A Look Inside The 2020 Nissan Sentra

Since its birth in the 1980s, the Nissan Sentra has evolved into a reliable compact car.  The 2020 Sentra offers a lineup of eight affordable models, which includes the NISMO and the cool SR Midnight Edition.  The Sentra, has an economical design and premium technology, such as the Bose audio system and Nissan Connect infotainment system.

Under its hood the Nissan  has some amazing features like a turbocharged engine and the Xtronic CVT.  The Sentra is made a class leader in active safety with the signature Intelligent Safety Shield package.  In fact, in the crash tests that were carried out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this model performed very well.

Pricing

The Nissan Sentra S is the base trim with a starting MSRP of just under $17,000.  There is also the upgraded models’ SV and SR which cost less than $20,000.  The sleek SR Midnight Edition starts at just over $20,000, and it comes with a collection of custom styling options like a black rear spoiler.

The SR Turbo and SR Turbo Midnight Edition are priced close to $21,000, and they run on a compact turbocharged engine.  A buyer should go for the NISMO trim if they want ultimate performance and flashy styling. The Sentra model that includes the NISMO-tuned suspension and steering system as well as an aerodynamic body kit, will cost you $25,000.

Performance Specs

There are two versions of the Nissan Sentra’s 1.8 L MRA8DE engine available.  The first option pumps out 128 pound-feet of torque and 130 horsepower.  The second choice offers 125 lb-ft of torque and 124 hp.

Whipping out 188 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, you have the MR16DDT turbocharged engine.  This turbo engine initiates combustion using Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) technology.  Sentra’s standard engines has the Nissan Direct Ignition System. Additionally, the intake and exhaust strokes are managed by the Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS).

The Sentra, just like most Nissan models, is equipped with the Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that basically allows no limits on gear ratios.  The sophisticated gears, when paired with the turbo engine, comes with the Manual Shift Mode.  The turbo engine is also compatible with a six-speed manual transmission system.

For a compact car, the Sentra has a very stable chassis that’s supported by independent front struts and a rear torsion beam.  The Active Understeer Control, compatible only with the Xtronic CVT, delivers extra stability, especially on slippery or curved roads.  Even the electric power steering system adapts automatically in real time to the vehicle’s speed.  This lightweight Nissan has an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist, which allows the car to come to a smooth stop.

Fuel Efficiency

The Nissan Sentra gives its best fuel economy at  29 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway.  The Sentra gets a fuel economy of 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, even when equipped with the powerful turbo engine.  With a curb weight of about 3,000 pounds, The Sentra has a great aerodynamic design that makes it seem lighter than it is,

You’ll get a nonstop driving range of just under 500 miles on the open highway when regular unleaded gasoline fills the 13.2-gallon fuel tank.  The Sentra model delivers good overall efficiency for daily driving despite not being fitted with the Auto Start-Stop technology that is common in other economical sedans.

Entertainment Features

The Nissan Sentra is fitted with a 5.8-inch color touch screen.  Tapping the display gently lets you access the signature Nissan Connect portal with all its applications.  You can also get directions from Google Search, in addition to using the built-in GPS navigation system.  Favorite social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook can be viewed with Nissan Connect.  You can sync your iPhone with the car’s infotainment system via Siri Eyes Free.

The Nissan Connect suite is linked to premium services like Pandora Internet Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and iHeartRadio when it comes to entertainment.  Optimum reception of music channels is ensured on any road via the standard Radio Data System (RDS).  To help you sing along to your favorite songs, you have the Bose audio system incorporated with eight speakers and two sub-woofers.

Looking at the 5.8-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display helps prevent distractions while driving.  This digital display which is embedded into the instrument cluster, receives feeds from the Bluetooth, sound system, the navigation system, and more.  You can browse through the display via controls on the steering wheel.

Safety Features

For 2020 Nissan Sentra received a “5-Star Safety Rating” by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The car performed well in the traditional side barrier crash test, which earned it the 5-star rating.  The car’s doors are reinforced with pipe-style steel beams which are engineered to endure a severe magnitude of impact.  Also, the hood will uniformly buckle during a front end crash.  The car’s steering column assembly is additionally engineered to absorb energy from severe collisions.

With the aim of mitigating injuries during accidents, the Sentra has plenty of standard passive safety features. The Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) installed in the front cabin, deploys in two stages.  Serving as a cushion for all of the car’s occupants during side collisions, the air bags are linked to a rollover sensor.

This compact Nissan also provides advanced technology that lowers the risk of accidents.  Included in patented Intelligent Safety Shield package are the following features:

• Rear Cross Traffic Alert senses other vehicles that might be approaching quickly from behind.
• Forward Emergency Braking for breaking in the case of an imminent front crash.
• Blind Spot Warning identifies other cars in your blind spot.

Also available in the Sentra is an accident-avoidance system called the Intelligent Cruise Control.  In response to the speed of other vehicles in front of the Sentra on a highway, this function turns off and on.

How it Stacks up against the Competition

The Toyota Corolla, a compact car designed by a Japanese company is a strong competitor.  The Corolla which runs on a 1.8 L I-4 engine, doesn’t match the capacities of the turbo engines in the Sentra models.  The Corolla, however, boasts of plenty high-tech features like the GPS navigation incorporated Entune multimedia system. Another similarity between the two cars is their safety package.

The Chevrolet Cruze is also another competitor.  It has a turbo engine just as powerful as the turbo engine in the Sentra.  The Cruze has better connectivity options than the Sentra with its 4G LTE Wi-Fi option.

Pros and Cons of the Sentra

Pros

• Advanced Drive-Assist and Nissan Connect Display are easy to view and browse through
• Eight models offer plenty of options in performance, technology, and styling
• A sporty performance provided by Xtronic CVT and Turbo engine

Cons

• Some trims aren’t available with convenient features, like the Intelligent Cruise Control and dual zone climate control
• The trunk has a cargo capacity of only 15.1 cubic feet

The Nissan Sentra is a great compact car.  If you are still on the fence about whether it is the right car for you, then you should visit a dealership.  You can get more information about the Sentra and take it for a test drive.