The Nissan Sentra is a compact car that has been a part of Nissan’s vehicle lineup for almost four decades. Its first-generation model debuted in 1982, and it is currently in its eighth generation. How well the Nissan Sentra has withstood the test of time despite ever-changing trends in the auto industry and shifting consumer demands on the mainstream auto market is a testament to the high quality of this compact car. While many major automakers are discontinuing the four-door sedans in their lineups as consumer demands trend heavily toward crossover SUVs and pickup truck models, the Sentra remains a best-selling model from Nissan and continues to be updated and upgraded with each passing model year. If you’re in the market for a compact car, you can’t go wrong with the new Nissan Sentra. Keep reading to learn more about the new features of the 2021 Sentra and what the newest model of this popular compact car has to offer. 

What’s New for the 2021 Nissan Sentra? 

The 2021 Nissan Sentra is not very different from the 2020 Nissan Sentra, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The 2020 Sentra received high ratings and reviews from drivers and auto critics alike, and the 2021 Sentra features minor updates that help this compact car stay aligned with current standards for brand-new vehicles on the modern mainstream auto market.

New Nissan Sentra

New Nissan Sentra


For the 2021 model year, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity now come newly standard for all Nissan Sentra models—including the base model of this compact car. NissanConnect Services—which include various navigation, security, and entertainment features—are also newly available for the highest trim level of the 2021 Sentra—the Nissan Sentra SR. 
One change that doesn’t sound great but is actually somewhat refreshing is that all available models of the 2021 Sentra cost $100 more than they did for the 2020 model year. Most vehicles rise higher in price with each passing model year, especially when they get in-demand updates to infotainment tech like the 2021 Sentra got with the addition of standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity for all models and an available WiFi hotspot for its highest trim level.
This minor price increase allows the 2021 Nissan Sentra to maintain its place as an affordable compact car on the mainstream auto market. The 2021 Nissan Sentra is available in three different trim levels: the base S model, the mid-level SV trim level, and the SR model—which is the highest available trim level. The base-level Nissan Sentra S has a starting price of $20,335, the Sentra SV has a starting price of $21,395, and the Sentra SR for the 2021 model year starts at $22,675. 

Why Buy the New Sentra? 

The updates to the Nissan Sentra are very minor for the 2021 model year, which is to be expected seeing as the Sentra just recently entered a new generation—its eighth generation—for the 2020 model year. The 2021 Nissan Sentra is a high-performing, reliable compact car that offers great value and is an excellent option for commuters, families, and drivers on a budget. 
Every 2021 Sentra comes equipped with a 2.0-L four-cylinder engine that delivers 149 horsepower and pairs with continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive in order to offer a smooth and quiet ride for drivers and passengers alike. 
The 2021 Sentra also excels in the area of fuel economy. It reaches up to 29 MPG on city streets and up to 39 MPG on the highway, giving this compact sedan a combined average gas mileage of approximately 35 MPG—which sets it above most other vehicles within its segment in terms of efficiency. 
The interior of the 2021 Nissan Sentra has an upscale look and feel that is much more luxurious than the relatively low price point of the Sentra would suggest. It features comfortable Zero Gravity seats, premium materials, and an available excellent dual-zone automatic climate control system. A sunroof is another available feature for the 2021 Sentra. 
In terms of infotainment and safety tech, the Sentra performs very well when compared to other compact cars within its vehicle segment. It features either a 7.0-inch or 8.0-inch touchscreen display and is available with USB ports in both its front and back rows of seats. Satellite radio and a premium eight-speaker Bose audio system are also available tech features for the 2021 Sentra. 
As for safety, the 2021 Sentra received a five-star crash-test rating from the NHTSA and comes equipped with a host of standard advanced safety and driver-assist features. Standard safety features for the 2021 Sentra include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic emergency braking, and more. Available driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.