2019 Toyota Prius vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

2019 Toyota Prius
2019 Toyota Prius
$23,770MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Sentra
2020 Nissan Sentra
$19,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota Prius
$23,770MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Sentra
$19,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$23,770

MSRP

$19,310

Average price

$19,935

Average price

$15,898

Listings

245

Listings

647

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Fuel-efficient
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance

2019 Toyota Prius Reviews Summary

Reliable, efficient, affordable, practical, and safe, the 2019 Toyota Prius checks off multiple boxes on a typical car shopper’s list. The latest version is even decent to drive, but the Prius' styling does the car no favors. For 2019, Toyota tries to tone down the design, revises its trim-level strategy, and adds a new electric all-wheel-drive option to the car.

2020 Nissan Sentra Reviews Summary

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.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.8L 121 hp I4 Hybrid

Engine

2.0L 149 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

149 hp @ 6400 rpm

EV Battery Capacity

0.7 kWh

EV Battery Capacity

MPG City

58

MPG City

29

MPG Highway

53

MPG Highway

39
2019 Toyota Prius
2019 Toyota Prius
$23,770MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Sentra
2020 Nissan Sentra
$19,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Toyota Prius
$23,770MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Sentra
$19,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$23,770
$19,310
Average price
$19,935
$15,898
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.6
4.1
Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Fuel-efficient
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Outdated technology
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Summary
Reliable, efficient, affordable, practical, and safe, the 2019 Toyota Prius checks off multiple boxes on a typical car shopper’s list. The latest version is even decent to drive, but the Prius' styling does the car no favors. For 2019, Toyota tries to tone down the design, revises its trim-level strategy, and adds a new electric all-wheel-drive option to the car.
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.
Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
1.8L 121 hp I4 Hybrid
2.0L 149 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
149 hp @ 6400 rpm
EV Battery Capacity
0.7 kWh
MPG City
58
29
MPG Highway
53
39
Look and feel
2019 Toyota Prius
5/10
2020 Nissan Sentra
8/10

The 2019 Toyota Prius was never renowned for its aesthetic appeal, often seen as a vehicle that prioritized function over form. Its design, characterized by a boomerang-shaped profile and split rear glass, was initially a statement for early hybrid adopters. However, as hybrids became more mainstream, the Prius's bold design choices seemed to detract from its appeal rather than enhance it. Despite its unconventional exterior, the Prius offered a practical solution for those seeking a reliable daily driver. The 2019 model introduced new trim levels and an optional all-wheel-drive system, adding versatility to its lineup. Inside, the Prius continued its unique design approach with centralized controls and a glossy black interior trim that, while functional, required frequent cleaning.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Sentra underwent a significant transformation, shedding its previous dowdy image for a more refined and attractive appearance. The new Sentra adopted a design reminiscent of the larger Altima, with a lower and wider stance that exuded a sense of poise and elegance. The detailed stampings and V-shaped grille added a touch of sophistication, making the Sentra a car that owners could be proud to be seen in. Inside, the Sentra's interior was elevated with quality materials and thoughtful design elements, such as the flat-bottom leather steering wheel and quilted leather seats available in the SV Premium Package. The Sentra's interior space was also commendable, offering ample room for passengers and a trunk that, while slightly reduced from previous models, remained competitive in its class.

Performance
2019 Toyota Prius
9/10
2020 Nissan Sentra
6/10

The 2019 Toyota Prius combined a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor to produce a modest 121 horsepower. The optional AWD-e system added a 5-kilowatt rear electric motor, enhancing traction at low speeds but slightly reducing fuel efficiency. The standard front-wheel-drive Prius achieved an impressive 52 mpg in combined driving, while the AWD-e variant managed 50 mpg. The Prius's driving dynamics were surprisingly enjoyable, with a well-balanced suspension and responsive steering. The CVT, while occasionally droning, provided smooth power delivery, and the Prius's aerodynamic design contributed to a quiet ride in urban settings.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to the front wheels via a CVT, which mimicked gear changes effectively. The Sentra's acceleration was adequate, though it tapered off after 30 mph. The independent rear suspension improved handling, offering a flat cornering experience and agreeable ride quality. The Sentra's fuel economy was commendable, with an EPA rating of 33 mpg combined. The steering was responsive, and the car's chassis provided a sense of control and support for the driver.

Form and function
2019 Toyota Prius
8/10
2020 Nissan Sentra
8/10

The 2019 Toyota Prius offered a surprisingly spacious interior, comfortably seating four adults. The driver's seat featured manual height adjustment, while the front passenger seat sat high off the floor. Rear passengers enjoyed good thigh support, though the absence of air conditioning vents in the second row was a drawback. The Prius's hatchback design provided ample cargo space, with up to 65.5 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. However, the SofTex leatherette upholstery in higher trims could become uncomfortable in hot weather.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra's interior was designed with comfort in mind, featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning in the front seats to reduce fatigue. The backseat offered generous legroom and headroom, accommodating taller passengers with ease. Visibility was generally good, though the rear window's rake limited the view. The Sentra's trunk space measured 14.3 cubic feet, and the seatbacks folded to accommodate larger items. The driving position and controls were intuitive, with traditional knobs for audio and climate adjustments.

Technology
2019 Toyota Prius
5/10
2020 Nissan Sentra
6/10

The 2019 Toyota Prius's technology offerings varied by trim level. The Limited trim boasted an impressive 11.6-inch touchscreen with navigation and a premium JBL sound system. However, the XLE AWD-e test car featured a more basic 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and a CD player. The Prius's instrumentation was housed in a horizontal strip below the windshield, with some displays appearing outdated. Notably, the Prius lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, though wireless smartphone charging was available.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra came equipped with modern technology features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi as standard on the mid-level SV trim. The SV also included dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. While the Sentra did not offer navigation or wireless charging, it provided a full suite of driver-assist features. The SV Premium Package added LED headlights and other enhancements, though the test car lacked some premium options like a Bose stereo and sunroof.

Safety
2019 Toyota Prius
7/10
2020 Nissan Sentra
9/10

The 2019 Toyota Prius offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with the Toyota Safety Sense package standard across all trims. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The LE trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Prius received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though some frontal impact ratings were slightly lower.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra was equipped with an extensive array of safety features, including rear side airbags and knee airbags for both the driver and front passenger. Standard safety technologies included forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. While the Sentra had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, expectations were high for top ratings in all categories.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Toyota Prius is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2020 Nissan Sentra scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Nissan Sentra is the recommended choice, offering a more appealing design, advanced technology, and a comfortable driving experience.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2019 Toyota Prius is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2020 Nissan Sentra scores 7.7 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Nissan Sentra is the recommended choice, offering a more appealing design, advanced technology, and a comfortable driving experience.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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