The 2019 Nissan Sentra is a good used-car value, offering a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and large trunk space. But it excels at nothing in particular.
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2019 Nissan Sentra: A Quick Overview
- The 2019 Nissan Sentra offered six trims, two transmissions, and two engines, including a 1.6L turbocharged motor.
- Pricing for a used 2019 model ranges from $11,000 to $25,000, with the SR offering the most value and performance.
- The Sentra can average up to 32 combined mpg, which is about average in comparison to its competition.
- The 2019 Sentra earns a high rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives it mostly “Good” ratings.
- There are two open recalls for the 2019 Sentra, for a faulty backup camera and brake lights. Electrical issues and CVT transmission problems have also been reported, but overall the Sentra is a reliable car.
2019 Nissan Sentra’s Six Trim Levels
The 2019 Nissan Sentra has six available trim levels that include two engine and transmission choices. Regardless of configuration, all Sentras are front-wheel-drive. The S, SV, SL, and SR models get a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 124 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque. Choose the SR Turbo (pictured above) and NISMO versions, and you’ll have a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 188 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. The NISMO and S come standard with a six-speed manual, with a CVT as an option. All other trims feature the CVT transmission as the only choice. Here are more details on each trim:
Sentra S
Choose the basic S if you need only elementary transportation. The Sentra S features 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, cloth upholstery, a four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a USB port, a five-inch instrument cluster display, keyless entry, a seven-inch touchscreen, automatic headlights, and a rearview camera.
Sentra SV
The SV adds 16-inch alloy wheels, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a six-speaker audio system, two additional USB ports (for a total of three), keyless start, the larger seven-inch display, and dual-zone climate control. Newly available on the SV is a Special Edition package for 2019. It includes 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, rear disc brakes (as opposed to the base model’s drums), power sliding glass moonroof with tilting feature, and unique badging. You’ll appreciate the additional standard equipment on the SV, such as the keyless start that makes daily driving less of a chore.
Sentra SR & SR Turbo
The SR trim features 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, heated side mirrors, side sills, a rear spoiler, a chrome-tipped exhaust pipe, and LED low-beam headlights. Adding the Premium Package to your SR will get you all of the standard equipment from the range-topping SL. Opting for the SR Turbo brings some additional dynamic enhancements such as a revised power-steering system, 10%-stiffer front springs, revised front and rear dampers, and slightly larger front brake rotors. The SR offers the look of the SR Turbo but has the 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine.
Sentra NISMO
NISMO stands for “Nissan Motorsport,” and it’s a name you might associate more with Z cars or the mighty GT-R. On the 2019 Sentra, you’ll get both performance and stylistic improvements, but don’t expect this trim to turn the Sentra into a mini 370Z. A sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, all-season performance tires, sport seats, heated front seats, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, 5.8-inch touchscreen, and suede-like upholstery help to imbue the 2019 Sentra with some of the old Sentra SE-R spirit.
Sentra SL
The most luxurious trim in the lineup, the Sentra SL brings high-end features such as leather upholstery, an eight-speaker Bose audio system, a moonroof, a power-operated driver’s seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. While the SL is a nicely equipped model, you might find that moving up to a Nissan Altima makes more sense at this price point. Granted, the Altima won’t be as well-equipped, but it’s an overall larger, more refined daily driver.
How Much Does a Used 2019 Sentra Cost?
J.D. Power lists the average price of a used 2019 Nissan Sentra at $18,552, with the average mileage of a used 2019 example at $27,310. We can break these prices down further, with the big difference coming from the specified transmission.
- S Manual: $11,000 – $21,000
- S CVT: $11,000 – $30,000
- SV CVT: $11,000 – $32,000
- SR CVT: $12,000 – $25,000
- SR Turbo CVT: $16,000 – $25,000
- NISMO Manual: $23,000 – $24,000
- NISMO CVT: $20,000 – $25,000
- SL CVT: $14,000 – $24,000
Certified Pre-owned Program
Nissan does offer a Certified Pre-owned (CPO) program for cars that are no more than six years old and have less than 80,000 miles on them. With a 167-point inspection, you can rest easy knowing that any CPO has been thoroughly checked. What’s more, the initial five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty is extended to seven years/100,000-miles. While Nissan’s CPO program does offer peace of mind, it usually comes at a higher price, as non-CPO Sentras typically sell for a lesser amount.
2019 Nissan Sentra’s Powertrain Options
There are two engine and two transmission options on the Sentra, both powering solely the front wheels.
1.8-liter Engine
Known as the MRA8DE, the base engine is a 1.8-liter, naturally aspirated unit that’s only available on this generation of Sentra. With an electronic throttle, direct fuel injection, and a Nissan Direct Ignition System, it produces 129 horsepower at 6,400 rpm, and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. It features a timing chain as opposed to a belt for longer life, but the valves need an adjustment around every 60,000 miles. This engine runs on regular fuel.
1.6-liter Turbo Engine
Step up to the Turbo or NISMO trim, and you’ll get the MR16DDT, a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine good for 188 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque, but it requires premium fuel. In its coverage of the 1.6-liter turbo engine from a previous year of the Sentra, Car and Driver notes, “it does need more rip in the exhaust note… the 1.6 needs to wrap most of the way around the tach in first before meaningful power arrives.” Either engine can be mated to a traditional six-speed manual, or continually variable transmission (CVT). If you’ve never driven this type of transmission before, it can be a bit disconcerting.
How Fuel Efficient is a 2019 Sentra?
All 2019 Sentra models (except SR Turbo and Sentra NISMO) utilize a fuel-efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an advanced Xtronic transmission. A six-speed manual transmission is also available with the Sentra S grade. The engine offers a longer stroke than typical engines in its class, resulting in improved combustion speed and efficiency. In addition, the valve springs have a strategic shape that helps in reducing inertial weight, which improves valvetrain efficiency and smooths engine operation. The engine is rated at 124 horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque. The Xtronic transmission’s fuel economy is rated at 29 mpg city, 37 highway, and 32 mpg combined. The Sentra S with six-speed manual transmission is rated at 27 mpg city, 35 highway, and 30 mpg combined. Official EPA fuel efficiency ratings for the 2019 Nissan Sentra are as follows:
- 1.8-L, Automatic: 29 city, 37 highway, 32 combined
- 1.8-L, Manual: 27 city, 35 highway, 30 combined
- 1.6-L Turbo, Automatic: 29 city, 27 highway, 33 combined
- NISMO 1.6L Turbo, Manual: 25 city, 31 highway, 27 combined
- NISMO 1.6L Turbo, Automatic: 25 city, 30 highway, 27 combined
Nissan Sentra’s Driving Performance
The Nissan Sentra’s performance is merely average, even when equipped with the Turbo engine. Even the Sentra SV failed to win over Autoweek, which noted in a 2019 review, “The CVT has a nasty way of sucking all of the fun out of this Nissan, and whining mightily about it in the process.” “A refined powertrain, this is not,” added Autoweek. “Small-displacement, low-horsepower, low-torque, naturally aspirated motor, and a CVT has to be the least-enjoyable combo on the planet.”
Cargo Space & Dimensions
Inside, the 2019 Sentra features one of the largest interiors in its class, with 111.0 cubic feet of total interior volume. Helping make this possible is the long wheelbase (106.3 inches), which provides both ample rear seat legroom of 37.4 inches and large trunk capacity of 15.1 cubic feet. The rear seat is a standard 60/40-split fold-down design, adding versatility to the large trunk space. The interior has room for five passengers and features materials not usually found in compact vehicles, including soft-touch instrument panel and door armrests and available leather-appointed seating. Also there is a full set of LATCH child-seat connectors on each of the Sentra’s outboard rear seats, along with an additional upper tether anchor on the middle rear seat. The IIHS gives the LATCH anchors on the Sentra a “Good” rating. Key interior dimensions:
- Passenger Volume: 95.9 cu. ft.
- Front Head Room: 39.4 inches
- Front Leg Room: 42.5 inches
- Rear Head Room: 36.7 inches
- Rear Leg Room: 37.4 inches
How Safe is a 2019 Nissan Sentra?
A number of Nissan’s advanced Safety Shield Technologies were available for the 2019 Nissan Sentra, including Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind-spot Warning, and Rear Cross-traffic Alert. The NHTSA gave the 2019 Nissan Sentra a five-star rating in side-impact testing, and four stars in the frontal and rollover tests, giving the Nissan a four-star rating overall. And the IIHS noted that “Beginning with 2015 models, the front-end structure [was] modified to improve occupant protection in small overlap frontal crashes. Also, the side-curtain airbags were lengthened.” This means that even though this generation of Sentra had been out since 2012, not all of them are created equal in terms of crash testing.
Technology Features
Every Sentra comes standard with a few desirable options such as power windows, a rear-view camera, remote keyless door locks, and heated mirrors. The base stereo has four speakers with a 7.0-inch display. The SV and SR bring keyless ignition, a six-speaker stereo, dual front climate control, satellite radio, USB, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and hands-free entry, along with available Intelligent cruise control. Optional on the SR, and included on the SL trim, is the premium package. It offers extras like dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors, blind-spot warning detection, and a Bose premium audio system.
Exterior and Interior Color Options
2019 Nissan Sentra Reviews: Then and Now
What Critics Say
The 2019 Sentra was extensively reviewed when it came out, and popular YouTuber “Gold Pony” was one of the first to take it out for a spin. “It’s not the fastest car in the world,” he said after testing the acceleration on the 1.8-liter engine with CVT. “Braking-feel seems perfectly fine, even with the drum rear brakes on the naturally aspirated model.” The suspension “soaks up bumps well,” adds the YouTuber, “and the cabin was quiet on the highway. Steering was slightly numb and loose, while visibility was excellent all around.” Car and Driver wasn’t as impressed, noting in its 2019 review that “the entire driving experience is mushy and vague. And when you need more power, the Sentra is one of the slowest in its class.” But, there are a few positives. “It’s roomy inside [and] the tall driving position gives excellent visibility.”
Current 2019 Sentra Reviews Spotlight an ‘Average’ Car
So, how well does the 2019 Sentra hold up nearly three years into its time on the roads of America? Here’s what more recent reviews are saying about the 2019 model. In 2020, the YouTube channel 100 Rental Cars reviewed two 2019 Sentra SVs extensively (pictured above). “It feels like the car really has to struggle to get any acceleration,” notes the video host, “but that’s to be expected from a car at this price point.” “Handling is a different matter,” he adds. “I like how Nissans handle in general, and handling in the Sentra at higher speeds is pretty good, with nice responsive control. The turning radius is ok. “You can hear a little bit of wind moving through the vehicle,” says the 100 Rental Cars host. “Cabin noise is noticeable on the highway, and you can hear larger vehicles as you pass them. Overall, it’s average. “I’m not thrilled with it,” he adds. “The technology could be updated, the rear seat space is pretty bad, and it’s just not that much fun to drive.”
Is a 2019 Sentra Cheap to Maintain?
The Sentra requires only basic maintenance, with an oil change every 5,000 miles or six months. Otherwise, it’s typical drive belt inspections around 105,000 miles, where the spark plugs and coolant need to be replaced. Repair Pal lists the annual maintenance cost for a 2019 Nissan Sentra at $491. A newer model Nissan Sentra can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles, provided it is well maintained, notes the auto site Engine Patrol. “For the average driver doing 15,000 miles a year, this equals 16 to 20 years of service before major repairs are required.”
2019 Nissan Sentra: Recalls and Problems
There have been two recalls on the 2019 model, for exterior lighting and the backup camera. In affected vehicles, the brake lights may not illuminate, which can increase the risk of a collision. The backup camera issue involves a malfunction in the display settings that may fail to display the rear view image. As such, these vehicles fail to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards. Be sure that both of these recalls have been performed on the Sentra you’re looking to purchase. Also, in Vehicle History‘s auto reviews section, 2019 Nissan Sentra S owner Jessica H. mentions a few issues that she experienced after a few years of ownership. In her May 2021 verified owner review, Jessica recalls that her 2019 Sentra “seemed like a decent car when it was purchased. [But I] have had to have a few things replaced: a motion sensor, and left front speaker. There’s always a sound like air is coming through the passenger side window in the backseat. They said the seals are fine, it just sounds like that.”
2019 Nissan Sentra vs. the Competition
The small car market is flooded with great choices. We’ll compare the 2019 Nissan Sentra’s specs to its key competitors, including the Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, and Toyota’s popular Corolla.
2019 Nissan Sentra vs. 2019 Honda Civic
The Civic comes in seven trim levels, from the mundane to the ultra sporty, and the biggest change in comparison to the Sentra is an available hatchback body style. A hatch provides a wider opening to the truck, allowing easy access to cargo. There is also a Civic Coupe for those looking for a bit more style. The sedan and coupe can be powered by a standard 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a 174-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. The regular hatchback comes only with the 1.5-liter engine, and the Civic can get up to 32 city mpg and 42 miles per gallon on the highway. The Civic has better gas mileage and a higher build quality compared to the Sentra. but the Civic’s resale value is higher, so expect to pay more for a used example.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Nissan Sentra vs. 2019 Chevy Cruze
The Cruze comes in five trims, and features an available diesel engine option. The base engine is a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with 153 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque that powers the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission (the manual was discontinued in 2019). It comes in sedan or hatchback, again giving this car an advantage over the Sentra in terms of packaging. Inside, the cabin has seating for four six-footers. Edmunds was happy with the overall quality. “With a glossy black trim center console, faux leather surfaces on the dash, and contrast-color stitching throughout, the Cruze’s cabin looks and feels premium,” they said.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2019 Nissan Sentra vs. 2019 Toyota Corolla
The Corolla is also offered as a sedan and hatchback and comes in six trim levels. Most trims are powered by a 132-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with either a six-speed manual or CVT. The LE Eco has a 140-hp version of the same engine that is tuned for more fuel efficiency, and the Corolla gets up to 40 mpg on the highway. Inside, the Corolla features a 7.0-inch display on higher trims, similar to the Sentra, along with CarPlay and Android integration. Rear-seat space in limited, and the overall comfort of the interior lags behind rivals. A Corolla is basic transportation, perhaps even more so than the Sentra. However, it offers stellar reliability and resale value on par with the Honda Civic.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Is a 2019 Nissan Sentra a Good Purchase?
The Sentra doesn’t offer a significant price advantage on the used-car market. Even with the turbo engine, its performance isn’t up to par with its rivals. Fuel economy is average, as is what the Sentra offers feature-wise. While CarPlay integration is an excellent upgrade for 2019, most of the competition had it years before. A few positives for the Sentra are a roomy cabin and best-in-class cargo-hauling ability. A lower used-car price point and a high safety rating also add points in its favor.
However, a used Nissan Altima is just slightly more expensive yet has much more room and capability. Consider this as an option if you’d like to stick with the Nissan family. If you’re staying in the small car market, consider a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, or Chevrolet Cruze. All offer a combination of price, performance and value that the 2019 Nissan Sentra can’t match. If your heart is set on a Sentra, consider the SR Turbo. It provides the performance of the NISMO model, without its boy-racer looks or price premium. It also has many of the safety and luxury features of the SL model.
Photos: Nissan, Toyota, Chevrolet, and Honda
