Budget-conscious shoppers with an eye for style will find much to like in the 2023 Nissan Sentra. The attractive exterior holds a universal appeal, and the roomy interior makes this little sedan feel more like a midsize car.
Nissan offers the Sentra in three flavors, each designed to appeal to a specific buyer. Regardless of trim, however, every 2023 Sentra has the same 149-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), the 4-cylinder returns excellent fuel economy ratings but lackluster acceleration.
While competitors such as the Honda Civic and Mazda3 offer more power and features, they also cost a fair bit more, especially when shopping comparably equipped models. However, the entry-level Hyundai Elantra is priced similarly to the Sentra and offers better fuel economy and a longer warranty.
2023 Nissan Sentra S: $19,950
To keep the Sentra S price under $20,000, Nissan uses rear drum brakes rather than disc brakes and 16-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers. The Sentra S also features halogen headlights, power side mirrors, and remote keyless entry.
However, when it comes to driver and passenger safety, Nissan doesn’t skimp. The standard Safety Shield 360 driver-assist suite includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver drowsiness monitor.
Features sometimes optional on competitors come standard on the Sentra. They include blind-spot alerts, rear cross-traffic detection, and rear automatic emergency braking.
The Sentra S also includes complete airbag coverage, including rear seat side-impact airbags, a feature rarely found on cars in this price range.
Rounding out the Sentra S safety features is a rearview monitor, a tire pressure monitor with Easy Fill Alert, and Active Ride Control that helps reduce pitch and dive by applying light brake force when encountering dips or bumps.
The Sentra’s 5-passenger interior features durable cloth seating (charcoal), a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat.
On the media interface front, the Sentra S has a 7-inch color touchscreen hosting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth music streaming, and Google Assistant voice recognition. A 4-speaker AM/FM radio includes one Type A USB data port and one auxiliary input jack.
Amenities include a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, air conditioning, push-button start, power locks, one-touch auto up/down power driver’s window, a rear window defogger, and a system to remind the driver to check the back seat for kids or pets before leaving the car.
LED overhead map lights, sun visors with extensions and vanity mirrors, and a sliding center armrest are all standard.
While the S doesn’t offer any factory upgrades, some notable dealer-installed options include a rear spoiler, a dash cam dual-camera drive recorder, and external lighting.
Color choices for the Sentra S are limited to Super Black, Gun Metallic, Brilliant Silver Metallic, and Fresh Powder.
With the $1,095 destination fee, the 2023 Nissan Sentra S costs $21,045. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $378. See 2023 Nissan Sentra S models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Sentra S includes:
- Nissan Safety Shield 360 – Nissan’s complete suite of driver aids includes forward and backward emergency braking, a blind-spot warning system, and lane-departure warning, all of which can help the car avoid costly accidents.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – These permit smartphone integration into the Sentra’s infotainment system, opening the door to your favorite apps, messages, music, and maps.
- Push-button start – There’s no need to remove the key fob from your purse or pocket. Just climb in, press a button, and the engine starts.
2023 Nissan Sentra SV: $21,170
The SV is the value leader of the Sentra clan, offering more features and options while keeping the MSRP well under $22,000.
Building off the Sentra S, the SV adds rear disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, a vehicle security system, and heated side mirrors.
Nissan Intelligent Key allows unlocking the doors without having the key fob in hand.
The SV color palette grows to include Electric Blue Metallic, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Rosewood Metallic, and Aspen White Tricoat.
The SV cabin receives upgraded cloth upholstery, a 6-speaker audio system, a 7-inch instrument cluster display screen, an 8-inch color touchscreen, SiriusXM satellite radio, plus one Type C USB charge port in front and one Type A USB charge port at the rear console.
Adaptive cruise control, standard on the Sentra SV, maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, making driving in congested traffic much less stressful.
Available upgrades for the SV include the All-Weather Package, which features dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote engine start.
The SV Premium Package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof with a tilt feature, tan quilted leather-appointed seats, a leather shift knob, and a 6-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support.
With the $1,095 destination fee, the 2023 Nissan Sentra SV costs $22,265. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $400. See 2023 Nissan Sentra SV models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Sentra SV includes:
- Adaptive cruise control – This system maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed as needed. The system can even bring the Sentra to a stop, at which point it turns off and returns control to the driver.
- 7-inch driver display – Located in the instrument cluster, this larger display shows settings for the adaptive cruise control, audio information, driving aids, text message alerts, and traffic sign recognition.
- Available heated steering wheel – The SV Premium Package’s available heated steering wheel is much appreciated after a night of freezing weather.
2023 Nissan Sentra SR: $22,840
Although it gains no additional horsepower, the Sentra SR looks pretty sporty; this is the trim to get if you’re all about good looks and cutting-edge tech.
The SR stands out with slick 18-inch alloy wheels, a dark chrome V-Motion grille, and LEDs for the headlights, daytime running lights, and fog lights. It also sports chrome exhaust finishers, lower body side sill extensions, remote start, and a rear spoiler.
Paint choices include four two-tone options featuring a black-painted roof and an exclusive Monarch Orange Metallic scheme.
The SR’s cabin also gets the sport treatment, with sport cloth upholstery and orange contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a rear center armrest with cup holders, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
SR buyers can opt for a more sinister appearance by checking the Midnight Edition option, which brings a black-painted V-Motion grille, a rear spoiler, a rear diffuser, black exterior badging, and 18-inch black wheels.
The ultimate SR is one equipped with the Premium Package. It features heated front seats, a 6-way power driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support, simulated leather upholstery, an 8-speaker Bose audio system, and LED projector headlights.
The Premium Package also adds a power moonroof, NissanConnect services, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a 360-degree Intelligent Around View monitor.
With the $1,095 destination fee, the 2023 Nissan Sentra SR costs $23,935. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $430. See 2023 Nissan Sentra SR models for sale near you
2023 Nissan Sentra SR includes:
- Remote start – A nice feature when it’s cold or rainy. A button on the fob signals the engine to start, which also signals the climate control to heat or cool the cabin, depending on the outside temperature.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – This more advanced climate control allows front-seat occupants to create their climate zones.
- Available Bose audio – The 8-speaker Bose audio system enhances your music so you can hear it how the artist intended.
