Living With The 2024 Nissan Sentra SV: A Week in the Driver's Seat

The Nissan Sentra, a pragmatic choice in the realm of compact cars, strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. Positioned as one of the most budget-friendly options in the market, the Sentra doesn't just appeal to your practical side—it engages your rationality with a suite of driver-assistance technologies. With features like automated emergency braking and rear-cross-traffic alert, it prioritizes safety without breaking the bank.

While its powertrain may emit a subtle buzz, the Sentra's driving performance, or lack thereof, tends to lean towards the subdued side. It might not awaken your inner driving enthusiast, but its efficiency and cost-effectiveness might just lull you into a sense of practical comfort. Under the hood, a 149-hp four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission ensures a reliable and straightforward driving experience.

In a segment dominated by front-wheel-drive configurations, the Sentra distinguishes itself with a compelling blend of aesthetics and functionality. Despite lacking the all-wheel-drive option present in some competitors, such as the Mazda 3 and Toyota Prius, the Sentra remains a visually appealing option. Boasting comfortable front seats, ample trunk space, and remarkable highway fuel economy, it appeals to those seeking a practical yet stylish daily driver.

While it may not match the exhilaration of driving a Honda Civic, the Sentra shines where it matters most for many—affordability. Its price point makes it a sensible choice for those prioritizing budget without compromising on essential features, making the Sentra an attractive option for the cost-conscious consumer.

What's New for 2024 Nissan Sentra: A Subtle Glow-Up

While the 2024 Nissan Sentra doesn't scream "dramatic makeover," it whispers a confident "refined evolution." Here's what's new under the (slightly restyled) hood:

Exterior Enhancements:

• Sharper lines and sleeker lighting: New headlights and taillights, along with a more chiseled bumper design, lend the Sentra a more mature and sophisticated air.
• Wheel appeal: Fresh 16- and 18-inch wheel options add a touch of personality, letting you choose between sporty or elegant depending on your taste.

Performance Tweaks:

• Smoother sailing: The new Xtronic CVT transmission promises to enhance fuel economy and driving experience, ironing out those pesky bumps in acceleration.
• Efficiency champion: Engine start-stop technology joins the party, automatically shutting off the engine at stoplights to save you fuel and reduce emissions.

Interior Nuances:

• Familiar comfort: The cabin remains largely unchanged, but you'll find Nissan's new logo proudly gracing the steering wheel, a subtle reminder of the brand's evolving identity.

Trims and Pricing

Choosing the right 2024 Nissan Sentra trim can feel like a walk in the park – a pleasant, straightforward one, with price tags ranging from $21,905 to $24,995. But fear not, budget-conscious adventurers, for I'm your map through this value-packed forest.

The S for Savvy: Starting at just $21,905, the S trim is the base camp of practicality. Think of it as your essential gear – 149-hp engine, fuel-sipping CVT transmission, and surprisingly roomy cabins. It's enough to get you where you need to go, comfortably and efficiently.

The SV for Smart: For just $930 more, the SV trim unlocks a treasure trove of creature comforts. Adaptive cruise control takes the edge off traffic jams, while dual-zone automatic climate control ensures everyone on board stays happy, regardless of their temperature preferences. An 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keeps you connected and entertained, and upgraded interior materials give the cabin a touch of polish.

The SR for Sporty (on a Budget): Craving a hint of adrenaline with your commute? The SR trim, topping out at $24,995, throws in 18-inch alloy wheels, a sportier body kit, and LED headlights for a more assertive stance. Inside, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob add a touch of luxury, while a remote engine start lets you show off to your neighbors (or, more importantly, pre-cool your car on a sweltering day).

Torque News Verdict on 2024 Sentra's Trims: If value is your guiding star, the S trim shines bright. But for a modest investment, the SV offers tech and comfort upgrades that make every mile a pleasure. The SR, while tempting for its sporty touches, might stretch some budgets a bit thin.

2024 Nissan Sentra's Engine and Power

Under the hood of the 2024 Nissan Sentra beats a familiar heart – a 149-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It's a reliable workhorse, but don't expect a thrilling gallop. While the CVT simulates gear changes for a touch of traditional feel, it doesn't hide the engine's limitations. Our test car, especially during highway passing maneuvers, proved to be noisy and sluggish, leaving you wanting more oomph when merging or overtaking.

But the Sentra isn't about setting your adrenaline on fire. It's more of a steady, comfortable cruiser. Behind the wheel, the experience is calm and collected. The steering offers a weighty and predictable feel, though it lacks the sharp communication and feedback you might find in sportier rivals like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3.

The ride quality reflects this focus on comfort. Our test car, equipped with the largest 18-inch wheels, delivered a firm ride, and road noise could occasionally intrude into the cabin. However, for everyday commutes and weekend getaways, the Sentra remains compliant and pleasant, soaking up bumps and potholes without complaint.

One point of praise goes to the brakes. They provided a reassuring pedal feel and strong stopping power, bringing the car to a halt from 70 mph in a competitive 170 feet. So, while the Sentra might not leave you breathless with its engine performance, it offers a comfortable and controlled experience for those who prioritize everyday practicality over sporty thrills.

EPA has extimated the fuel economy of the 2024 Nissan Sentra as 33 MPG combined and 30/38 city/hwy combined. My 2024 Sentra's real-world combined MPG ended up as being 32.6, which is in the range of EPA's estimate.

Stepping Inside the Sentra: Where Comfort Meets Style

Forget bare-bones cabins of compact cars past. The 2024 Nissan Sentra boasts one of the most eye-pleasing interiors in its segment. Ditching the bland and predictable, it welcomes you with a trio of stylish circular air vents flanking the dashboard, perched neatly above sturdy climate controls. The materials might be a mix of soft and hard plastics, but the soft ones strategically hug the areas your hands and eyes constantly meet, effectively masking the rest. And if you crave a touch of luxury, step into a Sentra sporting the quilted leather upholstery – it's an unexpected surprise that feels upscale, even if it clashes slightly with the sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Comfort, however, reigns supreme in the Sentra's front row. Nissan's renowned Zero Gravity seats deserve every bit of praise they receive. Spacious, pliant, and surprisingly supportive, they cradle you like a well-worn armchair, whether you're battling rush hour traffic or cruising down the highway.

The spaciousness extends to the back too, offering ample legroom and headroom for even adult passengers. Plus, unlike some rivals, the Sentra doesn't sacrifice cargo space for passenger comfort. 

Nissan clearly understands the importance of staying connected in today's world. Every Sentra features a centrally mounted touchscreen, flanked by physical knobs for volume and tuning, a welcome respite from the all-touch interfaces plaguing some modern cars. While the base model makes do with a smaller 7.0-inch display, stepping up to the SV or SR trims unlocks a larger 8.0-inch screen packed with connectivity options. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and for audiophiles, an available eight-speaker Bose stereo and SiriusXM satellite radio await. And if you need to turn your car into a Wi-Fi hotspot on the go, there's an option for that too.

Thus, the 2024 Nissan Sentra's interior is a pleasant surprise. It's stylish, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious, offering features that cater to both practical needs and modern desires. So, whether you're a young professional seeking a stylish daily driver or a family man prioritizing comfort and practicality, the Sentra's cabin is certainly worth stepping into.

The Drive

When it comes to the 2024 Nissan Sentra's road handling it's a car that prioritizes everyday comfort and predictability over adrenaline-pumping thrills, and on this front, it delivers admirably.

The steering, while not razor-sharp like some sportier competitors, offers a comfortable weight and predictable feedback. It's responsive enough for navigating city streets and confident enough for highway cruising, but don't expect it to provide that telepathic connection with the road found in sharper-handling rivals.

The ride quality leans towards the firmer side, especially with larger 18-inch wheels. While it might not be cloud-like on rough roads, it does a good job of absorbing bumps and potholes without sending tremors through the cabin. Overall, it's a comfortable compromise between sporty firmness and plushness, ideal for most daily driving situations.

The independent rear suspension deserves a nod for contributing to the Sentra's balanced handling. It helps keep the car composed during cornering, though there's noticeable body roll when pushed hard. If you're planning on exploring twisty backroads with gusto, the Sentra might not be your first choice, but for everyday commutes and weekend getaways, it handles predictably and competently.

One area where the Sentra shines is braking. The brakes offer solid stopping power and a reassuring pedal feel, bringing the car to a halt from 70 mph in a class-competitive 170 feet. This confidence-inspiring performance adds another layer of peace of mind to the overall driving experience.

The ride quality is another area where the Sentra shines. Despite my test car's 18-inch wheels, the suspension managed to soak up bumps and potholes with aplomb. Even on twisty backroads, the handling felt predictable and stable, thanks in part to the independent rear suspension (a feature not all rivals offer). It's not a sports car, but it's definitely more fun to drive than I expected.

Of course, no car is perfect. The rear legroom is a bit tight for taller passengers, and the trunk space, while adequate, falls short of some competitors. The engine can get a bit noisy under hard acceleration, too. But for these minor quibbles, the 2024 Sentra SV delivers a lot of value for its starting price of just over $21,000.

Verdict: If you're looking for a comfortable, well-equipped, and fuel-efficient daily driver that won't break the bank, the 2024 Nissan Sentra SV deserves a serious test drive. It may not be the flashiest sedan on the road, but it punches above its weight in terms of everyday livability and driving enjoyment. Just don't expect to win any races.

Bonus tip: For Nissan enthusiasts, the SV trim offers a nice balance between features and affordability. If you want more tech and creature comforts, consider the SR or even the top-of-the-line SL trim. But for most drivers, the SV hits the sweet spot.

Do you have any opinions about the 2024 Nissan Sentra that you want to share in the comments section below?

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.