2021 Honda Civic vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Honda Civic had a history of segment-defining models, with notable versions released in 1973, 1984, 1992, 2006, and 2016. Each iteration set new standards for compact cars, often requiring a break in between to recharge. The 2021 model continued this legacy, available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats. However, the two-door coupe was discontinued, and the sporty Civic Si was on hiatus. The Civic sedan came in various trims, with the Touring model featuring a striking Cosmic Blue Metallic paint. Despite its polarizing design, the Civic remained a familiar sight on the roads, with its interior offering quality materials and thoughtful detailing.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, entering its eighth generation, evolved from a sub-compact sedan in 1982 to a compact four-door sedan by its fifth generation in 2000. The Sentra's exterior featured an athletic design with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. It offered eight exterior paint colors and three two-tone options for the SR trim. Inside, the Sentra boasted a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, textured plastic on the center console, and a flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel. The second row was roomy, though better suited for two passengers, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options. The base LX and Sport trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The more desirable turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, delivered 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering provided a delightful driving experience, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the CVT was a drawback, often droning and feeling unsophisticated. Despite this, the Civic achieved impressive fuel economy, averaging 34.8 mpg on a 140-mile driving loop.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an Xtronic CVT and front-wheel drive. Weighing between 3,036 and 3,084 pounds, the Sentra offered adequate performance for commuting and city driving. Fuel economy was commendable, with S and SV models achieving 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined, and SR models slightly lower at 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined. The Sentra's suspension and steering provided tidy road manners and almost fun cornering, making it a well-balanced choice for its intended purpose.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan sat low to the ground, making entry and exit a bit of a workout. Once inside, the driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, while the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats were roomy and comfortable, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The center console provided ample storage space, and the trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly reduced to 14.7 cubic feet in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior featured well-placed controls and a traditional gear selector lever. It offered two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a 12-volt port, along with big door pockets and a spacious glove compartment. The Zero Gravity front bucket seats provided comfort on long rides, with a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat available in higher trims. The Sentra's trunk had a capacity of 14.3 cubic feet, and the second row was split 60/40 for additional cargo space.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was showing its age. The base LX trim had a 5-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth, and a 1.0-amp USB port. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen, an eight-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a more powerful 1.5-amp USB port. The EX trim added HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio, while the Touring trim included navigation and a 10-speaker premium audio system. However, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system was nice but not essential.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a more comprehensive technology package. The base S trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen. Standard audio included AM/FM/USB with four speakers, upgraded to six speakers and SiriusXM in higher trims, with an optional Bose system in the SR. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, along with Bluetooth audio and hands-free capabilities. NissanConnect services, available in the SR, included a WiFi hotspot, remote access via a smartphone app, and integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

The 2021 Honda Civic came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, Road Departure Mitigation, and Lane Keeping Assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a multi-angle reversing camera. The Civic offered LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, but it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra included a comprehensive array of safety features, such as dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags, knee airbags, curtain side-impact airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert. Nissan Safety Shield 360 provided intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.