Used 2021 Nissan Sentra for Sale nearMemphis, TN

How much does the 2021 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 6.75% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,963 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Sentra earns a 4.8/5 user rating and a 7.2/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners consistently praise the stylish interior, safety features, and fuel efficiency. The Sentra also stands out for its quiet cabin and strong value for money, which fits a compact sedan that feels more polished than basic.

The trade-offs are clear: all-wheel drive is not available, the stereo is lacking, and a manual transmission is not available. For you, that means the Sentra makes the most sense if you want an easy-to-live-with commuter rather than a sporty or highly configurable small car.

The model’s 33.3% good-or-great deal share suggests there are still attractive listings to be found.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a car that owners feel good about keeping, with praise centered on safety, fuel efficiency, and a generally dependable ownership experience. The expert review also describes it as reliable and a smart choice for commuters, reinforcing the sense that it is built for steady everyday use.

The cost-effectiveness review adds that it is efficient and a car you can live with for years. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about the core mechanical package and more about finding a well-kept example with no hidden wear or prior damage.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Nissan Sentra?

At 71.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing price looks unusually strong. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether the car’s equipment and cabin wear match the mileage and asking price.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S trim uses 16-inch steel wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR add 16- or 17-inch alloys or 18-inch alloy wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen. The SR also gets the nicest interior appointment and access to exclusive options like NissanConnect and the around-view monitor.
• Powertrain: All Sentra models use a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT. Fuel economy is 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for SR models.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard and includes intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear-view camera, rear sonar, high-beam assist, and intelligent driver alertness. Base S models get standard cruise control, while SV and SR models add intelligent cruise control; SR models can also be upgraded to a 360-degree camera system.
• Infotainment: The S trim gets a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR models get an 8-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup, along with Bluetooth audio and hands-free text messaging. NissanConnect adds WiFi hotspot capability, remote functions, and smartphone app integration on higher trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The Sentra returns 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for SR models.

Which 2021 Nissan Sentra trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Sentra is offered in 3 trim levels: S, SV, SR.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the value play if you want the lowest starting price and still want the core Sentra experience, including standard safety tech, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the efficient 2.0-liter engine. It is the best fit if you care most about keeping costs down.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds rear disc brakes, nicer interior materials, and the 8-inch touchscreen while staying below the top trim. If you want the most balanced mix of price and equipment, this is the one to target.
• SR: This is the right choice if you want the nicest interior appointment and access to exclusive options like NissanConnect and the around-view monitor. It also gets the 8-inch touchscreen and the most upscale look in the lineup.

Safety Shield 360 is standard across the lineup, while SV and SR add intelligent cruise control and SR can be upgraded with a 360-degree camera system.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Nissan Sentra?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,963 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.75% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,032, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Nissan Sentra's resale value?

The current average of $15,032 sits slightly below last year's $16,120.

That softer pricing suggests the Sentra has become more accessible for used buyers, but it also means future sellers may face a more competitive market. If you buy well now, you may benefit from the lower entry point, but resale gains are likely to depend on condition, mileage, and trim desirability rather than broad market appreciation.

Because the model has a strong value reputation and solid owner satisfaction, it should continue to attract shoppers who want a practical compact sedan. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra safe?

The 2021 Nissan Sentra earns a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.

It earns an 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and it includes intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear-view camera, rear sonar, high-beam assist, and intelligent driver alertness. Base S models get standard cruise control, while SV and SR models add intelligent cruise control; SR models can also be upgraded to include a 360-degree camera system.

Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Sentra or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.75% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 Sentra combines a polished redesign with competitive safety, technology, and fuel economy.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $14,514, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $15,032 average.
• It offers a more upscale look and major upgrades in technology and driving dynamics.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $16,515, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $15,032 average.
• It emphasizes easy-to-live-with comfort, technology, and style.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and everyday livability, the 2021 is the sweet spot. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is worth a look; if you want a slightly newer alternative and do not mind paying more, the 2022 is the next step up.

How does the 2021 Nissan Sentra compare to the 2021 Honda Civic?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Nissan Sentra:

• Pros: Stylish design, Quiet cabin, Excellent value for money.
• Cons: All-wheel drive not available, Stereo is lacking, Manual transmission not available.

2021 Honda Civic:

• Pros: Stylish design, Multiple body styles, Fun to drive.
• Cons: Underwhelming base engine, Outdated technology, Interior materials feel cheap.

Our experts score the 2021 Nissan Sentra 7.2/10 and the 2021 Honda Civic 7.2/10. The Sentra leans more toward comfort, quietness, and value, while the Civic brings more body-style variety and a more engaging driving character. If you want the better bargain and a calmer cabin, the Sentra makes a strong case; if you care more about driving feel and variety, the Civic has the edge.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.