Compact sedans have lost some luster to the crossover onslaught, so much so that some automobile manufacturers have stopped making them all together. Nissan isn’t one of them.
The Sentra remake really is the biggest redo of the company’s compact sedan. First off, it looks more upscale and less like a generic sedan that you might find at the car rental lot. The new handsome body sits a bit lower and is wider than the previous Sentra.
The V motion grill and LED lighting give this compact sedan some parking lot presence. The optional two tone paint job is a nice touch.
The inside sees a more eye-pleasing upgrade with this redesign. A leatherette interior with orange stitching certainly looks better than before. The Sentra grows inside too: Back seat riders will find welcome leg room for a compact sedan.
The drive is improved from previous Nissan Sentra’s, with a better road feel than before. I found it a competent cruiser; it deals with bumpy roads much better now. More power is under the hood for the 2020 remake, and it really needed it. But this is still a bit of a pokey mover when you hit the gas, as the car is really geared for better MPG than performance.
Cost: $21,650; as tested $26,375
MPG: 29 MPG City; 39 MPG Highway. I managed 34.1 in 287 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $595 two-tone Aspen white tricoat/super black; $500 lighting package; $215 floor mats, trunk mat; $2,170 premium package; $320 illuminated kicks plates; $125 impact sensors
Safety: electronic brake force distribution; intelligent cruise control; automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection; intelligent forward collision warning; rear automatic braking; blind spot warning; rear cross traffic alert; lane departure warning; intelligent engine braking; hill start assist; vehicle dynamic control system; intelligent trace control; high beam assist
Things to know: The 2020 Nissan Sentra has a new updated look, improved interior with more space and makes for a better compact sedan.
Pros:
- Redesigned exterior gives it upscale look
- Better interior space with improved quality materials
- Advanced safety technology and driver aids included on the compact sedan
Cons:
- Still not very quick when you hit the gas
- Graphics on touch screen seem a bit dated in the new ride
- Back seat bottom is firm
