The 2024 Nissan Sentra receives minor updates this year, primarily for its top trim, the 2.0 SR CVT. These changes include an exterior facelift, a slight boost in mileage, and new black alloy wheels.

Since its launch in 1982, the compact Nissan Sentra has become a staple in the compact car segment, known for its reliability, efficiency, and affordability. Recently, it has fallen to second place in Nissan vehicle sales, behind the Nissan Rogue SUV.

Our test drive was the 2024 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR CVT, the top trim above the S and SV. It features subtle dark trim on the front fascia, restyled LED headlights for a sportier look, a low body-colored strip below the V-shaped grille, red SR badges on the front and rear, and a low graphic on the rear fascia.

We opted for the SR Premium package at $2,490 for upgraded cabin comfort and features, plus $645 for paint and $280 for floor and trunk mats, bringing the total cost to just under $30,000. The two-tone Monarch Orange with a black roof, complemented by new 18-inch black alloy wheels, adds a stylish appearance that elicits strong reactions from onlookers. (Orange apparently evokes strong emotions.)

Nissan offers other eye-catching two-tone paint options paired with a black roof: Aspen White, Electric Blue, and Atlantic Gray, a new color for 2024.

In 2023, the EPA rated the Sentra’s 2.0 SR CVT fuel economy at 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. A manual transmission remains an option. The addition of a new X-Tronic CVT for smoother shifting in 2024 improves the fuel efficiency by one mile per gallon in both city and highway driving for the front-wheel-drive sedan. There is also a new stop/start feature to save fuel, which can be deactivated.

While not as powerful as a sports car (horsepower and torque are both under 150), the Sentra offers nimble handling and decisive CVT power shifts, making it enjoyable for city driving. The independent rear suspension provides a somewhat stiff ride with noticeable reactions to imperfect pavement, and engine noise is apparent during acceleration.

The Intelligent Driver Alert system activates above 37 mph if it detects erratic driving behavior, suggesting the driver take a break. All Sentras come with Nissan Safety Shield 360, an impressive suite of six advanced driver assistance features, including lane departure warning. An Intelligent Around View Monitor aids in parking, and forward collision warning is standard.

Emergency front and rear braking are also standard, helping the Sentra earn top crash safety ratings for 2024 from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A rear seat alert appears on the 7-inch Advanced Driver-Assist® Display, reminding drivers to check the rear seat before exiting. A useful feature is the theft-deterrent auto-lock, which activates when the engine is off, and the driver walks away with the key fob untouched. A spare tire is included, and a horn alert sounds when the correct tire pressure level is reached during inflation.

The roomy cabin is ergonomically designed to handle improved technology connectivity via the 8-inch dashboard touchscreen. There are three USB ports, and NissanConnect Services includes a Wi-Fi hotspot and phone app connectivity. Zero-gravity inspired quilted and heated front leatherette seats with red-orange contrast stitching are sturdy and comfortable. Rear seats are comfortable but slightly constrained for headroom with the moonroof. Satin-chrome accents create an upscale cabin ambiance.

Small storage spaces in the cabin are plentiful, and with the rear seats folded, cargo space is exemplary. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay link with a smartphone for navigation, and there is an 8-speaker Bose Premium audio system. However, the visors do not fully extend.

Reliability for the Nissan Sentra is rated at 4.0 out of 5.0.

LIKE: Looks, price, strong safety features and tech, handling, spacious cabin
DISLIKE: No complimentary maintenance, no lane-keeping assist, short visors, some noise, stiff ride
BOTTOM LINE: Nissan's legacy and low price in today’s inflationary market make it a strong choice in the compact car niche.

FACT FILE 2024 NISSAN SENTRA 2.0 SR CVT PREMIUM

• Base price w/destination fee: $24,120 ($29,320 as tested)
• Curb weight: 3,122 lbs.
• Wheelbase: 106.8 inches
• Length: 182.7 inches
• Width: 71.5 inches
• Engine specs (gas): 2.0-liter, DOHC, 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 149-hp @ 6,400 rpm
• Torque: 146 lbs.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Automatic
• EPA Rating: 30 mpg city / 38 mpg highway
• Range: 12.4 gallons, regular
• Performance: 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds