How much does the 2021 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 7.02% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,887 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for comparison shopping.

If you find a listing below $15,039.15, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Sentra earns a 4.83/5 user rating and a 7.17/10 expert rating. The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its stylish interior, safety features, and fuel efficiency. The cabin is also described as comfortable, and the car’s value proposition comes through clearly in owner feedback.

The main trade-offs are a smaller trunk than older models and some noise while driving. The overview frames it as a smart compact sedan for shoppers who want a reliable, stylish daily driver rather than a performance-focused car.

With 28.9% of listings marked as good or great deals, you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Owners rate it 4.83/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback points to a reliable, dependable car that many drivers feel good about keeping for the long haul. The expert evaluation also describes it as reliable and a car you can live with for years.

The driving impression emphasizes positive feedback and a solid, well-sorted feel, which supports confidence in everyday use. If you’re buying used, your biggest long-term ownership risk is choosing a car with hidden wear or prior damage rather than a fundamentally weak model.

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

At 70.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. A pre-purchase inspection matters here, especially if you’re comparing multiple listings with similar prices.

Focus on condition details that affect daily use: cabin wear, tire condition, brake feel, and any signs of noise or roughness on the road. If the car has been in an incident, make sure the repairs are documented and the structure, alignment, and safety systems check out.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S is nicely equipped, but it uses 16-inch steel wheels and a 7-inch touchscreen, while lower trims miss the larger display and some nicer touches found higher up.
• Powertrain: All 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 gets a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR models get an 8-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and wireless phone integration is not mentioned.
• Fuel efficiency: The Sentra returns 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined in S and SV trims, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined in SR trim.

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:

• Base trim: The S is the value play, but it gives up the larger 8-inch touchscreen, rear disc brakes, and the nicer interior materials found higher up.
• Sweet-spot trim: The SV is the best balance for most shoppers because it adds rear disc brakes, nicer interior materials, and more tech without jumping to the top price.
• Premium/top trim: The SR brings the nicest interior appointment, the 8-inch touchscreen, and access to NissanConnect and the around-view monitor.
• Off-road trim: Not applicable here.

The safety package is standard across the lineup, with intelligent cruise control reserved for SV and SR models.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully and still find value.

• Deal availability: 28.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,887 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.02% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 70.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,039.15, 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 $15,687 sits slightly below last year's $16,871.

That softer pricing can help you buy in at a more favorable point, but it also means future resale gains may be more limited if the market stays soft. For a seller, the current trend suggests you should expect value retention to depend more on condition, mileage, and trim than on broad market momentum.

Strong demand for efficient, well-equipped compact sedans should still support interest from used buyers. A clean history and desirable equipment will matter more when it’s time to resell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.83/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra safe?

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

It earns a 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 with 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:

• 28.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 70.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.02% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.83/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines strong safety, good fuel economy, and a more polished cabin than older versions.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $14,922, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $15,687 average.
• It introduced the redesign and brought major upgrades in style, technology, and driving dynamics.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $17,315, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $15,687 average.
• It keeps the modern design and adds a user-friendly layout with standard smartphone integration.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the best all-around pick if you want the redesigned Sentra at a softer price than the newer model year. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the value alternative; if you want to spend more for a newer-year listing, the 2022 is the cleaner comparison.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.