Used 2020 Nissan Sentra SL for sale 

The 2020 Sentra sees quite a few changes in the trim ladder. It has only 3 trims for the current model year as compared to 5 in its last iteration. All trims are powered by the same 2L naturally aspirated four-banger. The only available transmission is a CVT that comes with a FWD drivetrain.

The standard features list is also updated and is more impressive than last year. As you move up the trim ladder, more and more features grace the list. There are also 2 optional packages, the SV Premium package and SR Premium Package, in case you are not satisfied with the features.

Which trim do we recommend?

We recommend the top of the line SR trim as it gets all the necessary features with a tweaked exterior that gives it a distinctive look over the other trims.

The powertrain gets a significant update for the current model year. Unlike the previous years, there is only one engine option available for the 2020 Nissan Sentra. It is a naturally aspirated 2L Inline-4 motor that produces 149 horses and 145 lb-ft of pulling force. There are no turbocharged trims like the Sentras of yesteryears.

The transmission system is also updated. The Sentra now comes only with a CVT gearbox and the slick transmission, that we all loved, is not even available as an option. The shifts are quick and make for a very comfortable driving experience. However, if you are an enthusiast, there is very little for you.

With 149 horses, this is not the most powerful car in the segment. However, it is not always power that makes the car a good car. The new Sentra is based on an all-new platform that gives it very stable handling, especially inside the city limits. On the highway too, the Sentra is fairly comfortable. However, the driving dynamics are very dull and you will be left wanting for more power.

How quick is the new Sentra?

The updated powertrain has made the Sentra significantly quicker. The streamlined exterior design and extra horses aid the cause. Yeah, it is not neck-smackingly fast, but for the sticker price attached to it, the acceleration is decent.

Usain Bolt, the fastest man on earth, took 9.58 seconds for the world record 100 m run. The 2020 Sentra takes 1 second less to hit the 60mph mark from naught. All other cars in the segment have a similar acceleration, give or take a few milliseconds.

How well does it stop?

The pedal response is sadly not the only thing plaguing the brakes of the Nissan Sentra. The small discs have a tough time stopping the boxy sedan, nor does the soft suspension do you any favors, with the amount of load transfer to the front as the sedan nose-dives under braking. Try stopping this car under high speeds, and you will be introduced to major steering shake.

*2019 curb weight

Talking about the braking setup, the all-new Nissan Sentra ships with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels assisted by ABS. the front wheels get 11-inch rotors while the rear ones are 9 inchers.

How does it handle?

2020 Sentra is based on a new platform and the suspension system is also enhanced that accounts for a comparatively better driving experience as compared to the older versions of the car. The new independent rear suspension, which is matched to a McPherson strut front suspension handles the curves really well. The car is now considerably lower and wider than its predecessors and sticks to well to the tarmac, even at high speeds.

The sound insulation has also been enhanced and hardly any road or engine noise seeps inside the cabin. Equipped with all-season tires, the Sentra is ready to handle every weather ease. The steering is much responsive than before which further adds to the overall driving experience.

The naturally aspirated 2L unite under the hood of the 2020 Sentra is less gas-thirsty than the turbocharged units of the previous models. Nissan’s R&D team has done a great job here as the new motor also sees a boost in power when compared to the older units. However, the Sentra still lags behind its other Japanese counterparts as far as fuel economy is concerned.

The 2020 Sentra drives for 29 miles on a gallon of gas in the city and 39 miles on the highway. That’s a significant increase in the economy as the old Sentra had fuel economy figures of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

The reimagined interior design of 2020 Sentra is a testament to the contemporary design language of Nissan. The moment you slide inside the car, you’ll notice the signature “ V motion” design on the dashboard. Covered in high-quality materials, the contrasting orange seams add a hint of luxury to the mix. The circular air vents are inspired by ones found inside the GT-R and reflect on the sportiness of the Sentra.

 The center console is carefully crafted with Carbon fiber accents which shows Nissan’s attention to details. There are also enough cubby holes and convenient storage areas throughout the cabin, which enhances the practicality of the car.

Talking about the seats, they are extremely comfortable and supportive. Zero Gravity front seats help optimize posture positioning for enhanced comfort during long-distance driving. A 6-way manual driver's seat and 4-way manual front passenger's seat are standard, with a 6-way power driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support also available. The rear seat is a 60/40 split fold-down design. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are also available.

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The base trim of the 2020 Sentra has to do with a 7-inch infotainment touch screen with Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant, Siri Eyes Free and Google Assistant Voice Recognition. The higher trims get an 8.0-inch screen with NissanConnect featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless integration.

Audio is taken care of by a 4 speaker audio system with AM/FM capabilities. However, upgrading to the SR premium package will add an 8-speaker Bose Premium Audio system with SiriusXM Radio.

How much cargo can it store?

The Sentra's versatility shines through with the cargo space Nissan offers at the back of this compact sedan. The 15.1 cubic feet volume is among the best the segment offers. Loading and unloading cargo are also easier than before. Thanks to the all-new platform, the 2020 Sentra is comparatively lower than it’s predecessor.

With the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, the total cargo space of the Sentra increases by a large margin. Thus, you don’t have to pack light for your next weekend trip.

What are the convenience features on offer?

The 2020 Sentra has quite a few creature comforts on offer. Some of them are

• Front and rear door pockets
• Front center console with padded armrest and cupholders
• Rear seat armrest with cupholders
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Power windows with driver's one-touch auto up/down
• Power door locks with auto-locking feature
• Remote keyless entry with push-button start
• RearView Monitor
• Rear Door Alert.

The redesigned Sentra looks nothing like its predecessors. The “V motion” grille surrounded by sharp LED headlamps makes it look like the flagship Maxima sedan. With the intelligent use of sharp lines, the front fascia seamlessly integrates with the sides. Muscular sides along with the sharp body lines lend it an aggressive look. The silhouette from the side looks very sleek. The rear has a lower roofline and wider shoulders, with wheels, flush to the body enhancing the strong stance.

Sentra SR provides a more athletic appearance with a sport-style rear spoiler, black-painted side mirrors with integrated turn signals, lower body side sill extensions, 18-inch diamond-cut aluminum-alloy wheels, dark chrome V-motion grille and chrome exhaust finisher.

What are the highlights of the new design?

The new-look Sentra packs quite a punch as far as exterior shell is concerned. Some of the highlights are

• LED projector headlamps
• Signature LED daytime running lights
• Available LED fog lights
• LED taillamps
• Heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals
• Body-color door handles
• Available power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature

The Nissan comes with a plethora of assist and crash mitigation features to keep you safe behind the wheel. The 2020 model gets a few features as standard which used to be optional. The features available are:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts
• Back-Up Camera

Nissan Sentra vs Toyota Corolla

 If it was 2019, the Corolla had been the clear winner. However, things have changed for the 2020 Sentra. With the complete overhaul, this Nissan presents a really strong case for itself. Aggressive styling, more powerful powertrain, better handling and upscale interiors, all of these tend to woo a lot of buyers. On the other hand, the Corolla is the undisputed king of the compact sedans. It just sells like hotcakes.

 Nissan Sentra vs Honda Civic

 In this battle of the Japanese compacts, the logical thing to do would be to opt for the Civic. However, you cannot just avoid the Sentra. After the refresh, the Sentra is capable of giving the Civic a run for its money. However, with a better fuel economy and the reliability of Honda, Civic is probably the better car among the two.

After getting a shot of steroids, the Sentra is muscular and aggressive than ever before. The previously timid and mild-mannered sedan is on a mission to challenge the champions of the segment and seems to be doing great at it. Thus, if you are in an adventurous mood, and like to try out a car other than the usual suspects of the segment, the 2020 Sentra is definitely worth a test drive.