PHOENIX — For the vast majority of the automotive driving public the 2025 Nissan Sentra is a practical solution for their driving needs. Sentra is a compact four-door five passenger (four comfortably), with styling that's easy on the eyes but no runway beauty either. Sentra's competitive class include varsity brands like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3 and others, and does everything they do but not better.

Sentra breaks no new ground and in every sense is incessantly and perennially average.

For this review Nissan sent the middle of three trim offerings, the SV ($22,290) that's slotted between the base Sentra S ($21,590) and top level SR ($24,270) for testing. Even the base S comes well equipped with standard features but for well under a $1,000 more the SV adds a load of extra desirable and sensible features such as adaptive cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, proximity keyless access, upgraded cloth upholstery, 8.0-inch driver info display and aluminum wheels.

We'd also spend an extra $670 for the All-Weather Package that adds a heated leather wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and outside mirrors and, remote starting.

Our test SV also came equipped with the optional SV Premium Package ($2,620),that adds quilted leather upholstery, power lumbar support, a six-way power driver seat, a power sliding/tilt sunroof, a rear center armrest, and larger 17-inch alloy wheels. The package also equips the SV with an 8-speaker Bose Premium audio system, surround-view cameras, and rear seat center armrest with 2 cupholders.

Every 2025 Sentra is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. A continuous variable transmission (CVT) sends power to the front wheels. Horsepower is meager but when called upon it is sufficient getting up to highway speeds from the on-ramp foregoing a white knuckle experience. It certainly isn't fast and could possibly be one of the slower vehicles i've reviewed in the past several months, but nowhere does Nissan claim the Sentra delivers sporty driving dynamics.

The EPA claims a combined city/highway 34 MPG fuel economy rating and our week of testing delivered a few MPG below that. Overall, our test Sentra seemed unambitious, not offensive but there was never a sense of inspired or robust driving, the engine simply doesn't have enough oomph it needs for entertaining driving. The engine is noisy and steering bland, brakes just meh.

Still, the ride is well controlled but diving into a corner even somewhat aggressively with ample amounts of understeer. But with a soft suspension and rent-a-car like tires, the Sentra encourages you to take it easy and is more comfortable with a commuter pace back and forth to work.

Our upgraded SV cabin was visually pleasing with most operational controls straightforward and easy to use. Front seats were supportive and comfortable with acceptable amounts of leg, shoulder and headroom. Rear-seat leg and headroom is at a premium and among the tightest in its competitive class. 14.3 cubic feet of trunk cargo space is average for the class.

The 2025 Sentra carry over from last year nearly identical except for a couple of very minor upgrades: NissanConnect is now standard on the SV trim and includes access to Nissan's app integration and a Wi-i hotspot. Nissan also added up to three free oil changes for two years or 24,000 miles matching the same offering from some competitors.

Because Nissan has a value proposition focus with its vehicles, Sentra will attract scores of buyers looking for a competitive price and low car payment. Like all the cars in this class, the Sentra isn't considered an aspirational vehicle nor one that is usually cherished with owners taking a selfie standing next to their car. Rather, it will serve as dutiful and noble service as a practical solution for everyday driving needs.

Unfortunately there's little reason one would choose the Sentra over the Civic or Corolla that delivers a superior dealership purchasing and service experience along with excellent reliability and resale scores or Mazda3 with the best compact sedan driving dynamics or Elantra with an overall excellent reputation and the best new car warranty in the class. Still, it does come with a good list of standard safety features, factory rebates and deep dealer discounts for the Sentra tend to be the perpetual product marketing du jour.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $22,290
Price as Tested: $28,035
Engine/Transmission: 149-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a CVT transmission and front-wheel drive.
EPA Fuel Economy: 30/40/34 - MPG City/Highway/Combined
Seats: 5 (four comfortably)

Where Built: Aguas, Mexico

Crash Test Safety Rating: Overall 5-Star from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Competes With:
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Mazda3
Subaru Impreza
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Jetta

Likes:
Value Pricing
Loads of standard features and safety-assist
Practical solution for most driver's needs

Dislikes:
Noisy, underpowered engine
No hybrid engine option
Feels like driving a rental car

— Jim Prueter