismo model. For comparison, the Sentra offers more rear-seat legroom than a Mazda3, is on par with the Honda Civic, but can’t match the Toyota Corolla.

The Sentra’s ride is comfortable, and visibility is excellent. The interior is also pleasingly spacious. It’s a pleasant sedan in the city, but it’s not a car you would hesitate to road-trip either. Its interior is quiet on the highway, and its highway fuel economy is impressive. It’s easy to average over 35 mpg. Power is sufficient, but a drive in the mountains with a few on board will make you wish for more. With 188 horsepower speed comes easier for the Sentra SR Turbo and Sentra Nismo. These turbocharged models are quick and much more fun to drive. However, even in Nismo trim the Sentra’s handling is not the best in this class. The Sentra still uses an antiquated rear-suspension design that keeps it from turning corners as well as the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and VW Golf, which are more athletic. The Sentra’s steering does feel good, however, and its brakes provide plenty of strong stopping power.

The 2019 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a wide, comfortable and attractive interior, one of the largest in its class. According to the EPA, the Sentra’s interior qualifies it as a midsize car, although Nissan clearly classifies the Sentra as a compact. Front-seat comfort is excellent, with higher-trim models offering a power driver’s seat and heated front seats. The dash layout is simple but elegant, and upscale touches like soft-touch door armrests, piano-black accents and a 5-inch color touch screen add a premium feel. Thanks to the 60/40-split-folding rear seats, the Sentra’s 15.1-cubic-foot trunk can be easily expanded.

Unlike its little brother, the plain Nissan Versa sedan, the 2019 Sentra is well proportioned and attractive. Its design closely mimics the shape of Nissan’s larger Altima sedan with athletic curves and a subtle flare of its wheelwells. Although it’s more conservative than some other designs in the class, the Sentra’s sculpted flanks and dramatic headlights and grille treatment keep it from being boring, while the touches of bright trim around the greenhouse, grille and door handles give it an upscale presence. SL and SR trim levels feature LED low-beam headlights as well. Nissan’s wheel designs are also attractive, and the Sentra Nismo gets dark chrome, unique side sills, aggressive front and rear bumper covers and a red stripe.

ACTIVE UNDERSTEER CONTROL
Standard on all but the base S with the 6-speed manual, the Sentra’s Active Understeer Control lightly applies brake force to the inside front wheel during cornering. This action improves traction as well as the car’s ability to corner aggressively.

SAFETY SHIELD TECHNOLOGIES
Nissan’s dedication to safety is front and center with the Sentra. With the exception of the Nismo, all models equipped with an automatic transmission also come with Automatic Emergency Braking. Optional driver assists include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The most basic 2019 Nissan Sentra is the S, and it comes with a 6-speed manual, three driving modes — Eco, Normal and Sport — and standard air conditioning. It’s also equipped with Bluetooth phone and audio integration, a USB port, keyless entry and trunk release, electroluminescent gauges, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, auto headlights, and an audio system with four speakers. For extra cargo space, the rear seatbacks fold in a 60/40 split. With the exception of the Nismo, all 2019 Sentras with the automatic transmission get Automatic Emergency Braking, and the automatic is standard on SV, SR and SL models.

The 2019 Sentra SL is the top dog, but the Sentra SR also comes with the LED low-beam headlights, larger 17-inch alloy wheels and keyless ignition, and it can be equipped with the same upgraded audio system that includes a 5.8-inch screen and navigation. SR and SL models also get heated outside mirrors, and the SL gets a moonroof and leather upholstery. Other available luxuries include Nissan Voice Recognition for audio and navigation and a long list of safety systems including Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Sentra Nismo gets sport seats, red interior accents and a racy suede-and-leather-covered steering wheel.

The 2019 Nissan Sentra S, SV, SR and SL all employ the same 1.8-liter engine rated at 130 horsepower. That figure drops to 124 when equipped with the CVT automatic. While this engine is one of the least powerful in its class, it works fine in most driving situations. Those requiring more urgency should opt for the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine in the SR Turbo and Nismo. The turbo puts out 188 horsepower and can be teamed with either the CVT or a 6-speed manual. For those who don’t mind shifting their own gears, performance with the manual is better than with the CVT with a minimal decrease in fuel economy.

1.8-liter inline-4 (6-speed manual)
130 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (124 horsepower w/CA emissions)
128 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm (125 lb-ft w/CA emissions)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/35 mpg

1.8-liter inline-4 (CVT automatic)
124 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
125 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/37 mpg

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
188 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
177 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-5,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/33 mpg (SR, automatic), 25/31 (Nismo, manual), 25/30 (Nismo, automatic)