2020 Toyota Corolla vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite its futuristic and somewhat aggressive exterior design that resembled “malevolent aliens,” was not considered pretty by many. However, when equipped with the SE or XSE trims and adorned in the striking Celestite paint color, it transformed into a compact sedan with an appealing aesthetic. Even though the headlamps presented a challenge to some, the overall design was more palatable than other Toyota sedans of the time. Much like how people grew accustomed to the looks of the Honda Civic and the Demogorgon from “Stranger Things,” it was expected that the Corolla’s design would become more accepted over time.

Inside, the top-of-the-line XSE trim of the Corolla showcased a marked improvement in perceived quality. The interior, once filled with cheap and glossy plastics, now featured numerous soft-touch surfaces. The remaining plastic materials were finished with a matte look, avoiding the shiny appearance reminiscent of bodybuilders on Venice Beach. However, the economy car roots of the Corolla were evident in the transmission shifter, which felt less solid compared to rivals like Hyundai or Kia.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, traditionally not a looker, underwent a significant transformation with its latest iteration. While previous models had been plain and cost-conscious, the new Sentra adopted a more stylish and upscale appearance. Testers particularly admired the Electric Blue paint on the SV trim. Despite having basic 16-inch alloy wheels and halogen headlights, the Sentra’s design was far from drab.

The new Sentra drew design cues from the Altima, giving it a poised and memorable shape. With a lower and wider stance and a sleek profile, the Sentra looked more expensive due to advancements in manufacturing technology. The V-shaped grille and detailed headlight designs contributed to its mature and recognizable appearance. The SR trim added sporty elements like 18-inch wheels and fog lights, enhancing its visual appeal.

Internally, the Sentra stepped up its game significantly. While the rear door upper panels were hard plastic, and the window switches felt flimsy, the rest of the cabin featured impressive materials. The flat-bottom leather steering wheel, white-stitched leatherette dashboard, and knurled climate knobs provided a premium experience. Optional packages elevated the interior to near-luxury standards, making the Sentra’s cabin a comfortable and stylish environment.

In terms of performance, the 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a range of engine options. The base L, LE, and XLE trims came with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering a modest 139 horsepower. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and 16-inch wheels, this setup was functional but uninspiring.

For those seeking a bit more excitement, the SE and XSE trims featured a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower, which added a touch of sportiness. The CVT in these trims came with paddle shifters and a physical launch gear for improved acceleration. Additionally, the SE trim offered a 6-speed manual gearbox, a rarity among competitors and even higher-end models like the BMW 3 Series.

The Corolla XSE’s driving dynamics were well-tuned, with an independent rear suspension providing a smooth and stable ride. Though it wasn’t the most powerful, it handled confidently and had excellent brakes. However, the car’s lack of sound insulation and the absence of a turbocharger hindered its performance in dynamic driving scenarios. Despite this, the Corolla XSE’s fuel economy remained competitive, averaging around 29.8 mpg in tests.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, meanwhile, phased out its turbocharged engines and manual transmissions, focusing on a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. This was paired with a CVT that mimicked gear changes smoothly. While the Sentra didn’t offer the same sporty feel as some competitors, its steering response and handling were improved with an independent rear suspension.

The Sentra’s throttle pedal was noted to be overly sensitive, which could make it jumpy in traffic. However, the Eco mode helped moderate this behavior. The CVT provided smooth and responsive transitions, and engine noise was kept to a minimum. The Sentra’s chassis and brakes instilled confidence in drivers, although it was not particularly sporty. Fuel economy for the Sentra was commendable, with an average of around 30 mpg during mixed driving.

Despite being classified as a compact car, the 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a surprisingly roomy interior, earning an EPA midsize designation. A family of four would find it adequate for various trips, though some comfort issues existed. The black SofTex leatherette seats could become unbearably hot during Southern California heat waves, especially in the back where air-conditioning vents were absent. The lack of USB charging ports and privacy-tinted rear glass added to the discomfort. The front passenger seat’s lack of height adjustment was another drawback, particularly for shorter occupants.

However, the driver’s seat in the Corolla XSE was comfortable and featured multiple adjustments. The back seat, though high-set, provided good legroom and support but might have inadequate headroom for taller passengers. Storage was limited, with small cupholders and few storage compartments. The trunk space of 13.1 cubic feet was fairly generous, enough for a couple of suitcases and additional bags.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra excelled in rear-seat usability, offering ample legroom and headroom even for taller passengers. The Zero Gravity front seats were designed to reduce muscle fatigue, proving comfortable on longer drives. While side visibility was excellent thanks to low windowsills, the rear visibility was compromised by the steeply raked rear window and obstructive headrests.

Trunk space in the Sentra was slightly better than the Corolla, measuring 14.3 cubic feet. The seatbacks also folded for additional cargo flexibility. Despite a few setbacks, such as the fuzzy rear-view mirror, the Sentra’s cabin was otherwise practical and user-friendly, with ergonomic controls and ample storage.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came equipped with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay but lacking Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen and physical volume and tuning knobs. It included Amazon Alexa compatibility, Siri Eyes Free, and several trial subscription services for navigation and connected services. Higher trims offered advanced voice recognition, SiriusXM radio, and a JBL premium sound system.

Wireless device charging, larger displays, and additional USB ports were available on higher trims, making the Corolla technologically advanced but possibly overwhelming due to the myriad of services and trials included.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra, while more basic in its offerings, provided a solid array of standard technology features. Although it lacked semi-automated driving functions, navigation, and wireless charging, the Sentra came with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi on the mid-level SV trim. Additional USB ports, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start were included, along with a full suite of driver-assist features.

Optional upgrades included a Bose stereo, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and brighter LED headlights. While not as feature-rich as some high-end models, the Sentra’s technology package was balanced and effective for its price range.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0 across all trims. This suite of active driver-assistance systems included features like low-light pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist, a lane-centering technology. The system operated smoothly and accurately but could be somewhat intrusive, especially during late-night drives when driver fatigue was high. The blind-spot monitoring system, standard on higher trims, was a valuable addition but lacked rear cross-traffic alert.

Safety ratings from the NHTSA awarded the Corolla sedan a 5-star rating for frontal-impact protection, though side-impact testing was pending. The IIHS had named it a Top Safety Pick for 2019.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra featured comprehensive safety equipment, including rear side airbags, knee airbags for both the driver and front passenger, and standard forward and reverse emergency braking. Other features included pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and auto high beams. Despite not being crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time, the Sentra was expected to receive top ratings.