All four 2015 Nissan Sentra trim levels are powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder engine. The feature-packed SL offers the best value, and special packages like the FE+ are ideal for those seeking maximum fuel economy.
Key Points
- The four trim levels of the 2015 Nissan Sentra include the basic S, modern SV, Sporty-looking SR, and top-of-the-line SL.
- There is only one engine option for the 2015 Sentra: a naturally aspirated 1.8L four-cylinder. There are two transmissions, but the six-speed manual is only available in the base S trim. All other trim levels use a CVT unit.
- All four versions of the 2015 Sentra offer excellent fuel economy, with some hitting up to 40 mpg on the highway.
- We recommend springing for the SL model as it offers all the optional equipment you want at a very small price increase.
2015 Sentra S is Bare Bones but is Also the Only Model with a Six-speed Manual Transmission
The base trim level for the 2015 Nissan Sentra is the S model. Surprisingly, despite being the least equipped out of the four trims, the S has a few options that you can’t get on the more expensive trim levels.
First, all versions of the 2015 Sentra are powered by the same naturally aspirated 1.8L four-cylinder engine. This rather unexciting engine only produces 130 horsepower and just 128 lb.-ft. of torque. Only on the S, you have the choice of either the standard six-speed manual or an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). Starting at the SV trim and up, all Sentras use the CVT unit.
If you’re looking for fuel efficiency, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 2015 Sentras average around 29 miles per gallon in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
S Trim’s FE+ Package Provides Even Better Fuel Economy
An optional Fuel Economy Plus Package (FE+) is also exclusive to the S trim level, offering even better fuel economy at 30 mpg in the city and up to 40 mpg on the highway. The FE+ package includes low-rolling-resistance tires, a different planetary gear for the CVT, and added underbody aerodynamic upgrades to make the vehicle more slippery.
Standard features of the 2015 Sentra S include:
- Cruise control and automatic headlights
- Audio controls on the steering wheel
- Six airbags
- Air conditioning
- Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB charging ports
SV Trim has More Modern Tech, like App-launched Remote Start, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto
Car buyers looking for a more modern experience from their 2015 Sentra may look to the SV model. Selecting the SV trim level will give you access to more standard features and optional equipment packages that will make your Sentra much easier to live with as a daily driver.
The optional CVT is now standard equipment on the SV, which offers the same excellent gas mileage as the S trim. Another major improvement is the addition of a five-inch color infotainment center with satellite radio. One of the coolest features of the 2015 Nissan Sentra SV is Nissan Connect.
Nissan Connect gives you access to loads of awesome features on the 2015 Sentra. Just by downloading an app on your phone, you can lock and unlock the doors, remotely start your Sentra, and even get a GPS location if you forget where you parked. Upgrading to the SV trim will also give you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for music streaming and more.
Sentra SV models also add the following features to the list of standard equipment:
- Push-button start
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob
- Sliding center armrest
There are three optional equipment packages that can be added to the 2015 Sentra SV. They include the SV Style, Navigation, and SV Cold Weather packages. The SV style package gives you 16-inch aluminum wheels, a power sliding glass moonroof with tilt, and a rear spoiler. The Cold Weather package adds heated front seats and side mirrors while the Navigation package ensures you never get lost.
2015 Nissan Sentra SR Trim Adds Sporty Aesthetic and 11.5-inch Rear Disk Brakes, but Not Much Else
If you’re looking for a 2015 Nissan Sentra with a sportier aesthetic, check out the SR trim level. In an attempt to make the 2015 Sentra appear more like an enthusiast’s car, Nissan added a bunch of exterior trinkets. The SR has sport front and rear bumpers, fog lights, new wheels, and extended side skirts. However, the Sentra SR shares the same engine and drivetrains as the other models. This means it does the same abysmal 9.5 seconds to 60 miles per hour, but it definitely looks quicker.
When you opt for the SR, you will be afforded the following standard features:
- 17-inch dark finish aluminum wheels
- Sport exterior body kit with fog lights
- Chrome exhaust tips
- Rear spoiler with led brake light
- Premium sport cloth seat upholstery
Other than the cosmetic differences, the only mechanical thing that sets the Sentra SR above the lower-trim models is the addition of 11.5-inch rear disk brakes.
SR’s Premium Package Adds Moonroof and Bose Audio System
Like the SV trim, the SR gives you access to a Premium package to make your daily commute more comfortable. The SR Premium package offers the same power moonroof along with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-appointed seats, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system with an upgraded 5.8-inch touchscreen display.
2015 Sentra SL is the Most Luxurious Trim with Plenty of Extras
By purchasing an SL model, you will be rewarded with the most luxurious 2015 Nissan Sentra money can buy. Most of the equipment found in other premium packages is included as standard on the SL, which also adds a few more notable features of its own.
Standard features of the 2015 Nissan Sentra SL include leather seat upholstery, rear disk brakes, heated front seats, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and dual-zone temperature control. The Sentra SL has a premium package of its own if you want the moonroof, illuminated sun visors, and Bose stereo with the 5.8-inch touchscreen display.
2015 Nissan Sentra has Four Excellent Trims, but the SL Offers the Most Comfort and Capability
If you are considering buying a 2015 Nissan Sentra, they are typically durable cars. Out of the 875 reviews on Vehicle History, the vehicle has received an average of 4.2 stars out of five from consumers. Many people dote on the compact vehicle for its good gas mileage and reliability.
Of the four trim levels available for the 2015 Nissan Sentra, we suggest buying an SL. At the end of the day, the average price for a Sentra of this vintage is around $10,000 regardless of trim level. The SL will definitely be more comfortable in the long run and probably cost you less than $2,000 more than the lower trim levels.
Photos: Nissan
