Nissan Altima Vs. Nissan Sentra: Compare Performance & Price

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Do you need a reliable sedan and wonder how a Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra compare? Find your winning model and trim with our helpful guide. As we examine the difference between Nissan Altima and Sentra cars, you'll be able to visualize how each would fit into your life.

We carry both used Nissan Altima and Sentra models on our lot, but before you visit Right Price Auto for a test drive, let's take a moment to investigate the benefits of each sedan.

Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra: What Can I Expect?

The Nissan brand is synonymous with reliable, affordable vehicles; more often than not, that's exactly what drivers need. If you're torn between driving a used Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra, here's a quick overview of what you can expect from each car, no matter which model year you choose.

Used Nissan Altima: Through the years, the Altima has proven itself to be a capable, dependable midsize sedan that delivers a large cabin and remarkable fuel economy. The Altima is great for long road trips, weekly commutes, and day-to-day driving in any weather.
Used Nissan Sentra: You can expect comfortable front seats, stylish interior design, and noteworthy tech and safety features in this compact car. The Sentra is a perfect choice for drivers who need a small, good-looking option that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the wallet.

Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra: Real-World Performance & Fuel Economy

Let's be honest: reliable performance in real-world situations is high on many drivers' wish lists. While you may be choosing between Altima vs. Sentra models right now, you can rest assured that regardless of your final decision, you'll drive home with dependable performance.

Lift the hood of a used Nissan Altima, and you'll likely find a 179 to 188-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Drive confidently with standard front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission, or choose a 2019 model or newer for available AWD. The 2019 refresh also introduces an optional 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine that can make 236-248 horsepower. This sedan handles well and gives you hard-to-beat gas mileage.

Choose a used Nissan Sentra to gain a firm suspension and responsive handling. Its old 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine generates 124-130 horsepower depending on model year. There have also been turbocharged engine options with a livelier kick. You might even be able to find some 200-horsepower models available. Some models featured a six-speed manual or automatic CVT transmission.

As you can tell, this vehicle has undergone several transformations over the years. However, late-year models feature a 149-horsepower 2.0-liter engine with CVT.

While pre-2020 Nissan Sentra engines offered competitive fuel efficiency utilizing a front-wheel drive drivetrain, the newer 2.0-liter option increases fuel savings. To more easily understand how these cars stack up against one another, take a look at these Nissan Altima vs. Sentra specs, with data that spans the 2017-2022 model years:

Nissan Altima	EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Hwy/Cmbd)	Nissan Sentra
27/39/31 MPG	2017	29/37/32 MPG
27/38/31 MPG	2018	29/37/32 MPG
28/39/32 MPG	2019	29/37/32 MPG
28/39/32 MPG	2020	29/39/33 MPG
28/39/32 MPG	2021	29/39/33 MPG
28/39/32 MPG	2022	29/39/33 MPG
27/39/32 MPG	2023	29/39/33 MPG

Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra: Interior Design & Dimensions

A used Nissan Altima offers comfortable cabin and cargo space. Even 2017 models have color displays, Bluetooth, USB ports, and optional features like a sunroof, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Move up to 2019 or 2020 models to find upgraded tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Audio integration.

Meanwhile, inside a used Nissan Sentra, you'll find touch-screen displays, Bluetoothu00ae capability, USB ports, and voice recognition, even as far back as the 2017 lineup. Selecting a more current used Nissan Sentra model will give you upgraded tech like larger touch screens, increased USB ports, and keyless access.

When comparing Altima vs. Sentra size, it's clear that the midsize Altima offers more passenger space, but the cargo dimensions of both cars are nearly identical: you can pack the Nissan Altima trunk's 15.4 cubic feet with all the groceries and gear you need, and cargo storage is no problem in a Nissan Sentra with its 14.3 cubic feet of standard trunk space. Keep in mind that there may be some variances depending on the model year.

Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra: Exterior Design & Style

Although the exterior dimensions of the Altima are larger due to its midsize status, both the Nissan Altima and the Nissan Sentra have a sporty, unobtrusive exterior design that makes them ideally suited for families and individuals alike. Shop all used Nissan vehicles, including stylish Altima and Sentra models, when you visit Right Price Auto.

A used Nissan Altima or Nissan Sentra will likely feature 16-inch to 19-inch wheels, depending on model year and trim. Exterior color options include bright reds and blues and stylish silvers and whites. The Nissan Sentra, however, is more likely to be found with two-tone exterior color schemes that lend it visual interest.

Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra: Safety & Reliability

Another important factor when deciding between these two cars is Altima vs. Sentra reliability. Inside a used Nissan Altima, you'll typically find a long list of driver-assistance features that increase occupant safety and driving reliability, including Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane-Keep Assist functions. Safety-conscious drivers will also love that the family-friendly Nissan Altima has consistently captured IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards from 2013-2023.¹⁵

As the Nissan Sentra evolved over the years, increasingly helpful safety and driver assistance technologies were incorporated as standard features. When you choose a used Nissan Sentra as your next vehicle, you can look for a range of safety tech like NissanConnect services, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a Blind-Spot Monitor. The Sentra also collected IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ awards for seven years in a row, from 2015 to 2022.¹⁶

Visit Right Price Auto today to schedule a test drive and experience their reliability for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Altima bigger than the Sentra?

Yes, the Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan, making it bigger than the compact Nissan Altima, but both cars offer very similar standard cargo space and spacious interiors. The Altima also typically houses bigger engines, which give you greater horsepower on the road. Visit our dealership to compare the Sentra vs. Altima and see which provides the size and power you need for your weekly drives.

Is the Sentra or the Altima more expensive?

While the final purchase price depends on multiple factors, a base-model Nissan Altima is typically more expensive than a base-model Nissan Sentra. You can find a competitive price for your Nissan vehicle when you stop by our Right Price Auto showroom and chat with our finance team about our no credit financing. You can even start the process now and apply for financing on our website!

Is the Nissan Altima or Nissan Sentra more reliable?

The Nissan Altima and Nissan Sentra are both reliable vehicles that can make it to 200,000 miles or more when properly maintained. However, a Nissan Altima might be able to push it a few extra thousand miles. Both vehicles have earned multiple IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ awards,^15,16 increasing their appeal for those looking for a dependable ride.

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