The 2020 Nissan Sentra – An Attractive Sedan that Has Everything It Needs

The latest Nissan Sentra has recently debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the redesigned, refreshed mid-size sedan being among the most anticipated new releases that will hit the lots early next year. The Sentra has a long history – the first Nissan car that was named Sentra left the factory to conquer the world in 1982 – a history of growth and development and Nissan certainly knows how to take it all one step further.

The new Sentra, though mid-sized, plays in the same team as Nissan’s much larger models, borrowing design elements and solutions from more upscale Maxima and Altima models – here are some of the features that account for the popularity of the model. The 2020 Sentra will be going up against fierce competitors in a segment that is continuously shrinking, but is still strong, with not too many players, but with players that are extremely competitive.

Nissan Sentra Trim Levels, Powertrain Options and Exterior Features

The new Sentra comes in three trim levels: the S, the SV and the SR (the NISMO and the SR Turbo trims available with the previous versions are no longer offered, making the line-up more straightforward), all of them powered by the same, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, capable of 149 horsepower and 145 pound-feet  of torque, an all-new engine that replaces the previous model year’s 1.8-lter engine and packs much more power (about 20% more, to be precise). All new Nissan Sentra models come with the reliable and so well-known Xtronic continuously variable transmission.

The platform of the 2020 Sentra is new, too – ride height is more than two inches lower than in the case of previous versions and the new version is also 2 inches wider than its predecessor. Handling is also improved, thanks to the independent rear suspension and the 2020 is the first model to get dual-pinion-rack electric power-steering system that improves fuel-efficiency and adds more steering feel. All models are front-wheel driven.

All trims run on the same powertrain, the features that distinguish them from each other being body and cabin features. The V-Motion grille and the floating design of the roof are common for all new Sentras, but the base model gets standard, 16-inch wheels, the mid-level trim is equipped with alloy wheels of the same size, while the highest trim is fitted with larger, 18-inch wheels. The top-level SR is fitted with a sporty spoiler in the rear and its grille is a component treated with darkened chrome for an aggressively elegant look.

Nissan Sentra buyers are offered a wide range of exterior color options, including eight monochrome solutions and three two-color options, all of them eye-catching (the two-color options were introduced with the Juke and the Leaf and proved so appreciated that they are likely to be loved by Sentra buyers as well). The new Sentra turns heads not only with its spectacular colors – the sleek and aggressive front, the redesigned rear bumper and taillights are also there to create a harmoniously assertive appearance.

The Nissan Sentra Cabin

All new Nissan models come with upgraded interiors, the Sentra being no exception. The quality of the materials used throughout the cabin is top-notch, with attractive chrome accents, contrast stitching and a dashboard that has all the components right where they should be. Nissan’s highly popular Zero Gravity seats and leather upholstery are offered as optional.

Cabin Tech, Active and Passive Safety Features that Make the Nissan Sentra Stand Out

The entry-level Sentra gets drum brakes in the rear, but the two higher trims come with disc brakes on all fours.

In terms of cabin tech, the Nissan Sentra has everything that can be expected of a modern sedan. The entry trim features a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and 4.2-inch digital cluster. The SV trim is fitted with a larger, 8-inch display and cross-platform smartphone compatibility as standard. Nissan stays true to its commitment to safety with the Sentra, too – the standard equipment for all models include the Nissan Safety Shield 360, with blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection and automatic rear braking. Nissan pays attention to all the passengers in the Sentra – the standard a rear-door alert system, the driver-alertness monitor and the 10 supplemental air-bags are also offered as standard. An Intelligent Around View Monitor is also available as an option.

Pricing Information

Nissan has not released information related to the pricing they recommend – that detail is expected to be made public any time now. However, as the previous year version started at slightly under 19 thousand, the 2020 Sentra is also expected to sell for prices in that range.

Final Thoughts

The 2020 Nissan Sentra is definitely an eye-catching, stylish and feature-rich car that feels great to drive, turns heads wherever it goes and is fitted with everything it needs to make moving around safe and comfortable.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra is available at Anchor Nissan in North Smithfield, RI.