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1955 Ford Crown Victoria2023 Nissan Sentra: User Friendly Sedan
The 2023 Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan with economical pricing and solid fuel economy. We look at interior options, trim levels, and more in this review.
2023 Nissan Sentra – usa.nissannews.com | Shop 2023 Nissan Sentra on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Nissan Sentra
Having hit the 40-year production mark last year – a history we dive into here – this 2023 Nissan Sentra review reveals a fresh-faced compact sedan that appears ready for another four-decade run. Just a few years into the eighth-generation model that debuted in 2020, the 2023 Sentra is on sale with no major changes.
Slotted between the automaker’s Versa and Altima offerings, the Sentra joins the sporty Maxima to make Nissan one of the few remaining manufacturers with a fully fleshed-out sedan lineup. Thanks to low pricing and upscale styling, the Sentra continues to be a compelling compact.
The Breakdown
Low price point
Solid fuel economy
Mini-Maxima looks
Slow acceleration
No AWD
Dated infotainment
A very basic economy sedan
2023 Sentra Specs
- 140 horsepower from base engine
- 146 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 14.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Standard Siri Eyes Free
- 10 standard airbags
- 5 years of powertrain coverage
2023 Nissan Sentra Powertrain
Every 2023 Nissan Sentra is fitted with a naturally aspirated inline-4 displacing two liters to produce 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission is of the continuously variable variety, and it routes power to the front wheels only. Unlike its Altima stablemate that we compare to the Sentra here, there is no option for all-wheel drive. A MacPherson strut front setup and multi-link rear design make up the fully independent suspension that offers a composed ride.
However, look elsewhere for sporty intentions. Though the Sentra tips the scales at just over 3,000 pounds, the wheezy motor requires more than nine seconds to hit 60 mph from a standstill. And as an obvious nod to its bargain basement pricing are the front drum brakes on S models.
That’s not something you see much anymore, but fortunately, the other two trims have disc brakes all around. Nissan does fit all Sentras with traction and stability control as well as Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control. The tracing system can brake individual wheels to help cut a smoother arc in the bends, while the ride control system adds engine torque adjustments to improve ride comfort.
2023 Nissan Sentra Fuel Economy & MPG
All 2023 Sentras come with active front-grille shutters and a driver-selectable Eco mode to help with fuel efficiency. It all works to earn the S and SV models an EPA-estimated 29 mpg around town and 39 on the highway. That translates to over 450 miles of highway range with the 12-gallon gas tank. SR models fare slightly worse with ratings of 28/37 mpg in city/highway driving.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The 2023 Sentra cabin belies its low-cost sticker price with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a nicely integrated infotainment display, and a range of upholstery choices. Base models make do with cloth seat coverings but SV models offer snazzy tan-colored quilted leather as part of the Premium package. It’s sharp. Sporty SR models come with upgraded cloth and orange stitching or optional Prima-Tex leatherette.
Nissan’s lauded “Zero Gravity” front seats are standard on the Sentra. Said to be inspired by the weightlessness of outer space, these fatigue-reducing thrones would make any of the options on this list of best commuter cars jealous. Along with seating for five, the Sentra’s rear bench can split-fold in a 60-40 configuration when you need to haul longer items. The trunk itself is rated for 14.3 cubic feet of volume, on par with the 14.8 cubes a new Civic offers.
The Civic does deliver an additional two inches of back row legroom – 37 to the 35 found in a Sentra – but creature comforts like available heated front seats and a power moonroof offset that. Other niceties include a standard multi-function steering wheel, an available rear center armrest, and added soft-touch panels on the SR model.
Entertainment & Technology
Aside from base models with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, the rest of the 2023 Sentra lineup has an 8-inch display. Every model includes Apple and Android smartphone mirroring as well as Google Assistant and Siri Eyes Free integrations.
Accessing the Wi-Fi hotspot and Bose 8-speaker audio system requires the top-spec Sentra SR plus a pricey package. However, midpack SV trim comes with six speakers, and all models feature physical volume and tuning knobs. It’s a reasonably robust roster of tech options, but the Sentra struggles to compete against the likes of a Kia Forte with its available 10-inch infotainment screen, wireless phone charging, and built-in navigation – none of which are offered by Nissan.
Safety Features
Nissan Safety Shield 360, the automaker’s suite of six advanced driver-assistance systems, comes standard on the new Sentra. It includes forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and lane-departure warning.
Adaptive cruise control and a surround-view monitor are available as you move through the trim ladder, but every 2023 Sentra is fitted with 10 airbags. Though the IIHS rated the 2022 Sentra a Top Safety Pick, in 2023 testing, headlight performance dropped and as a result, the new model did not earn this rating.
2023 Nissan Sentra Trims & Pricing
S – $21,595
Kicking off the 2023 Sentra lineup, S models ride on cheapo 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps though the door handles and side mirrors are body-colored. Cabin features consist of a urethane steering wheel with buttons for the 4-speaker stereo and cruise control. The infotainment lineup consists of a 7-inch central touchscreen with Apple and Android device integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and a single front USB port.
SV – $22,365
Alloy wheels and more exterior color options spruce up the Sentra SV outside, while premium cloth upholstery and a touch of silver trim add style to the cabin. The stereo adds two more speakers for a total of six, the touchscreen steps up to seven inches, and the 4-inch multi-information gauge display from base models is replaced by a color 7-inch screen. Adaptive cruise control is standard here, while the $1,860 Premium package offers 17-inch wheels, a moonroof, and quilted leather upholstery.
SR – $24,035
Along with side skirts and a rear spoiler, SR trim sports 18-inch rims, full LED lighting – including fog lamps – heated side mirrors, and available two-tone paint finishes. Inside, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control are standard, but the surround-view monitor, brighter LED headlights, heated front seats, and 8-speaker Bose stereo require the $2,470 Premium package. The Midnight Edition package, which arrived with the 2022 Sentra, adds a black finish to the wheels, front grille, rear spoiler, and badging.
Warranties
Nissan’s warranty coverage is nothing special with a three year or 36,000-mile basic term and five year or 60,000-mile powertrain term. Kia is well-known for their 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and Toyota includes two years of complimentary maintenance versus none from Nissan.
What we think
2023 Nissan Sentra – usa.nissannews.com | Shop 2023 Nissan Sentra on Carsforsale.com
In a vacuum, you’ll find a cheap, user-friendly car in this 2023 Nissan Sentra review. However, compared to a Kia Forte that undercuts the Sentra on base price with the option for more power and technology, the Nissan is less appealing. Nonetheless, buyers will enjoy solid fuel economy and handsome good looks no matter which model they choose.
My money would be on the midpack SV model with the Premium and All-Weather package that brings heated seats, a moonroof, and that quilted leather upholstery. Before hitting the dealership, be sure to read up on the latest new car incentives to help you find a good deal.
