Nissan Sentra 2021 Review

The Nissan Sentra emerged with a new look in 2020, and with it came an improved ride quality and a nicer interior. That redesign certainly helped elevate the Sentra's standing in our eyes. This is a sensible small sedan that provides comfortable transportation on a budget. It's also well stocked with features. A collection of advanced driver safety features, including forward collision mitigation and blind-spot monitoring, comes standard on every Sentra, for example.

For the 2021 Sentra, the most notable change is that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across the model line, meaning that even the base version comes with these desirable smartphone integration systems. While the Sentra doesn't quite have the dynamic personality of the Mazda 3 or all the technology features of the Hyundai Elantra, it can otherwise easily meet your commuting needs and more. Check out the categories of our Expert Rating to learn more.

Which Sentra does MatoCar recommend?

The Sentra is a small sedan available in three trims: the S, SV and SR. All versions are powered by a 149-horsepower four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Sentra is front-wheel-drive only. Feature highlights include:

S The base model kicks off the Sentra line with:

• 16-inch steel wheels
• Push-button start
• Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
• Height-adjustable driver's seat
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Four-speaker audio system

Standard safety features include:

• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

SV The midlevel trim brings with it an assortment of upgraded features:

• Alloy wheels
• Rear disc brakes (for better braking performance)
• Heated side mirrors
• Keyless entry
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Upgraded driver information display
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Dual-zone climate control
• Additional USB ports
• Six-speaker audio system
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Sentra and the car in front)

You can also choose to add the SV Premium package that adds:

• 17-inch wheels
• Sunroof
• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable driver's seat

SR The top model in the lineup offers this equipment:

• LED headlights and foglights
• Sportier exterior design with a rear spoiler
• 18-inch wheels

The SR also has an available SR Premium package. It includes:

• Sunroof
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Heated steering wheel
• Surround-view parking camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Sentra and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Eight-speaker Bose audio system
• NissanConnect connectivity services with onboard Wi-Fi hotspot