2022 Nissan Sentra review // The one to beat?

#NissanSentra
#Sentra
#CoupleCarReview
This is a couple car review of the Nissan Sentra compact car. What’s new for 2022? A Midnight Edition package for the SR trim, an SV Special Edition package in Canada and in the US an SV All-Weather package. The Sentra comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360 on all trims giving this Sentra the most standard safety features in this class. The Midnight Edition package which we have on our test model includes a black-pained V-motion grille, rear spoiler and rear diffuser, black exterior badging and black 18” wheels. The SV Special Edition package in Canada includes a power sliding glass moonroof, 17” wheels and rear spoiler. In the US, the SV All-Weather package includes a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, remote-engine start system and dual zone automatic temperature control. With an available two-tone colour option and a starting price of $19,498 CAD/ $19,610 USD, it’s not surprising the Sentra is Nissan’s top-selling sedan. The Sentra has a 2L 4-cylinder engine matched to a CVT, 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, FWD only. In Canada, a 6-speed manual is available on two trims, the S and SR models, but there is no manual transmission offering in the US. This Nissan Sentra sedan comes standard with a 7” touchscreen, available 8”, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, cloth upholstery, available leatherette, heated front seats, manual driver and passenger seats, remote key-less entry with push botton start and 16” to 18” wheels
Our test model with the new Midnight Edition package, gets the larger touchscreen, a heated steering wheel, moonroof, sport cloth seats with orange stitching, LED headlights and fog lights For fuel economy, this sedan gets 8L/100km, 29 MPG city and 6L/100km, 39 MPG highway. There are plenty of models to choose from, the base S 6MT starts at $19,498 CAD, S Plus CVT $21,198 CAD/$19,610 USD, SV $22,598 CAD/$20,670 USD, SV Special Edition $23,898 CAD , SV Weather Package $21,260 USD, SR 6MT $23,798 CAD SR $24,898 CAD/$22,220 USD and SR Midnight Edition $25,498 CAD/$22,895 USD and SR Premium $26,998 CAD. Price as tested for the SR Midnight Edition with two-tone pearl $26,393 CAD.

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[AmandaAcresHomestead]

My sister got a 2019 Sentra SR and absolutely loves it. She was 27 when she got it and is in the almost exact situation you described: Just got married, got a job that turned into a career, got a raise for the first time, upgraded her car to the Sentra. Great review!

[Mo.Jo.]

I used to own a 2009 Sentra SE-R Spec V Manual - and i absolutely loved it. It felt bare bones with almost no tech, but it was very reliable and fun. Ended up being a write-off in a winter crash. But i can't wait to drive this one in a manual (albeit it has a smaller engine than my original Sentra) and see how it feels!

[jamesshort]

I am so happy that you review the full spectrum of vehicles. My daughter lives in Vancouver, is studying at UBC and will be working soon. She watched the review and thinks its a real toss up - the Sentra, the Kicks or the Mazda 3. Its nice to know that, even in an SUV dominated world, there are some very good, well rounded, efficient and tech-savvy cars still available.

[JokerHigh]

I had the Sentra as a rental for a few days and the car has improved a lot versus the last generation. It is comfy, drives sporty and the interior materials are decent. I would lease one if I was in the market for a compact car. The only thing is that we don't know about the CVT long-term reliability yet.

[martinfitchett]

I have the 21'SR Premium in the blue/black combo which looks great. I too was a little wary of the CVT but I actually think it drives very well and is quite smooth. I will admit it isnt the fastest off the mark but it certainly has more than enough for most roads that you will likely drive this on. I like that you have the ECO mode and also the "hidden sport mode" - little button under the shift knob, that keeps the revs up a little higher. Its one of the most comfortable cars I've driven but can be a little harsh over bumps due mainly to the low profile 18inch rims. On the whole I think its a great buy, very econmic and looks the part for the money. Sure its not on par with a Mazda but in the same spec you'll pay a lot more for the Mazda too.

[ChristianTravelers]

We just bought a 2023 SR w/Premium Package. As we have retired, we traded down from an extremely dependable Infiniti and chose the less expensive Sentra for 2 reasons: Superior Interior & Exterior Styling and the dependability of Nissan although we were wary of the CVT. We love how it drives and looks with 37.8 mpg after 2500 miles. HOWEVER, fluid leak where engine is mated to transmission. So, we have cautiously mixed feelings after nearly 2 months.

[genzigzag]

Oh how things have changed.... I remember the old B13 2dr Sentra SE-R what a car!

[frh-freerangehuman]

I was such a hardcore car guy until I got my first suv- a Ford Flex. A second flex and bronco sport badlands later and I Haven’t looked back
My last sedan was my 08 Sebring which contrary to opinions was an excellent car for me. Brakes and tires in over 300k kms. That was it.
But now with neck issues, and getting older I can’t even get into sedans comfortably. But I still like the look. My neighbour has a caddy CTS and I felt like a sardine in that. But what a nice car.
This is a decent looking sedan and man that tan interior!

Great review

[slighwentwalking]

I owned a Sentra in the 80s and it was a great car...not much on power but super reliable.
I have to think this one will perform well, I think CVT's are not as bad as they are made out to be. Its more popular for people to trash them than to accept them as capable. That's the general impression I have.

[Trey-vmfc]

Great review guy’s. Took one for a test drive and then the Mazda 3. That CVT is terrible and a deal breaker. No car is perfect but the Mazda was so much better. Regardless can’t get either for months in Alberta. Thanks

[aulivnjc]

Great review. I just picked up a 2022 sr with the 6 speed manual. One of my biggest dislikes with it so far is the lack of visibility through the back window. Other then that it's a great car so far.

[TheHuskyK]

Drove a 2019 Sentra as a rental and it drove fine on the highway. Was able to pass just fine and the CVT was also fine, and I’ve been driving a ‘04 Passat with an automatic for 5 years now. This Sentra looks great, especially the back, big improvement compared to the previous generation.

[timphillips]

Take it easy there Andrea!, that's such a sleek looking car!, price is astonishingly competitive.

[vicp]

I wish more ppl would shop this segment. Welcome back Nissan. Priced right too. I wonder which Renault thing shares it's structure with. Well said Zack. Spring is here when hot pink returns. Cheers from MTL.

[cathleanjohnson]

Nice vehicle for the price point, folk leary of the CVT but if you keep up with the maintenance schedule and get that fluid changed every 4 or 5 oil changes there shouldn't be a problem, your reviews are always on point.

[phuot]

Rent an SV a year and a half ago. Great on gaz, 5.5 l./100km on highway . Not a single problem. Will buy it in 2 years for sure.

[regwilson]

great review as always. Nice to see you 2 test a car again. The Sentra is a nice car and great price.

[darrenmorrow]

I find nissans seats some of the most comfortable out there.
I like the heavier steering of the nissans in comparison to the corolla we had very light my opinion.

[michaelsylvester]

I have to say I love the look inside and out well done.

[angrypenguin]

I find this Sentra a very interesting proposition. Great looks and well appointed, hard to ask for more.