2018 Nissan Sentra Sedan

Driving Impression

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Sentras handle better than some might expect. The 1.8-liter models with the base suspension have relatively stiff springs, ensuring more controlled body motions. In SR Turbo and NISMO editions, springs are stiffer yet, while remapped steering promises a greater sense of heft.

Whether it has base 16-inch tires or upgraded 17-inch rubber, a Sentra rides fairly softly, without excessive body roll. Rear drum brakes on S and SV versions feel confident, but permit perceptible nosedive.

While undeniably competent in daily commuter-style driving, performance of regular-engine Sentras is on the leisurely side. Even in SR Turbo and NISMO form, the Sentra appears to embrace comfort over vigorous acceleration. They’re more gratifying than non-turbo models, to be sure; but the performance boost isn’t dramatic, considering the difference in horsepower.

Base Sentras come with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which feels too loose to make it fun to manipulate. Nissan’s CVT is more satisfying, though highway passing and steep climbs in mountainous terrain may demand some planning and patience.

Non-turbo Sentras score well in fuel economy, though some competitors are even more thrifty. With the 1.8-liter engine and CVT, the 2018 Altima is EPA-rated at 29/37 mpg City/Highway, or 32 mpg Combined. Manual shift drops those figures by 2 mpg in each category.

Sentra SR Turbos with CVT are EPA-rated at 27/33 mpg City/Highway, or 29 mpg Combined. Turbos with manual lose 1 mpg on each estimate. NISMO models are rated 25/30/27 mpg with CVT; but the highway figure rises by 1 mpg with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Turbos require premium gasoline.

Walk Around

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Compared to other Nissan models, the compact Sentra looks welcoming. Next to competitors from other automakers, it’s less appealing. With its relatively tall, almost boxy profile, the Sentra lags behind modern rivals from the likes of Honda and Mazda.

Sentra sheetmetal shows a clear kinship to the bigger Altima, include rather deep creases and a body line that stretches from nose to tail. Turbocharged Sentras feature a number of visual extras, including LED daytime running lights, side sills, and a spoiler.

Interior Overview

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Not unlike its body, the Sentra’s interior comes across as upright and utilitarian, built on a budget-focused foundation. What Nissan’s compact offers, beyond its competitors, is greater cabin space, especially in the back.

Front-seat occupants sit higher than is typical in the compact category, which is a bonus for outward visibility. The tall roofline provides good headroom in front and rear, even with a moonroof. Leather upholstery isn’t the best choice in upper trim levels, because the material is thin.

Rear-seat passengers get 37.4 inches of legroom and a generous 50.9 inches of hip space. Both figures beat those of most rivals. Wide-opening rear doors make it easy to enter and exit. Either two adults or three teenagers can feel comfortable, stretching out a bit in back.

The gently-curved dashboard flows across the front compartment in a two-tier layout. Tapering at the sides makes maximum use of the available space.

The sizable trunk holds 15.1 cubic feet of luggage. Loading is eased by a wide opening.

Sentras are quiet at highway cruising speeds, thanks largely to acoustic glass. When accelerating strongly, however, some unwanted noise oozes into the cabin.

Summary

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All told, the compact Sentra performs as promised. Roomy and quiet, it’s a relatively affordable choice. Average in capability, it’s the type of car driven by millions each day. Best values are the lower-cost versions. Even the base Sentra is comparatively well-equipped for its price.

Driving impressions by The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.

Model Lineup

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Sentra S ($16,990) has the 1.8-liter engine, cloth upholstery, a 5.0-inch display, Bluetooth, four-speaker audio, automatic headlights, a rearview camera, and 16-inch wheels with covers. It’s available with the CVT ($18,140). (Prices are MSRP and do not include $885 destination charge.)

Sentra SV ($18,960) gets the CVT, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel, upgraded cloth upholstery, six-speaker audio, keyless ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Sentra SR ($20,370) adds sport cloth seats, LED headlights, foglamps, adaptive cruise control, sporty interior accents, and 17-inch wheels. It comes with the 1.8-liter engine and CVT.

Sentra SL ($23,440) has the CVT, along with leather upholstery, a moonroof, Bose audio, 5.8-inch touchscreen, Nissan telematics, blind-spot monitoring, and unique 17-inch wheels.

Sentra SR Turbo substitutes a more powerful 1.6-turbocharged engine and comes with CVT ($22,490).

NISMO ($25,790) comes with a turbocharged engine, 18-inch wheels, sporty details inside and outside, and deeper front bucket seats. It’s available with manual or CVT.