The 2021 Nissan Sentra lasts around 200,000 miles with some minor braking system and steering noise issues reported. At $19,510 to $22,000, it’s a great value for a compact car with some of the latest safety technology.
Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Nissan Sentra since it offers improved reliability ratings along with the latest safety tech. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, nice cabin, along with the stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a compact sedan, the seats offer excellent support, cargo space is also very good in the trunk.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no reports of widespread problems on the 2021 Sentra. Avoid models from 2011–2016 since they have transmission failures. Models from 2017–2021 are much more dependable.
- Performance 6/10 – Performance is poor from the relatively weak four-cylinder engine, which focuses more on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Sentra is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with forward collision warning along with automatic braking. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 33 MPG, giving 409 miles of range out of the 12.4 gallon tank. Gas costs are $46 cheaper than average at $164 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Nissan Sentra is cheaper than many other compact cars while also being affordable to own long-term, making it a good value.
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Sentra?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Nissan Sentra is one of the nicest compact sedans after its redesign, while also getting good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2021 Sentra at 3.5/5, praising the comfortable suspension, but doesn’t like the weak brakes.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Sentra a 4/5, enjoying the standard technology features, but owners don’t like the poor visibility with the large pillars.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Nissan Sentra Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Nissan Sentra include issues with the automatic braking system, steering noises, along with excessive battery drain. Overall, these problems are similar to many other compact cars on the market, leading to average repair costs as a Sentra ages.
Issues with the automatic braking system are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Nissan Sentra owners in the first 2,000 miles. The braking system is overly sensitive, and stops the car too often. There are software updates which reduce the sensitivity of the braking sensors. Most dealers will install this update for free, while others charge around $50.
Steering noises are another problem mentioned by 2021 Sentra owners at around 5,000 miles. Owners report creaking and binding noises. Usually, the problem is caused by components being overly tight in the steering system from the factory. Most dealers will fix the problem for free under warranty, while others charge around $100.
Excessive battery drain also shows up on some Sentra models in the first 1,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in modern cars, and some of them drain the battery even while parked. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs around $100, while fixing it can cost $20 to $200.
There is one recall on the 2021 Nissan Sentra, which is better than some other small sedans. The recall covers the tie rods which may be bent, increasing the risk of crashing. Nissan will replace the tie rods on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Nissan Sentra Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Nissan Sentra can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some longer-lasting compact cars like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small sedans, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $400 per year.
As a used 2021 Nissan Sentra reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the wheel hub assembly for $400, HVAC blend door actuator costing $275, along with the exhaust manifold gasket which costs $325.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great, offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system and a larger 8-inch touchscreen.
Standard safety features are excellent offering:
- Lane departure warning
- Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Intelligent forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Driver attention monitor
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Surround view parking camera system
- Rear automatic braking
Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Nissan Sentra is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other compact cars on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $19,510 to $22,000, making it less than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $19,510 to $21,850. Depreciation is nearly nonexistent in current market conditions, although we expect it to lose around 7% of its current value per year as it ages.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Sentra?
There are three different models of the Nissan Sentra offered from the base Sentra S all the way up to the more luxurious Sentra SR. All Nissan Sentra models come standard with front wheel drive.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- Push-Button Start
- Tilt-and-Telescoping Steering Wheel
- Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Four-Speaker Stereo System
SV is a step up, adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Rear Disc Brakes
- Keyless Entry
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Heated Side Mirrors
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Audio System
SR is the flagship model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Headlights and Fog Lights
- Sportier Exterior Design
- Simulated Leather Upholstery
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Eight-Speaker Bose Audio System
- Optional SR Premium Package
What Engines Come In the Nissan Sentra?
The 2021 Nissan Sentra comes with a single engine option: a 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine which gets up to 33 MPG. This powertrain generates 149 horsepower and is mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient shifting. Performance is slow, taking 9.2 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Nissan Sentra Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Sentra?
The 2021 Nissan Sentra offers a comfortable and composed driving experience for both the driver and passengers. Its well-designed cabin features a modern layout with quality materials, lending a sense of refinement to the interior. The front seats provide ample support and comfort, while the available Zero Gravity seats further enhance seating comfort on long journeys.
In the rear, there is plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers, although taller individuals might find it a bit tight. The suspension system is tuned to offer a smooth ride over most road surfaces, effectively absorbing road imperfections and minimizing cabin noise.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Sentra Have?
The 2021 Nissan Sentra features a trunk capacity of 14.3 cubic feet. This is a fairly spacious trunk for a compact sedan, allowing you to fit a decent amount of cargo. Regarding what can fit in it, you should be able to accommodate a few medium-sized suitcases, multiple grocery bags, or even a set of golf clubs.
However, keep in mind that the space is not designed to fit large or bulky items. If you need to transport more substantial objects, you might need to fold down the rear seats, which offer a 60/40 split to increase cargo capacity. This option can provide extra room to transport large items, such as a bicycle or small furniture, but may still be limited compared to larger vehicles.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The eighth generation of the Nissan Sentra was launched for the 2020 model year.
2015: Standard USB and Bluetooth connectivity on all models.
2016: Small exterior styling changes to the front bumper, new information display.
2017: Larger center console on all models, new SR Turbo model launched.
2018: Emergency automatic braking is standard on all models.
2019: Nissan Connect is standard on SR, SL, and Nismo models with genuine Nissan accessories.
2020: Fully redesigned for the eighth generation with new safety tech, engines, and styling.
2021: Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity added, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all models.
How Does the Nissan Sentra Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Nissan Sentra is a nice compact car offering a lot of the latest technology and improved reliability from earlier years while still being a budget-friendly choice compared to more expensive options like the Honda Civic.
The Nissan Altima is a larger sedan offered by Nissan which costs around $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Nissan Altima, while the Nissan Sentra has more responsive steering. We recommend the Nissan Altima since it’s a more practical sedan with more space, although both are very similar cars.
The Toyota Corolla is another small sedan which is available for around $2,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better on the Toyota Corolla, while the Nissan Sentra is more engaging to drive. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since it’s consistently rated among the most reliable small cars on the market.
