2016 Nissan Sentra Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$16,780 to $20,410

Original MSRP

8
of 10

expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(7 reviews)
8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
7/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
9/10
Form & function
8/10
Cost-effectiveness
9/10
2016 Nissan Sentra Test Drive Review summaryImage

This year's Nissan Sentra gets a refresh that includes updated styling and new infotainment features.

It’s been a busy year for Nissan with the introduction of the new Maxima and a redesigned Altima. The Sentra, however, was not forgotten and has gotten its own refresh. Updates include an exterior designed to match the rest of the Nissan family of vehicles along with interior enhancements to make the Sentra more appealing.
7/10

The Sentra has been around for 30 years and seen 7 generations worth of redesigns, the last in 2013. Its staying power has a lot to do with its affordable pricing and compact packaging that still offers plenty of room, even for families.

There are five trims available starting with the base S at a price of $16,780. It’s available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The latter is the only option for the rest of the Sentra lineup.

The base S trim includes halogen headlights, dual power outside mirrors, Bluetooth hands-free phone service, and cruise control. Seating surfaces are cloth with manually adjustable front seats and 60/40 split rear seats. As the base trim, it doesn't have any extras, but those can be easily had as you move up through the model range.

The FE+S adds a rear spoiler, aero deflectors, and low-rolling-resistance tires that help give it the best fuel-efficiency ratings in the Sentra lineup. It’s rated at 30 mpg city/40 highway, making it a fantastic commuter car. It has added style with a chrome exhaust finisher and side sill extensions.

The S and FE+S feature the same audio system, which includes AM/FM radio and a CD player with 4 speakers and a USB port for connecting compatible devices. An Aux jack is also standard, as is speed-sensitive volume control with illuminated steering-wheel-mounted controls.

The SV trim is where things start to get a little nicer, with NissanConnect making an appearance as an optional feature. This makes the standard 5-inch color monitor a 5.8-inch color touchscreen and adds voice recognition for audio and navigation. Also standard on the SV are a rear-view camera, NissanConnect with mobile apps, hands-free text messaging, and for the first time in the Sentra, Siri Eyes Free.

The cloth seats in the SV feature a higher quality material than in lower trims and are available heated, while the steering wheel gets a leather wrap and the dash gets piano black accents. The infotainment system includes a 6-speaker sound system, and SiriusXM satellite radio also makes an appearance as a standard feature on the SV. Blind-spot warning is available as an option.

The next step up is the Sentra SR with larger 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, LED low-beam projector headlights, heated premium sport cloth seats, and a rear spoiler. Fog lights, LED taillights, a sport rear fascia and spoiler with integrated LED brake light give the SR more presence than its less-expensive siblings.

Intelligent cruise control and mood lighting are available as optional features, as is a 6-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar, leather seating, and silver interior accents. Audiophiles can also opt for a Bose premium audio system with 8 speakers and 2 subwoofers. Adding to the Sentra’s safety, forward emergency braking becomes available as an option.

Sitting at the top of the Sentra lineup is the SL, which turns most of the optional features of the SR into standard features. It also adds dual-zone automatic temperature control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and piano black interior accents.

The Sentra in any guise is not a fancy car. It’s utilitarian and gets the job done with attractive styling inside and out. The newly redesigned exterior helps it fall in line with the Altima and Maxima, but with a little less presence than those pricier vehicles.

The Sentra has seating for 5 passengers with a surprisingly roomy backseat. Push the front seats back and rear passengers will still have room for their knees. Headroom is somewhat short in the rear, and putting three adults back there will work only for a short time. Kids, however, should be just fine for as long a ride as you have planned.

The most expensive SL trim starts at a still very affordable $22,170, which tells you a lot about the Sentra. This is a very budget-conscious car, and it can’t help but feel that way. The outside looks good, but there’s nothing striking to the design.

The inside of the SR we tested was pleasant, but not plush. The leather seats are comfortable, but there is an abundance of hard plastics on the dash and doors. Essentially, the Sentra is an economy car, and it delivers exactly that experience.

Published May 25, 2021 by Nicole Wakelin

User reviews for 2016 Nissan Sentra

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User rating:
by Amariyae M
Jun 30, 2023
Good ig uh like the color looks really nice Jun 30, 2023
by Shelly R
Jul 21, 2022
Starter car for my 16 year old. It is perfect for her. Great back up camera! It is cute enough to make her happy, but practical and sturdy enough to make me happy. Estimated life span for the car is 250k-300k per the internet, so hopefully this will last her through college. Jul 21, 2022
by Anonymous
Mar 03, 2022
Excellent condition and value. This is the 3rd vehicle I’ve bought using CarGurus . Mar 03, 2022

2016 Nissan Sentra Pricing

Original MSRP
$16,780 to $20,410
Price range
$8,274 to $9,338
Average price on CG
$8,332
YoY price change
$9,338 to $8,332

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.93

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: voice recognition controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual adjustments: 6 · Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.52

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Twitter · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.52

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.52

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door trim: alloy · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.52

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Facebook · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 5 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent

See all trims (5)