Nissan updates the Sentra’s look, interior quality, comfort, and safety to try to recapture its once-prominent place in a segment abandoned by the Big Three

Shop for the 2020 Nissan Sentra on CarGurus: https://cargur.us/yWMW_

For 38 years, Nissan has peddled the Sentra as its starter car. It’s a household name like Civic, Corolla, and Jetta—all of which are brand-new or have been refreshed in the last couple of years. The eighth-generation Sentra reflects major upgrades in style, technology, and driving dynamics. Compact sedans have a high bar to clear, even at $20,000. The 2020 Sentra delivers in every respect.

The 2020 Sentra is a scaled-down Altima, which is one reason it feels bigger than it is. Whereas the new Versa is a scaled-down Sentra, that car is noticeably tighter in every dimension and has the front-heavy proportions of an economy sedan. It’s a good choice, but the Sentra has the poise of a rear-wheel-drive car. The new car is 2 inches lower and wider than the last version. Now everyone is going to like the way the Sentra looks—I guarantee it.

A 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder makes 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Only two competitors—the Mazda3 and Subaru Impreza—offer all-wheel drive (AWD), which is still a rarity in this segment. Acceleration tapers off after 30 mph, and part of that is due to a throttle pedal I found to be overly sensitive, but the CVT is very good at mimicking the gear changes of a conventional automatic even without a manual mode or shift paddles.

Granted, the Sentra is missing some higher-grade equipment—like higher-performance engines—that its competitors offer. But the value the Sentra provides is undeniable. Its style, refinement, and driving dynamics have so improved that the Sentra, at a lower price than its rivals, doesn’t feel shortchanged one bit.

For more information on the 2020 Nissan Sentra, read Cliff’s full review on CarGurus: https://cargur.us/yWMZD

Presenter: Clifford Atiyeh
Cinematography: Venn Creative Media

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