The newly redesigned Nissan Sentra has truly grown up, with a bit of help from the aesthetics of its Altima cousin and some serious specs from rival brands. These upgrades should make the 2013 Sentra the perfect economic option for hungry car customers.
Nissan Sentra Trims and Features Review
The Nissan Sentra is a small five seat sedan that’s offered in S, SV, SR, and SL trim levels, along with fuel saving FE+S and FE+SV models. The latter two options come with a rear spoiler, aero deflectors, and low-rolling resistance tires. Every trim comes with a four-cylinder engine worth 130 horsepower, and Eco, Sport, and Normal drive modes that help produce either 33 or 34 combined MPG (the base manual Sentra achieves 30 combined MPG).
Things have been expanded inside to the delight, and comfort, of both driver and passengers. Standard features include basics like power accessories, A/C, and cloth seats, though upper trims can be decked out in wood and leather trim, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, Nissan Connect infotainment with navigation, and Bose audio.
The 2013 Nissan Sentra starts at $15,990.
How Nissan Sentra Does on Performance
The front-wheel drive Sentra is powered by a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower and 128 lb.-ft. of torque. The base S Sentra comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, though an Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is available. All other trims get the CVT as standard. Drivers can choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport modes to help control efficiency and performance, depending on need.
Nissan Sentra Fuel Economy
EPA estimates give the manually driven 2013 Sentra 27/36/30 (city/highway/combined) MPG; CVT equipped models get bumped up to 30/39/33. FE+s and FE+SV models receive 34 combined MPG.
Nissan Sentra Interior Highlights
Part of Nissan’s quest for the new Sentra was improving driver and passenger friendliness, and they’ve achieved this by adding welcoming space and versatility up front, along with extra room for backseat passengers. If you are relegated to the second row, you’ll get 37.4 inches of legroom. Trunk space measures an impressive 15.1 cubic feet.
If you choose, you can build an upscale atmosphere by adding wood and heated leather seating to the quiet cabin. Nissan Connect offers hands-free texting and voice commands for hands-off control, and the 5.8 inch touchscreen is also within easy reach for the more traditional among us.
Nissan Sentra Safety Features
Standard on every 2013 Sentra are four-wheel antilock brakes (front disc, rear drum) with brake assist, stability and traction control, and full-length side curtain airbags. SR and SL trims also get a rear disc brake option. The Navigation package comes with a rearview camera, and upper trims get an Easy-Fill Tire Alert system that lets you know the tires are properly inflated.
Nissan Sentra Summary & Overall Review
Nissan has given shoppers what they crave – upscale features at an economical price, good fuel economy, and enough new tech to show off to friends and family. The 2013 Nissan Sentra is back, and it’s better than you think.
