The totally redesigned 2020 Nissan Sentra compact sedan offers sophisticated exterior and interior design, impressive safety and tech, plus an energetic new powertrain at a starting price of less than $20,000. Altogether the 2020 Nissan Sentra makes for a strong contender in a competitive compact car market.
Attractive new look
Long list of standard tech features
Best standard safety equipment in mid-priced compact sedan category
All-new platform with improved driving dynamics
Comfortable interior
Rear visibility slightly compromised
No hybrid engine option available
The 2020 Nissan Sentra starts at $19,090 and tops out at $23,600 when fully loaded. That’s about mid-pack in the compact sedan segment. The Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic base models both cost more, while the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte are both less. For a fully loaded SR Sentra including the Premium Package, expect to pay $23,600.
The 2020 Nissan Sentra is powered by a new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine that powers Nissan’s Rogue Sport, and it does a nice job in this compact sedan application. The continuously variable automatic transmission manages distribution of that power to the front wheels, delivering smooth acceleration and quiet cruising.
Pedal feel on the brakes is firm, offering confident and solid stopping power, and makes a nice match for what the engine puts down. We also like how the pedals are positioned close enough together that we don’t need to put in a ton of effort going back and forth. Steering is equally pleasing. There’s a nice weight to its feel, with virtually no play in the wheel.
The Sentra rides on an all new chassis that sports a multilink independent suspension in the rear and an independent strut front suspension. On the road it feels stable and balanced, yet nimble. Overall, the 2020 Nissan Sentra presents an impressive driving experience in its segment.
The 2020 Nissan Sentra’s interior takes on a cockpit-type feel, with gauges and switchgear designed with the driver in mind. Its NASA-inspired “Zero Gravity” seats are some of the most comfortable in the segment.
The standard seven-inch or optional eight-inch touchscreen sits atop the center stack above Nissan GT-R-inspired jet engine HVAC vents. Upscale touches that include contrast stitching, quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are offered as options in higher trim levels. Interior space feels generous for a compact sedan and there are 60/40 split-folding rear seats that provide solid cargo flexibility. Overall, the 2020 Nissan Sentra offers a pleasing interior cabin experience.
The 2020 Nissan Sentra adopts Nissan’s sedan design language, giving it a sporty and sophisticated look without being excessively aggressive. The automaker’s signature V grille, the floating roof and sporty roofline all make it feel like part of the Nissan family. Standard on the base S trim are 16-inch wheels, though 17- and 18-inch upgrades are available. The 2020 Nissan Sentra comes in eight colors with an option for a two-tone roof. The highest SR trim offers a rear spoiler and black side mirrors for an even sportier appearance. Jewel-styled LED headlamps are an additional option, as is a moonroof.
For 2020, the Nissan Sentra offers a great list of standard features, starting with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, their suite of safety features. Power windows and locks as well as a push-button start are also included. In the tech department, a seven-inch touchscreen as well as a 4.2-inch digital display in the gauge cluster come standard as well. Suspension enhancing software including Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control offer a pleasing ride to even the base S model.
Optional equipment on the higher SV and top SR models of the 2020 Nissan Sentra include an eight-inch infotainment display including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and a seven-inch digital display in the gauge cluster. Other extras including remote start, intelligent cruise control, dual zone HVAC, leather heated front seats and steering wheel, as well as an upgraded Bose audio system, can all be had either with upgrades via the trim ladder or premium add-on packages.
The 2020 Nissan Sentra is powered by a 4-cylinder engine good for 149 horsepower. That power is sent to the front wheels via “gearless” continuously variable automatic transmission. While the engine bay and platform can accommodate the motor and battery package for a hybrid, Nissan isn’t making one, yet, and wouldn’t comment on any future plans for one.
The 2020 Nissan Sentra is rated to return 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The sport-themed Sentra SR is slightly lower at 28/37 mpg. That’s essentially on par with other compact cars like Civic and Corolla.
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
149 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm
146 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/39 mpg (S, SV) 28/37 mpg (SR)
Safety Shield 360All 2020 Nissan Sentra’s get Nissan’s suite of six safety features that include, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warnings, rear automatic braking, land departure alerts, rear cross-traffic alerts and high beam assist.
Intelligent Cruise ControlStandard on all SV trim level Sentras and above, Intelligent Cruise Control uses sensors to gauge when there is a car in front of you and slows the vehicle down when necessary. When the car in front accelerates the ICC tells the Sentra to speed up until it achieves the preset speed.
10 Standard Air BagsThe 2020 Nissan Sentra comes equipped with Nissan’s Advanced Air Bag System as well as front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, a roof-mounted curtain side-impact air bag, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact air bags, rear passenger side-impact air bags and driver and front passenger knee supplemental air bags.
2020 Nissan Sentra S
16-inch wheels
Nissan Safety Shield 360
7-inch display
Push-button start
Power windows, locks & mirrors
2020 Nissan Sentra SV
8-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
6-speaker audio system
Dual Zone HVAC
Intelligent cruise control
Remote engine start
2020 Nissan Sentra SR
18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights and fog lights
Rear spoiler
Leather shift knob
SR sport interior with orange seat trim
Heated exterior mirrors
