Nissan Sentra vs Competitors

 

 

Overview

SUVs seem to be all the rage these days, but let’s not forget about those tried-and-true sedans. Affordability is not the only attractive element, though; manufacturers of midsized sedans have made their products more stylish and well-equipped than ever – and in some cases even a little luxurious. The 2019 Nissan Sentra is a good example that checks all of the above boxes. Whether or not you want a basic daily driver or a sporty handler, the Sentra’s got you covered. Its competition includes the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, and Subaru Impreza. The Sentra is a true sleeper in this group, boasting enough attributes to be a class leader.

VIEW SENTRA INVENTORY


Interior Space and Pricing

At first glance, you might mistake the Sentra for a full-sized sedan. That’s because it is one of the most accommodating vehicles in its class, providing plenty of space for passengers and their belongings. Let’s look at the trunk space, specifically. The Sentra will get you 15.1 cubic feet under the lid, whereas the Civic (11.9 cu. ft.), Impreza (12.3 cu. ft.), Corolla (13.0 cu. ft.), Mazda3 (13.2 cu. ft.), Cruze (13.9 cu. ft.), and Elantra (14.4 cu. ft.) each fall behind in this important category. On top of the generous space the ‘19 Sentra provides, it’s also generously priced, with a starting MSRP of $17,890, while the base MSRPs for the Cruze ($17,995), Impreza ($18,595), Corolla ($18,700), Civic ($19,550), and Mazda3 ($21,000) are a bit less enticing.


Standard Technology Features

When you take a closer look at the base models for each sedan compared here, you’ll find that the Sentra includes quite a bit to write home about. For one, its infotainment system has a 7-inch touchscreen – fairly large for a base model – and it’s is easy to use thanks to its simple and intuitive design. In contrast, the base Civic and Elantra both have a 5-inch display. The Corolla (6.1-inch display) and Impreza (6.5-inch display) both come with smaller screens on their base models. Only the Mazda3 has a larger screen, at 8.8 inches, but keep in mind that it’s also quite a bit more expensive.

Also, unlike the Cruze, Impreza, Mazda3, and Elantra, the Sentra gets standard automatic emergency braking on its base trim. You can also get a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert if you upgrade to a higher trim (a feature that is entirely absent on the Corolla). You can also get adaptive cruise control on the ’19 Sentra, a feature that the Cruze doesn’t provide on any of its trims.