The 2020 Nissan Sentra is one of the most significant changes that have taking place in the history of this model. Having totally redesigned, Nissan tried to take Sentra out of the stereotypical perception as a boring, economy car and a more chic, comfortable and technologically oriented compact sedan. What it creates is a car that is focused on safety, fuel efficiency and everyday comfort and is also affordable and practical.
Exterior Design
The 2020 Sentra is bold and modern in appearance with the inspiration of larger sedans of the Nissan such as the Altima and Maxima. It is lower, wider and more aggressive compared to the previous generation.
The major highlights on the exterior are:
The V-Motion grille that is used by Nissan.
Cleverer LED headlights and tail lights.
A sporty pose with sculpted lines on the body.
SR trim has availability of 18-inch alloy wheels.
Sporty features such as rear spoiler on the higher trims.
All in all, the new design of the Sentra makes it one of the most appealing cars in this field of compact sedan.
Engine & Performance
On the inside, the Nissan Sentra of 2020 has a single powertrain available:
Engine: 2.0-liter 4-cylinder
Power Output: 149 horsepower
Torque: 146 lb-ft
Transmission: Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT).
Transmission: Front-wheel drive.
The engine offers great performance which is smooth and noisy making it excellent in driving within urban areas and on highways. Though it is not sporty, acceleration, the Sentra provides a comfortable and stable ride, particularly when driving long distances. Nissan did make the suspension oriented towards comfort and thus it was the best suited to daily commuting.
Fuel Economy
One of the strongest points of the Sentra is the fuel efficiency.
EPA fuel economy ratings:
City: ~29 mpg
Highway: ~39 mpg
Combined: ~33 mpg
Such figures render the 2020 Sentra a cost-effective option among the driver who do not want to spend more on gas, but still wants to drive a hybrid.
Interior & Comfort
The 2020 Sentra has a much better interior than its older siblings. Nissan emphasized on comfort, simplicity and quality.
Interior features include:
Smooth materials on the dashboard.
Good supportive seats.
Modern circular air vents
Adult rear seating is spacious.
14.3 cubic feet of trunk space
60/40 split-folding rear seats
The cabin is also elegant and silent which makes it a nice place to drive around or to take a long ride.
Technology & Infotainment
Sentra is also tech heavy-loaded even in the lower trim levels.
Available features include:
7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen.
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Bluetooth connectivity
USB ports
Push-button start
Remote engine start (SV and SR trims)
Higher trims have premium audio system.
Although the infotainment system is easy to use, it is a little slower than the competitors.
Safety Features
The 2020 Nissan Sentra has one of the largest selling points of safety. Safety Shield 360 is also standard in all trims at Nissan.
Standard safety features:
Automatic braking system with walker vision.
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alert
Lane departure warning
High-beam assist
Rear automatic braking
This is what makes the Sentra one of the safest in the small sedan category, particularly with families and novices.
Trim Levels of 2020 Nissan
2020 Nissan Sentra has three trims:
Sentra S (Base Trim)
Safety Shield 360
Basic infotainment system
Cloth seats
Steel wheels
Sentra SV (Mid Trim)
Larger touchscreen
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Two-zone automatic climate control.
Remote start
Alloy wheels
Sentra SR (Top Trim)
Sporty exterior design
18-inch wheels
Rear spoiler
Premium interior options are available as an option.
Reliability & Ownership
Sentra 2020 has an average to good reliability. The CVT transmission should be maintained and well taken care of to help increase its long life. Maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs are affordable, in comparison to most competitors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Stylish and modern design
High quality standard safety features.
Comfortable ride quality
Good fuel economy
Affordable pricing
Cons
Less acceleration compared to competitors.
CVT lacks sporty feel
No hybrid or turbo option
Infotainment system would be accelerated.
Final Verdict
The 2020 Nissan Sentra is a good option to those who want to purchase a safe, comfortable, and fuel-efficient compact sedan. It might not meet the requirements of performance-minded drivers, but it is good in terms of daily use, contemporary style, and safety features. The Sentra is offering very good overall value to commuters, small families and buyers who are budget conscious.