Discover New 2023 Nissan Sentra Compact Car Review

Published by Ryan ZumMallen on

2023 Nissan Sentra

2023 Nissan Sentra is rumored to be giving Sentra a refresher. The compact sedan underwent a complete redesign in 2020, so while we can’t confirm that a refresh is taking place, we expect it to be less drastic if it is.

Previously the 2022 model year brought a few changes to the Sentra. The only notable changes are some of the packages.

The All-Weather Package adds a number of comfort features to the SV trim for those in cooler climates, while the Midnight Edition adds some contrasting black trim and black 18-inch wheels for the SR trim.

We like the Sentra for its smooth ride, better-than-average interior materials, and lots of safety and tech features for the money.

But that’s hamstrung by slow acceleration, an outdated infotainment system, and a somewhat longer braking distance in a class dominated by the Honda Civic and newer competitors including the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra.

For 2022, the Sentra range adds several new option packages. The SV trim can now be equipped with the All-Weather package which adds heating elements to the steering wheel, front seats, and exterior mirrors.

The SR trim can now be paired with the Midnight Edition package, which adds black exterior bits and a unique interior look.

2023 Nissan Sentra Review

Nissan Sentra is better than you think. And for the 2023 model year, expect the compact to get a few updates to stay competitive with rivals like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra. This is what we expect from the updated 2023 Nissan Sentra.

  • Many standard features
  • The base price is lower than the Civic

Information we got on online media Nissan Models reports that the 2023 Sentra has always lived in the shadow of its popular rivals Toyota and Honda, but Nissan surprised us with a new model for 2020.

This is the Nissan-badged compact car that can stand up to its four tires. itself beyond the low base price. In our 2022 comparison test, we were impressed by its sharp styling, rear-seat legroom, and smooth ride.

The Sentra came in third out of sixth in that comparison, but here’s what we think Nissan will do to update the 2023 model. First, the 2023 Nissan Sentra will likely sport a new front end with a bigger grille.

2023 Nissan Sentra

Considering how aggressive the outgoing Sentra grille is, we’ll see how the 2023 model looks with less chrome and darker trim, as we’ve seen on the updated 2023 Altima and Versa sedans.

Looking past a series of new wheel designs, an updated grille or fresh colors, the 2023 Nissan Sentra’s biggest chance is to continue to offer lower trims at affordable prices. Honda will no longer be offering the base LX-trim Civic for 2023, opening the door a little more for the Sentra.

Meanwhile, for the 2023 Nissan Sentra, there are no spy shots available to confirm any design changes in the next Sentra, but the refresh usually comes with a slightly updated grille, fascia, and front, and rear lights.

On the interior, the refresh could be a slightly larger display screen and other options for upholstery materials.

2023 Nissan Sentra Powertrains

We don’t expect major changes under the hood of the 2023 Nissan Sentra, although the compact Nissan could improve fuel economy. The 2022 model comes standard with a naturally aspirated 149-hp 2.0-liter I-4 with 146 lb-ft of torque. A CVT automatic will come standard on all trims.

In terms of technology, we expect the 2023 Sentra to follow the 2022 model, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic warning and braking, and blind spot monitoring.

The 2023 Sentra could standard an 8.0-inch touchscreen in base trim (currently the base S has a 7.0-inch display), and wireless charging could be available in select trims.

2023 Nissan Sentra MPG

The Sentra currently has only one powertrain option, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that produces 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque.

The top EPA ratings are 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. There has been speculation that the refresh could introduce a new independent rear suspension. If so, it could improve ride, handling, and fuel economy.

It is also possible that the performance version of the Sentra will come with a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder engine.

Road Test

Nissan hasn’t held back with its 2020 redesign of the Sentra, turning the dowdy-looking, sprinting sedan into a sedan that now stands at the top of the line in the compact sedan class.

It’s the best Sentra we’ve tested, with a comfortable ride, agile handling, great fuel economy, a spacious cabin, and intuitive controls.

The upgraded powertrain is a delightful 149-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that replaces the rugged, older 1.8-liter engine. The continuously variable transmission acts like a smooth conventional automatic transmission and ensures predictable and unobtrusive power delivery.

Together, they endow the Sentra with relatively quick acceleration and a commendable overall fuel economy of 32 mpg. Still, it’s only 1 mpg better than Nissan’s larger Altima midsize sedan.

Nissan Sentra vs The Competition

2023 Nissan Sentra

Nissan Sentra vs Honda Civic

In the small sedan class, you can’t do much better than the Honda Civic. As Edmunds Top Rated Sedan, the Civic leads the way with strong overall performance, a large trunk, and a commendable fuel economy estimate.

While we’re not fans of Honda’s false alarms due to its safety technology, the Civic easily outperforms the Sentra.

Nissan Sentra vs Kia Forte

Both the Sentra and Kia Forte give you a lot of features for your money and have identical fuel economy estimates.

The Sentra may have a more comfortable ride quality, but the Forte beats it in overall performance and offers a much better infotainment system and a longer warranty.

Nissan Sentra vs Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra surpasses the Sentra in terms of value for money. The Elantra benefits from better fuel economy, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and superior warranty coverage.

But the Hyundai suffers from the same slow acceleration and the excessive use of hard plastics in it.

Price

The current MSRP for the Sentra starts at $20,835, and it’s doubtful that will change much for the 2023 model, except perhaps for the performance version, if it goes into production. Because this refreshment is only speculative.

Release Date

we don’t have a release date, but the next Sentra will likely be out in late 2022.