Affordability is a growing issue for consumers looking for a new vehicle and the prices are only going higher.
While some are turning to the used vehicle market, the jump in those prices have outpaced the rise in new vehicle prices and there’s still no guarantee of finding the desired vehicle.
Overview
This conundrum is one the key reasons the 2022 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR made a good first impression during the week I had the opportunity to drive it around Detroit.
The 2022 Sentra carries the relatively modest Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $22,100, but it was not “cheap.” The model of the Sentra I drove featured more than $4,400 of options, includng a “Premium Package,” which including a power seat, heated seats and steering wheel, surround view camera, two-tone paint job and 18-inch wheels.
The result is a very practical passenger vehicle capable of filling the needs of small families, retirees or almost anyone else looking for sensible transportation at a price significantly less than the average transaction price for a new vehicle of more than $47,000. The Sentra has been an essential part of the Nissan line for several years and the new models continue to deliver excellent value for the money.
Exterior
The 2022 Nissan Sentra is a front-wheel drive vehicle, but the exterior design has a nice sense of proportion, under the sleek roofline, which flows smoothly from the windshield to the very tip of the car’s spoiler, reaching out from the trunk lid.
The Sentra’s silhouette is nicely set off by 18-inch, black alloy wheels at the corners of the vehicle. The lighting fixtures in the front and rear of the Sentra are unobtrusively fitted into the overall exterior styling and serve to reinforce the car’s unique design characteristics. The Sentra’s front fascia also is well crafted to give the car its own unique signature.
I was surprised and pleased this version of Sentra came equipped with puddle lights — a feature typically found on more expensive and more luxurious passenger cars and sport-utility vehicles. The two-tone, black and white paint on the vehicle I drove was a nice touch, giving the car a distinctive appearance.
Interior
The cabin of the 2022 Nissan Sentra isn’t flashy, but it has a practical-minded layout and the quality of the materials used throughout the cabin don’t look like they were pulled from the parts bin because they were cheap. The Sentra is equipped with steering wheel controls, a display mounted in the instrument cluster that delivers information about the car’s operations, including the fuel economy.
The controls in the center stack are an effective mix of knobs and switches, which were neatly set off by the brightwork in the model I drove. In addition, the interior of the vehicle is surprisingly spacious, so you don’t feel cramped even on a longer drive. The entertainment system in the model I drove delivered a first-rate sound and the visibility from the driver’s seat was very good. There were also generous cup holders and stage space around the driver’s seat.
Powertrain
The 2022 Sentra is powered by a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, which is matched to an Xtronic CVT. The combination produces 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given the Sentra combined fuel economy rating of 32 miles per gallon, including 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.l
Safety and Technology
The safety equipment on the 2022 Sentra includes advanced emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intelligent forward collision warning. It also has blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning as well as high-beam assist as standard equipment.
Nissan’s advanced airbag system provides protection in front- and side-impact collisions. The Sentra also features an 8-inch touchscreen in the center stack, satellite radio, Bluetooth, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Bose sound system with eight speakers and the surround view camera system.
Driving Impressions
The CVT seems to miss shifts climbing hills, but overall, the Sentra has ample power and torque for its size. It gets up to speed on the highway without much effort. It also has solid driving dynamics with the electric power steering being very responsive. The brakes are very good and features such as the automatic ride controls bolster the suspension, giving the car a nice feeling on varied surfaces. It is also very maneuverable and easy thanks to a tight turning radius and easy to park.
2022 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR CVT specifications
| Dimension | L: 182.7 inches/W: 71.5 inches/H: 56.9 inches/Wheelbase: 106.6 inches |
| Weight | 3,036 pounds |
| Powertrain | 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder; CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined |
| Performance Specs | 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque |
| Price | Base price: $22,100; As tested: $27,615 not including $975 destination charge |
| On-Sale Date | Available now |
Wrap Up
The 2022 Sentra represents impressive value. It’s a modest vehicle but it is surprisingly well equipped with advanced driving assistance features and ample room in the cabin. Given the cost of new vehicles today, one cannot help but be impressed by the features and equipment found on the Sentra for what is a relatively affordable price in today’s market. In addition, the car has ample power, making it fun to drive and measures up well against competitors such as the Hyundai Elantra.
2022 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR CVT — Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of gas does the 2022 Nissan Sentra take?
Regardless of trim, the engine in every 2022 Sentra is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. This goes through an automatic transmission to drive just the front wheels. Regular 87-octane gasoline is perfectly acceptable.
Does the 2022 Nissan Sentra have a touchscreen?
The 2022 Nissan Sentra will still feature a floating hands-free 7-inch touchscreen display on the center of the dash with physical knobs and buttons to add convenience. The buyers can also upgrade to 8-inch screen infotainment. There are hard buttons for the HVAC system too, which makes them easy to operate.
What’s the Nissan Sentra gas mileage in the city?
The 2022 Nissan Sentra and its naturally aspirated motor along with the CVT should have contributed to splendid figures but its heavier curb weight won’t allow that. The 2022 Sentra, with no change to the powertrain, delivers 29/39/33 mpg in the city/highway/combined.
