The 2019 Nissan Sentra is a compact car the competes with the likes of the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. But thanks to a dated design (inside and out) and underpowered engines, the Nissan Sentra ranks at the bottom of our ranking for compact cars.
Even so, there are still some positives surrounding this car. The cabin and seats are spacious and comfortable, and the trunk also has sizeable cargo space for a vehicle in this class. What buyers may have their eye on, however, is the price. The 2019 Nissan Sentra is one of the least expensive vehicles on the market and routinely undercuts its rivals on price. That makes it a popular choice for first-time drivers and first-time car buyers alike. Here's how each trim level breaks down and what you can expect and which price point.
S
The 2019 Nissan Sentra S is the base model and the cheapest option. It's starting MSRP is $17,890. Even though it may be cheap, it still has plenty of safety features. Intelligent auto headlights and a rearview monitor come standard. The Sentra S also has vehicle dynamic control with a traction control system and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The standard engine offering is a 1.8-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine. It will get you from place to place, but it's not exactly the peppiest engine around. If you're wanting something a little more fun to drive, look to the NISMO trim or try a Mazda3. On the interior, there is a 7-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth streaming audio. Buyers will be better off looking to higher trims for better features, however. The Sentra S comes with a manual transmission standard.
SV
The 2019 Nissan Sentra SV is a step up from the base model. The price is still a bargain, though, since it starts at $19,190. It rides atop nicer 16-inch 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels. The interior is nice, also. Drivers and passengers will appreciate the dual-zone automatic temperature control with an in-cabin microfilter. Seats are also upgraded to a premium cloth seat trim. The steering wheel is even 370Z-inspired.
The Sentra SV also has a Nissan Intelligent Key with push-button ignition. But more importantly, at least for most drivers, this is the first trim level that comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities.
SR
With its array of standard features and budget-conscious price point, we think the 2019 Nissan Sentra SR is the best bang-for-your-buck for most drivers. The starting price is a very affordable $20,690. The Sentra SR trim features 17-inch 10-spoke machined aluminum-alloy wheels. It also has a sporty rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light. Speaking of lights, this trim also comes with LED low-beam projector headlights with LED accents.
In terms of driver-focused features, buyers will find intelligent cruise control and heated front seats. Those are great offers at this entry-level price point.
SR Turbo
The 2019 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo stands out from the pack with a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It's capable of 188hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. It's much peppier than the standard 1.8L engine on other trims. In keeping with its racing-inspired theme, the Sentra SR Turbo also has a CVT transmission with manual shift mode. Its other major standard feature is a power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature.
It further differentiates itself from the Sentra SR by having cruise control with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls. The starting MSRP is $22,670.
SL
The 2019 Nissan Sentra SL starts at $23,120 and is the top-of-the-line trim that isn't performance-focused. While it has many of the same standard features as the Sentra SR Turbo, the Sentra SL ups the comfort just a bit more. It also has the standard moonroof and LED low-beam projector headlights of the previous trim, but it adds in fog lights as well. Additionally, this is the trim level when leather-appointed seats are included as part of the standard offering.
Lastly, the audio system is upgraded to match the upgraded interior. The Sentra SL comes with a Bose Premium Audio System that includes eight speakers and dual woofers. Unlike the SR Turbo, though, the engine on this trim is the 1.8L 16-valve.
NISMO
Nismo is the in-house tuning and motorsports division of Nissan, standing for "Nissan Motorsport." The mention of motorsports should be an indicator that the Sentra NISMO has the same 1.6L DIG turbocharged engine that comes on the Sentra SR Turbo. A manual transmission option also returns for this trim (at the same price as the CVT option).
The 2019 Nissan Sentra NISMO also has a distinct suspension, steering, and aerodynamic body kit. There are also NISMO-branded sport front seats and a tachometer. Plus, the whole thing races along on 18-inch 10-spoke machined aluminum-alloy wheels. The starting MSRP is a reasonable $25,940. However, the fuel economy suffers at 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Those are particularly low numbers for a compact car, even a racing-inspired one.
(featured image via Facebook)
