Nissan has made some changes to its Sentra compact sedan for the model year 2024. These refreshes came four years after the debut of the current model launched in December 2019. I spent a week behind the wheel and this is my review.
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I spent a week with the 2024 Nissan Sentra and here's what impressed me. Nissan has definitely refreshed the Sentra for the new model year, making it more stylish, fuel-efficient, and feature-packed. One of my friends who years ago had driven an older Sentra immediately noticed how well Nissan has changed and refreshed the current 2024 Sentra and had lots of complimentary words as I drove him around.
The most noticeable changes in the 2024 Nissan Sentra are on the outside. The front end has a new look with redesigned headlights, and all models get new 16- or 18-inch alloy wheels. If you opt for the SR trim, you'll also see a restyled rear fascia and some new stitching colors inside.
One of the biggest improvements is the fuel economy. Nissan's engineers tweaked the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and added an idle stop-start system to work with the smooth 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The result is better gas mileage across the board. The 2024 Nissan Sentra gets 34 miles per gallon mixed and 30/40 MPG city/highway respectively. This is an improvement from the 2023 model as the 2023 Sentra earned up to 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
The 2024 Nissan Sentra comes in three trims: S, SV and SR. Tech lovers will appreciate the upgrades to the popular SV trim, which is the trim I have been driving for this review. The new SV Premium package adds a surround-view camera system, a Bose sound system, and turn signal indicators on the side mirrors. The SR trim also gets heated front seats as a standard feature this year.
Safety remains a priority for Nissan, and the Sentra is no exception. Every model comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of advanced driver-assistance features that include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, and more. It's a reassuring set of technologies to have on the road.
The 2024 Nissan Sentra starts at an MSRP of $20,630, making it a compelling option in the compact car segment. It offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy, and a generous helping of standard features, all at a competitive price.
What engine is Nissan using for the 2024 Sentra?
Under the hood of the 2024 Sentra, you'll find a familiar engine: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 149 horsepower. It's paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and delivers power to the front wheels. This setup prioritizes smoothness and fuel efficiency, and with the addition of an idle stop-start system for 2024, you can expect good gas mileage of 34 miles per gallon as I stated above.
Now, when it comes to handling, the Sentra leans more towards comfort cruising than sporty thrills. The steering is predictable but lacks the feel for the road that some competitors offer, particularly the Honda Civic and Mazda 3.
The ride quality depends on the wheels you choose. My test car had 16-inch alloy wheels, which resulted in normal ride. I say with conviction that for everyday commutes and weekend errands, the Sentra offers a perfectly comfortable and compliant ride.
One area where the Sentra truly shines is braking. The pedal felt reassuringly firm, and the car came to a stop from 70 mph in a very competitive distance of 170 feet. This confidence-inspiring braking performance is a definite plus for any driver.
So, what do you think? Does the trade-off between comfort and a more engaging driving experience make sense for you?
Let's look at the interior of the 2024 Nissan Sentra now.
Stepping inside the 2024 Nissan Sentra SV, particularly with the optional SV Premium package, is a surprisingly pleasant experience. Nissan has moved away from the purely utilitarian approach and introduced a more stylish and upscale interior design.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is a trio of circular air vents that sit above user-friendly climate controls. While the interior materials are a mix of soft and hard plastics, the soft plastics are strategically placed on the most frequently touched surfaces, creating a more premium feel than the price tag might suggest.
If you really want to elevate the interior ambience, then you should definitely consider opting for the quilted leather upholstery. It adds a genuine touch of luxury, although it does sit somewhat at odds with the sporty, flat-bottom steering wheel.
One of the highlights of the Sentra's interior, however, is undoubtedly the Zero Gravity seats. Nissan has a well-deserved reputation for comfortable seats, and these do not disappoint. They're spacious, supportive, and incredibly plush, making even long journeys a breeze.
There's also good news for passengers. Opting for the available sunroof might eat slightly into headroom, but overall, adults will find ample space in both the front and rear seats. And for those who prioritize cargo capacity, the Sentra won't disappoint. We managed to fit a surprising seven carry-on suitcases in the trunk – that's one more than what the Toyota Corolla could handle!
So, tell me, what are your priorities when it comes to a car's interior? Do you prioritize upscale materials, comfortable seating, or practicality?
The 2024 Nissan Sentra's Infotainment
The 2024 Nissan Sentra offers an infotainment system that caters to a variety of preferences. No matter which trim level you choose, you'll get a touchscreen display that sits front and center on the dashboard, conveniently complemented by physical knobs for volume and tuning – a welcome feature for those who like a mix of digital and physical controls.
The base Sentra gets a 7-inch touchscreen, which is perfectly adequate for handling the essentials like music, navigation, and phone calls. But if you prefer a larger display and some extra bells and whistles, you'll be happy to know that the SV and SR trims come equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen.
The good news is that regardless of screen size, all Sentra models come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps on the go. Plus, there are USB ports in both the front and rear seats, making it easy to keep everyone's devices charged.
Now, opting for the larger 8-inch touchscreen opens the door to some interesting upgrades. You can add SiriusXM satellite radio for those who enjoy a wider variety of commercial-free music and entertainment options. Audiophiles will also appreciate the availability of an eight-speaker Bose premium sound system for an immersive listening experience. And for those who need to stay connected on the go, the Sentra can also be equipped with a Wi-Fi hotspot, turning your car into a mobile internet hub.
So, what do you find most important in a car's infotainment system? Is a large touchscreen a must-have, or do you prioritize smartphone integration and physical controls?
Sentra's Closest Competitors and Alternatives
The 2024 Nissan Sentra squares off against some formidable competitors in the compact car segment. Here are a few of the key players:
- Honda Civic: The Civic remains a perennial favorite, lauded for its sharp handling, energetic engines, and spacious interior. However, the Sentra can match the Civic on interior space and offers a smoother ride quality, while undercutting it slightly on price.
- Mazda3: The Mazda3 is known for its exceptional driving dynamics and upscale cabin. While undeniably fun to drive, the Mazda3 can have a firmer ride than the Sentra, and its infotainment system can be less intuitive.
- Toyota Corolla: The Corolla is a symbol of reliability and practicality. It offers a comfortable ride and a fuel-efficient engine, much like the Sentra. However, the Corolla's interior can feel a bit bland compared to the Sentra's more stylish cabin, and its infotainment system isn't as user-friendly.
So, where does the 2024 Nissan Sentra stand out? If you prioritize a comfortable ride, a stylish interior with surprisingly good cargo space, and a user-friendly infotainment system with standard smartphone integration, then the Sentra is a compelling option. It might not be the most exciting car to drive, but it delivers a well-rounded package at a very competitive price point.
If you're looking for a practical and reliable everyday car that won't break the bank, the Sentra is definitely worth considering.
In this review, I asked several questions about the different aspects of the 2024 Nissan Sentra. Please, join the discussion by clicking on the red link below to write your comment.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.
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