It is so refreshing these days to see a really nice, good-looking car, that I consider a great value. Such is the case with the 2024 Nissan Sentra. It is a great compact sedan that looks and drives larger than it actually is. The S model starts at just $21,180, then you can move up to the SV trim, and then the top-of-the line SR that I tested, and it starts at $23,720 before any discounts or rebates.
For 2024, the Sentra has a more modern appearance, it is getting better fuel economy, and Nissan added some premium features as well. It has a new front fascia and restyled headlights, and beautiful new 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
Sentra SR as with this one I sports a restyled rear fascia and new interior accent stitching color as well. It is a sharp-looking car with great lines, decked out in Monarch Orange with a Super Black roof, a rear spoiler, the V-Motion grill, and a chrome exhaust tip.
Under the hood of this beauty is the 2-liter Dual Overhead Cam 4-cylinder engine, putting out 149-horses and 146-pound feet of torque. I know that doesn’t sound like a lot, but the Sentra feels as if it has a lot more horsepower. It is mated to a new Xtronic CVT transmission, which we all know I have not been a fan of, but I will say that this one is actually OK. Nissan programs in simulated shifts and it really makes a difference in how it feels, and it is really good to increase gas mileage.
Open the door and you’ll see a well-done interior with comfortable leatherette seats. Stitching is abundant across the dash, around the seats, and surrounding the flat-bottomed steering wheel. I was pleasantly surprised with all the soft touch materials, especially for a vehicle in this price range.
The 7-inch gauge cluster is colorful and easy to read and is highly configurable, including a digital speedometer. All the controls are on the heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. Glance to the right and you’ll see a well-done 8” touchscreen that is easy to operate and actually moves quite quickly. From there you operate the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Assistant, SiriusXM, and the Nissan Connected suite of apps. The Bose stereo with 8-speakers sounds fantastic and the resolution from the 360-degree surround view rear camera system was extremely good.
The center console is nicely appointed, has a couple of cup holders, two USB-C ports, a wireless phone charging pad, the pushbutton start, electronic emergency brake, push button start, and a 12-volt power outlet.
Notable standard features include remote start from the key fob, power windows & door locks, tilt wheel, dual zone climate control, a rear spoiler, rear pulldown armrest, and LED headlights,
Options include the Premium package, which is an outstanding value for $2,490 and includes: A power glass moon roof with sliding cover, the 18” aluminum alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, the Bose premium Audio, a 6-way power driver’s seat with a 2-way power lumbar, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, the Wi-Fi hotspot, and over-the-air updates. That is a LOT of useful options for $2,490. The two-tone paint runs $645 and floor mats are $270.
On the safety front, you get Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking.
Ride and Drive
The bottom line with this 2024 Sentra SR is that this is an impressive compact sedan that drives and rides very well, interior quietness is actually good, and the acceleration is fine to get you up on the freeway.
Fuel economy is an impressive 30 in town and 38 on the highway. MSRP on this top-of-the-line loaded model is just $28,220 before dealer discounts and rebates. If you are in the market for a compact sedan, well under $30,000 this one has to be on your shopping list.
To view larger photos see the slideshow below at CarPro.com.