2020 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR

The new 2020 Nissan Sentra has a more powerful motor, a more refined interior, a sleek exterior, and more standard features. The cabin size and interior materials help make this new Sentra the best ever.

Nissan offers the Sentra with three trims: S, SV, and SR. I selected the SR based on price, performance, and its best overall appearance.

Raw driving performance is provided by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine providing 140 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque through XTRONIC Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Handling is made easy by dual-pinion electric power steering. Rear disc brakes on SV and SR models provide additional stopping power. Sentra achieves 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway for a 32-mpg combined average.

Outside, the new Sentra is more muscular with bulging bumpers, dark chrome V-Motion grille, and a flowing roof line.

All this additional “good looks” has made Nissan the best-looking CVT-equipped vehicle in the segment. Two inches in additional width and attractive Betty Davis looking LED headlights resting on 18-inch alloy wheels wearing all-season tires make for one great package.

Sentra SR’s cabin features a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, 4-way adjustable front-passenger seat, 60/40 split folding rear bench seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, and sport cloth interior with orange stitching.

The SR model also brings some upgrades on the technology front. There is a 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display in the gauge cluster to provide immediate info and data. The NissanConnect infotainment system centers around the 8-inch central color display with multi-touch control. Its software provides advanced features includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Bluetooth audio streaming, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, Siri Eyes Free, and Nissan Voice Recognition are all standard.

Safety and security features are too numerous to list, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a few features, such as Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning.

Sentra handles well, with an excellent view of the outside while comfortably seated in the cabin. When combined with an engine that delivers excellent power while only sipping gasoline, the Sentra means safety, joy, and value.

The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price starts at $19,310 for the base S model, and goes up to $21,650 for the SR model.

There was a Premium Package that I would recommend for an additional price of $2,170. It includes 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar, 8-speaker Bose Premium Audio System, power sliding glass moonroof, and Intelligent Around View Monitor, just to mention a few.

Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty
5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile Roadside Assistance

Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or [email protected].