How much does the 2021 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 6.71% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,899 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

If you find a listing below $15,053.78, 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 the stylish interior, safety features, and fuel efficiency. The Sentra also gets credit for feeling reliable and dependable for everyday use, with feedback that points to a trouble-free, long-term ownership experience.

On the downside, the expert review notes that acceleration is only adequate, and some drivers may want more from the transmission feel. The overview frames it as a smart compact sedan for commuting, first-time buyers, and shoppers who want value without giving up modern design.

With 29.5% 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.

The owner summary describes the Sentra as reliable and dependable, and it also points to a trouble-free, long-term feel that helps build confidence for used-car shoppers. The expert review reinforces that impression by calling it a comfortable, grown-up compact sedan that feels like a smart choice for commuting and everyday ownership.

The maintenance and ownership picture also looks friendly, with the model positioned as efficient and reliable for buyers who want a car they can count on. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure prior wear, noise, or accident history hasn’t undermined that strong reputation.

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

At 72.1% 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 car sits near the low end of the market. Focus on condition details that matter in daily use: cabin noise, trunk usability, tire wear, brake condition, and whether the car feels as tidy as the listing suggests.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S trim is the most basic version, while SV and SR add nicer interior materials and more equipment. Lower trims also miss some of the more upscale touches, including the larger touchscreen and available premium audio.
• Powertrain: Every model uses a 2.0-liter 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 forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rear-view camera. 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.
• Infotainment: The S trim gets a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR models get an 8-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup, and NissanConnect features such as remote access and a WiFi hotspot are available on higher trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The Sentra returns 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined on S and SV models, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined on 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:

• Base trim: The S trim gives you the essentials, but it misses some of the nicer interior materials and the larger 8-inch touchscreen found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The SV is the best value for most shoppers because it adds rear disc brakes, nicer cabin materials, and the larger touchscreen without pushing into top-trim pricing.
• Premium/top trim: The SR is the most appealing if you want the nicest interior appointment, the 8-inch touchscreen, and access to NissanConnect and the around-view monitor.

The safety package is standard across the lineup, but 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 is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 29.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,899 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.71% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 72.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,053.78, 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 $15,856 sits slightly below last year's $16,997.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. For a future seller, that also means resale value will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained.

Because the Sentra still has strong demand from value-focused shoppers, a clean example should remain easier to move than a neglected one. 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, a rear sonar system, vehicle dynamic control with traction control, active ride control, intelligent trace control, hill-start assist, 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:

• 29.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 72.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.71% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.83/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 Sentra combines strong value, standard safety tech, and a more polished cabin than earlier versions.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $14,919, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $15,856 average.
• The 2020 delivers major upgrades in style, technology, and driving dynamics.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $17,277, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $15,856 average.
• The 2022 adds a comfortable, stylish cabin with user-friendly technology.

The bottom line: You should lean toward the 2021 if you want the best balance of price, safety, and modern features. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the value play; if you want to spend more for a newer example, the 2022 is the cleaner upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.