2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

2020 Nissan Sentra
2020 Nissan Sentra
$19,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Sentra
$19,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$19,310

MSRP

$28,695

Average price

$15,965

Average price

$24,254

Listings

638

Listings

74

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Great handling
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology

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.

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews Summary

Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 149 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 228 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

149 hp @ 6400 rpm

Horsepower

228 hp @ 5000 rpm

MPG City

29

MPG City

23

MPG Highway

39

MPG Highway

30
2020 Nissan Sentra
2020 Nissan Sentra
$19,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Nissan Sentra
$19,310MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$19,310
$28,695
Average price
$15,965
$24,254
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.1
5.0
Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Stylish design
Cons
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Great handling
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology
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.
Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 149 hp I4
2.0L 228 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
149 hp @ 6400 rpm
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
MPG City
29
23
MPG Highway
39
30
Look and feel
2020 Nissan Sentra
8/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

The 2020 Nissan Sentra marked a significant departure from its predecessors, which were often seen as plain and cost-conscious. This model, especially in Electric Blue paint, was a scaled-down version of the Altima, offering a more sophisticated and mature design. It featured a lower and wider stance than previous versions, with elegant creases in the sheet metal and a recognizable V-shaped grille. The interior was a step up in class, with a leather steering wheel and a leatherette dash that rivaled entry-level luxury cars. The SV Premium Package added quilted tan leather seats, enhancing the overall feel of the cabin.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI continued the legacy of the hot hatch genre, offering subtle enhancements over the regular Golf. It featured red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted brake calipers visible through 18-inch alloy wheels. The GTI's lowered stance, stainless-steel exhaust tips, and gloss black accents contributed to its sporty appearance. Inside, the GTI maintained a sporty theme with red ambient lighting, a race-inspired steering wheel, and heated front sport seats. The quality of materials and paintwork was top-notch, providing a premium feel.

Performance
2020 Nissan Sentra
6/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
7/10

The 2020 Nissan Sentra was powered by a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While it lacked turbocharged engines and manual transmissions, the Sentra offered smooth and responsive performance, with good steering response and handling. The independent suspension provided a comfortable ride, and the fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, on the other hand, was all about performance. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's handling was exceptional, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and variable-ratio steering. The Autobahn model came with DCC adaptive damping, enhancing its performance on the right roads. However, the ride could be rough on ordinary roads. The GTI offered a choice between a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a six-speed manual, with the latter providing a more engaging driving experience. Fuel economy was decent, with 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the manual transmission.

Form and function
2020 Nissan Sentra
8/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

The 2020 Nissan Sentra offered a surprisingly spacious backseat, accommodating taller passengers comfortably. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, reducing fatigue on long drives. The trunk space measured 14.3 cubic feet, providing ample room for a compact sedan. The driving position and controls were user-friendly, although rear visibility was somewhat limited due to the raked rear window.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, with its hatchback design offering versatility for passengers and cargo. It had a 103.6-inch wheelbase and a compact footprint, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The cargo space was impressive, with 17.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The GTI's interior featured clever storage options, although the mechanical handbrake felt outdated.

Technology
2020 Nissan Sentra
6/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

The 2020 Nissan Sentra came with a basic set of technology features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The mid-level SV trim added more USB ports and larger screens. However, it lacked advanced features like ProPilot, navigation, and wireless charging. The SV did offer dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, and a full suite of driver-assist features.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered a mix of traditional and modern technology. It retained analog gauges but included a configurable driver information screen. The MIB touchscreen infotainment system was standard, with SE and Autobahn models getting an 8-inch screen and navigation. Smartphone integration was seamless, and Volkswagen Car-Net provided additional connectivity options. The GTI also featured LED lighting, keyless access, and rain-sensing wipers.

Safety
2020 Nissan Sentra
9/10
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
8/10

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top ratings. It included a comprehensive set of safety features, such as rear side airbags, knee airbags, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top scores from IIHS, except for a few areas. It came with a robust array of safety systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Autobahn trim added advanced driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Nissan Sentra is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the recommended choice for those seeking a more engaging driving experience and versatile functionality.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Nissan Sentra is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the recommended choice for those seeking a more engaging driving experience and versatile functionality.

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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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