2020 Nissan Sentra Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewPros
Excellent value for money
Standard advanced safety features
Stylish design
Cons
Fairly pedestrian performance
The new Nissan Sentra compact sedan redefines basic to no longer mean bad.
For 38 years, Nissan has peddled the Sentra as its definitive starter car. It’s a household name like Civic, Corolla, and Jetta—all of which are brand-new or have been refreshed in the last couple of years. The eighth-generation Sentra has the look of a larger, more luxurious car. It reflects major upgrades in style, technology, and driving dynamics. Compact sedans have a high bar to clear, even at $20,000. The 2020 Sentra delivers in every respect.
8/10
Looks have never been the Sentra’s strong suit. I have personal favorites: the outgoing 2019 Sentra NISMO, the early 2000s Sentra SE-R, and the late '80s Sentra Sport Coupe. But most of the millions sold over the past four decades were dowdy, plain, and proudly cost-conscious. Now I can say that I like being seen in a Sentra, especially covered in my test car’s Electric Blue paint. Mine wasn’t loaded, either. I drove a mid-level SV with the smallest 16-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlights, and all-black cloth interior. Drab? Not at all.
The 2020 Sentra is a scaled-down Altima, which is one reason it feels bigger than it is. Whereas the new Versa is a scaled-down Sentra, that car is noticeably tighter in every dimension and has the front-heavy proportions of an economy sedan. It’s a good choice, but the Sentra has the poise of a rear-wheel-drive car. The hood, even at the windshield pillars, is below waist height. The new car is 2 inches lower and wider than the last version. It has enough length to craft a memorable shape, and all the creases in the sheet metal that elegantly fade and reappear from front to rear look expensive. That’s because 10 years ago, it was impossible to manufacture such detailed stampings at low cost. Even the regular headlights have a jeweled construction, and the optional LEDs are simply hot. Nissan’s V-shaped grille motif has never looked better. It’s mature and very recognizable. The SV Premium Package comes with 17-inch wheels, while the SR finishes off with 18s and fog lights. Now everyone is going to like the way the Sentra looks—I guarantee it.
The interior steps up the Sentra’s class. The only bad parts are the hard plastic upper panels on the rear doors (they’re padded rubber in front) and flimsy window and mirror switches. Otherwise, the flat-bottom leather steering wheel and white-stitched leatherette dash feel like they could be from cars costing $30,000 and higher. The climate knobs are knurled and have a fine tactile feel. The three circular air vents have more silver brightwork around them, and the way the dash curves and stretches over each vent is worthy of entry-level luxury cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA. Even the base gauges and touchscreen look the part, but on my car, the larger touchscreen and expanded screen in the instrument panel are worthy upgrades. Better still is the SV Premium Package, which offers quilted tan leather on the seats and tan leatherette on the console, doors, and dash. It’s Infiniti-grade. When you realize it costs only a couple grand more, you’ll be floored. The hard plastic on the lower portions of the dash and console are good, too. Fit and finish in this class is right up there with the Mazda3's, arguably the classiest looking non-luxury compact interior to date. But the Sentra is close.
6/10
Say goodbye to turbocharged engines, manual transmissions, and the sport-tuned NISMO trims. They might return, and then again, they might not. Nissan isn’t exactly swimming in cash lately, what with its former CEO in exile over in Lebanon, so it’s concentrating on volume models to attract the most buyers. A 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder makes 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Only two competitors—the Mazda3 and Subaru Impreza—offer all-wheel drive (AWD), which is still a rarity in this segment. Acceleration tapers off after 30 mph, and part of that is due to a throttle pedal I found to be overly sensitive. It can make the car jumpy in traffic. Pressing the Eco button to the left of the steering wheel subdues that antsy behavior without dulling the response too much. Sport mode will hold the revs longer and can be activated from an unmarked button on the shifter knob. In any mode, the CVT is very good at mimicking the gear changes of a conventional automatic even without a manual mode or shift paddles. It’s always smooth and responsive. Engine noise and vibration are kept mostly at bay.
Steering response and handling are also high points. Nissan replaced the torsion beam rear axle with an independent suspension that keeps those wheels more controlled. Cornering is flat, and ride quality very agreeable (remember, I had the standard 16-inch tires; larger tires may degrade the ride). The steering is quick with good on-center feel. Is it very sporty? Not at all. But in the Sentra, you always feel in charge and like the car’s chassis (and its brakes) are there to support you as a driver.
Fuel economy is EPA rated at 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined (the SR delivers 1 mpg less in the city and combined and 2 less on the highway). That’s very good. I averaged about 30 mpg during mixed driving over 300 miles.
8/10
The Sentra’s backseat is surprisingly useful. This is why you buy a compact sedan instead of a subcompact like the Versa. I’m 5-foot-11 and never bunched my knees against the front seat or rubbed my head on the roof (which is scalloped to accommodate tall noggins). The front seats use Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushioning, which the company claims will reduce pressure on muscles and hence reduce fatigue. They worked for me on my 2-hour drive from Manhattan to southern Connecticut.
In keeping with the Sentra’s lowered body profile, the windowsills are low enough to make side visibility a snap. But the rear window is another story. It’s raked so much that it doesn’t offer much of a view, and what view there is gets blocked partially by the headrests. Often I couldn’t tell there were cars following me closely—and in New York City traffic, they sure as hell were. The rear-view mirror was also fuzzy when I manually adjusted it to a tinted night view (only the SR gets an auto-dimming mirror). Otherwise, the driving position and all controls fall easily to hand. There isn’t much to control, and Nissan uses knobs for volume and tuning—even for adjusting the stereo’s tone. That’s how it used to be in older cars, and it’s perfect here, too.
Trunk space measures 14.3 cubic feet, which is down a few tenths from the outgoing Sentra. Regardless, it’s large for a small car and the seatbacks fold. You’ll be comfortable inside.
6/10
Nissan doesn’t offer ProPilot, its semi-automated driving function for marked highways, on the Sentra as it does on the Leaf, Rogue, and Altima. It really should be an option here, because in those cars it works quite decently compared to systems from luxury automakers. Navigation and wireless charging are also not offered, but Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi come standard on the mid-level SV, which also brings two more USB ports (including USB-C) and the larger screens. Bright LED headlights are available only in the SV Premium Package or the SR. My car also didn’t have the Bose stereo, sunroof, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, or 360-degree cameras. The SV does come with dual-zone climate, proximity-entry key, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. A full suite of driver-assist features comes standard. Otherwise, it’s a basic affair inside the Sentra, and for the price, that’s just fine.
9/10
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash-tested the 2020 Sentra. CarGurus expects top ratings in all categories. Nissan includes rear side airbags, a rare feature even in luxury cars, and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. Most compact cars don't have at least three of these airbags. Nissan also includes forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection for the front, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and auto high beams on every Sentra trim. A driver attention monitor is also standard.
9/10
The 2020 Sentra starts at $19,090 for the S, $20,270 for the SV, and $21,430 for the SR. Fully loaded, its MSRP is $23,600. That’s thousands below what Volkswagen, Honda, and Toyota charge for their top cars. Granted, the Sentra is missing some higher-grade equipment—like higher-performance engines—that these competitors offer. But the value the Sentra provides is undeniable. Its style, refinement, and driving dynamics have so improved that the Sentra, at a lower price than its rivals, doesn’t feel shortchanged one bit. For that reason, CarGurus recommends buying a Sentra SV like my test car and ordering the SV Premium Package I didn’t have, which stickers for $23,655 with destination. Sportier drivers should buy the Civic Sport or Si, the Jetta GLI, or the Corolla Sport—all of which are vastly more fun. For most people, the Sentra will be hard to fault.
Published May 25, 2021 by Clifford Atiyeh
User reviews for 2020 Nissan Sentra
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Seki G
Nov 30, 2024
Well I love Nissan’s.All cars has it flaws, but if I had to get another car it would be a Altima. The price range for the Altima / Sentra is the sameNov 30, 2024
by Jonathan S
Apr 27, 2024
good car but terrible color that stands out like a sore thumb that either says ticket me or steal me for partsApr 27, 2024
by Swayy H
Dec 27, 2023
Nissan Sentra are overall nice cars for the price! The looks are amazing especially on the SR trim. Dec 27, 2023
User rating:
by Seki G
Nov 30, 2024
Well I love Nissan’s.All cars has it flaws, but if I had to get another car it would be a Altima. The price range for the Altima / Sentra is the sameNov 30, 2024
by Jonathan S
Apr 27, 2024
good car but terrible color that stands out like a sore thumb that either says ticket me or steal me for partsApr 27, 2024
by Swayy H
Dec 27, 2023
Nissan Sentra are overall nice cars for the price! The looks are amazing especially on the SR trim. Dec 27, 2023
by Luz L
Dec 12, 2023
Hice una cita para verlo el miércoles pregunté y ya no lo tenían pero tampoco me avisaron Dec 12, 2023
by calandra w
Nov 21, 2023
Rented one recently. Great car for the price. Driving experience was similar to the Altima. Definitely would consider purchasing one.Nov 21, 2023
by Eugene N
Oct 25, 2023
Ive been very pleased with my 2015 Altima, so I looked to Nissan again when I decided to move up to a later model with the latest safety features. I found that the Sentra, starting with the 2020 model, has close to the same safety features of the Altima at a better price point. I bought a low mileage 2020 Sentra SV with the Premium Package to get the leather seats and other comforts, and Ive been very pleased with the car so far. The 2.0 liter engine isnt quite as responsive as the Altimas 2.5, but certainly adequate with the CVT transmission and very economical.Oct 25, 2023
by Anonymous
Jul 16, 2023
Absolutely beautiful interior and exterior! Great price for a sexy car!! Jul 16, 2023
by Stephanie W
Feb 07, 2023
It is well equipped and has pep. The gas mileage is fabulous. It’s also comfy for a smaller car.Feb 07, 2023
by James S
Nov 11, 2022
From the moment I saw this car online I loved it!! I went straight to the dealership to see it in person as I was a little concerned it might be too small. It did not disappoint!! The car is very stylish and the seats are comfortable and its loaded with features all of which I have not even tried or even discovered yet. But heres the bad side. The highway noise is awful!! Its so so loud had I had the chance to drive it more than just around the block and get it over 50 mph I would not have purchased the car. In fact its so annoying if given the opportunity i.would return it to the dealership. Everyone says it is because I am going from an SUV to a small car I will get used it but for 20 thousand dollars I shouldnt have to get used to anything negative. Nov 11, 2022
by Anonymous
Apr 07, 2022
Love love Love my sentra 2020 i recommend!!!!!!
Nissan for the win Apr 07, 2022
by Stephanie J
Mar 03, 2021
Love it its great. Would love to have it. Mar 03, 2021
by Anonymous
Oct 01, 2020
The overall, looks and gadgets are incredible for the price. I feel there could be a little more in the engine for pickup. Overall very happy.Oct 01, 2020
by Donovan S
Sep 01, 2020
Amazing car, runs smooth and has amazing brakes. 10/10 Sep 01, 2020
by Michelle A
Jul 24, 2020
The car is beautiful. Rides and drives great. My only issue is that I have to take it back for service because the remote start doesnt work. Jul 24, 2020
What users have asked
How has Nissan addressed their CVT reliability issues?
Just wondering if Nissan has shared any information about improvements to their CVT reliability issues. This is a really nice to car but I am hesitant to move forward without details regarding how the longevity of the transmission has been addressed.
3521 views
Where do I report a dealership that changes the price from what is advertised?
Ziegler in Lindenhurst, IL increased the price of the car I was interested in from the advertised price on your website. The car was listed at $20,150. When I sat down to fill out the paperwork the salesman told me that the real price with taxes was $26,000. He said there was no way he could sell it to me for the advertised price. I knew I would have to pay sales tax, but I trusted the price you listed.
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buy a car from a relative
Can I buy a car from a relative?
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How do we price a car with no NMVTIS record?
Having a problem pricing this car. It has a clean CarFax, clean AutoCheck, no history of accidents. It's basically a new car that was rolled back so there is no history of a new registration thus no NMVTIS record.Vin # 3N1AB8CV8LY203638. It has 244 miles on it. How can we bypass the warnings we are receiving trying to price this car?
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Have you driven a 2020 Nissan Sentra?Compare this car
2020 Nissan Sentra Pricing
Original MSRP
$19,310 to $21,650Price range
$14,970 to $15,715Average price on CG
$14,970YoY price change
$15,715 to $14,970Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · 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
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): 12V front · 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: 5.10
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · 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: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · 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 · 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: 15.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
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 Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · 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: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.31 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · 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: 5.10
Engine
Alternator: 110 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · 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: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: NissanConnect · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: rear · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · 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: reclining · 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: 15.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
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 Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display 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: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.31 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · 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: 5.10
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome accents · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: decklid · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: SiriusXM Movie Listing · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Headlights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: vibrating steering wheel · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · 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: 15.3 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
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 Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear stabilizer bar: diameter 27 mm
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: Turn-by-Turn Navigation
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse