By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(July 28, 2024) For 2024 Nissan has given the popular compact Sentra a new look somewhat shedding its frumpy, anonymous styling in favor of a more fluid, curvaceous coupe-like roof line. It looks good, and that's necessary in a segment that isn't generally known for sedans with visual wow factors. 

Sentra, is a compact five passenger four-door sedan and comes in three trim levels: S, SV and SR and is one of the least expensive new cars on the market. The refreshed Sentra gets new headlights and taillights along with new wheel designs.

For this review, Nissan sent us the top line SR with a starting price of $23,980 and added the optional SR Premium Package ($2,490) that includes a power sliding moonroof, leatherette seats, 6-way power driver's seat with power lumbar, surround view camera, 8-speaker Bose premium audio system, illuminated vanity mirrors, heated steering wheel, NissanConnect services and SiriusXM satellite radio and a WI-Fi hotspot. Other options were premium paint color ($695) and 18" black alloy wheels ($785). Total MSRP as tested was $29,320.

Regardless of trim level, all 2024 Sentra's come equipped with the same 149-horsepower four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Nissan added the Xtronic CVT for 2024 which they claim improves fuel economy and smooths the driving experience with simulated traditional gear shifts. An engine start-stop gas saving feature is also new this year. The interior is almost entirely a carryover from the previous year.

The interior is an attractive design and one of the better in its competitive segment which includes the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3 and others. Materials are a mix of soft touch, hard plastic and bits of brushed aluminum trim. There's a flat-bottom steering wheel that normally would suggest a sporty driving dynamic but that isn't part of the SR package. We did like the extra-comfortable Zero Gravity seats, spacious leg, head and shoulder room and supportive bolstering of the seats. There's surprisingly good space in the front and back and the 14-cubic foot trunk and the rear seat can be folded down for increased room.

There's a modicum of infotainment tech and connectivity starting with a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that's standard. SV and SR trims get an 8.0-inch touchscreen and USB access in front and back seats. We liked the Bose stereo with eight speakers and WI-Fi hotspot but there isn't wireless charging for phones. What we didn't like was the overall operation of the infotainment system which is dated and clumsy with a fussy menu structure, small icons especially for the Sirius XM radio.

Our biggest disappointment with the SR was its anemic air conditioning which consistently failed to cool the small sedan in an Arizona summer test environment. Granted, outside temperatures were hot at 110 degrees but where I've tested all my press vehicles for the most part they comfortably keep the cabin cool with no need to keep the air conditioner set a Max Cool and high fan at a permanent setting.

Behind the wheel, driving performance and vehicle dynamics were meh at best. While the engine power and performance is moderately acceptable for daily commutes and running errands, accelerating to interstate speeds and merging with fast moving traffic is challenging.

149 horsepower with 145 - pound-feet of torque barely gets the job done. We wished for more horsepower, like 35 to 50 more horsepower. Handling is numb with a ride on the firm side and the ride quality is unexceptional yet compliant. It isn't even a bit interesting to drive but it doesn't need to be really. Think of it as an appliance, works well, doesn't break, gets you where you want to go and won't turn any heads with its looks.

Our bottom line opinion on the Sentra SR trim is even with all its added equipment including the Premium package, nearly $30K it isn't worth it. We'd suggest you move up to the Altima for a better vehicle and bang for the buck. But if your budget dictates an economy car that will get the job done, the base Sentra S that starts at $21,180 will comfortably get the job done for you at a fantastic price for a new car with a 3 year / 36,000 mile warranty with up to 33 MPG combined city-highway driving.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $23,980
Price as Tested: $29,320
Engine/Transmission: 149-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with an Xtronic CVT transmission and front-wheel drive.
EPA Fuel Economy: 30/38/33 - City/Highway/Combined
Seats: 5

Where Built: Aguas, Mexico

Competes With:
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Forte
Mazda3
Subaru Impreza
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Jetta

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Overall 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Overall Good rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Likes:
Attractive interior
Comfortable Zero Gravity seats
Decent fuel economy

Dislikes:
Anemic air conditioning
Ho-Hum driving experience
No option for hybrid powertrain