2022 Nissan Sentra: Strong Value
With a $20,000 entry point and long list of standard safety features, the 2022 Nissan Sentra continues to be a strong mid-sizer 40 years since it arrived.
2022 Nissan Sentra – usa.nissannews.com | Shop 2022 Nissan Sentra on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2022 Nissan Sentra?
A few years into its eight generation, the 2022 Nissan Sentra continues to look like a smaller version of its Altima and Maxima stable mates. Since introduction 40 years ago, the Sentra has gained 16” in length and 8” in width, pushing it out of the subcompact segment. You can read a full history on this long-running model here, but the upshot is that the Versa has become Nissan’s smallest sedan offering and the Sentra is officially classified as mid-size. Updates for 2022, versus last year’s model that we review here, are limited to a new Midnight Edition package that darkens SR models and an All-Weather package now available on SV trim.
The Breakdown
Starting price of less than $20K
V-Motion front grille lends polished good looks
Multiple layers of standard safety features
Quilted tan leather upholstery is rather ritzy
Needs a more powerful engine option
Nissan nails the price-to-value ratio
2022 Sentra Specs
- 149 horsepower from base engine
- 146 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 14.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Available 360° Around View Monitor
- Forward Collision can sense issues 2 cars ahead
- Decidedly average warranty terms
2022 Nissan Sentra Powertrain
All 2022 Nissan Sentras make do with a naturally aspirated 2.0L inline-4 that produces 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. It will get you from A to B, but don’t expect to win any stoplight races. 0-60 mph arrives in a leisurely 9.2 seconds. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) routes power to the front wheels with a Sport mode for more aggressive shifting. The transverse-mounted mill has a balance shaft to cancel out some of the harshness associated with four pots and the fully independent suspension offers composed handling.
There are a couple of nifty systems designed to improve ride and handling like Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control. The former can automatically apply braking force and adjust engine torque to smooth out bumpy roads. While the latter is capable of braking individual wheels through curves for a smoother transition.
2022 Nissan Sentra Fuel Economy & MPG
Tipping the scales at under 3100 pounds and standard active grille shutters are factors in the solid fuel economy of a 2022 Nissan Sentra. S and SV models earn EPA estimates of 29 mpg in city driving, 39 mpg on the highway, and 33 combined. Top-spec SR trim drops slightly to 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. When equipped with the digital instrument panel screen, drivers also have the ability to customize Eco mode and monitor fuel efficiency.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Owners of the 2022 Nissan Sentra are greeted by a clean interior layout from the flat-bottom steering wheel framing analog gauges to triple HVAC registers under the infotainment display, which Nissan notes are inspired by their GT-R supercar. Cloth is standard but an optional quilted leather design punches the interior style way up with a deep tan and contrasting black theme. Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats, which are built to minimize pressure points and reduce fatigue, are available with power-adjustable lumbar support as well as heat.
Rear passengers benefit from a flip-down armrest with cup holders on SV trim and above, while front row occupants benefit from available dual-zone automatic climate control. The rear seatback folds down, though not entirely flat, in a 60/40 configuration to access the 14.3 cubic foot trunk. That cargo space volume is virtually identical to what a new Honda Civic offers, a vehicle the Sentra has been competing with since the 80s as we discuss here.
Entertainment & Technology
The best tech features are reserved for 2022 Nissan Sentra SR models equipped with the Premium package that includes NissanConnect Services with Wi-Fi, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Bose stereo with eight speakers, and customizable vehicle alerts. While the base model comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto software, you’ll need at least a midpack SV to access the larger 8” touchscreen. Additional techy upgrades found on the SV include a USB port for the backseat, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Advanced Drive-Assist Display within the gauge cluster.
Safety Features
Nissan outfits all new Sentra models with Safety Shield 360, a group of six advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that includes automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind sport warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Additionally, a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and intelligent forward collision warning are lineup standard. Intelligent cruise control and the around view monitor do require moving past the base model, but it is an impressive array of safety nets overall. Then there are the eight standard airbags that cover front row knees, both rear outboard side positions, and a full-length side curtain. It is part of the reason that IIHS awarded their Top Safety Pick rating to the Sentra last year.
2022 Nissan Sentra Trims & Pricing
S – $20,485
With average new car prices well past $40,000, the entry-level 2022 Nissan Sentra S is a refreshingly value-packed option for just over $20,000. Like all 2022 Sentras, it comes with the six ADAS under Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite including rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning. Hubcaps over 16” steelies hint at the budget pricing, but keyless entry and body color exterior trim are nice touches.
Lineup standard, the flat-bottom steering wheel looks sporty and features controls for multiple systems including cruise control. Additional standard interior fare includes black cloth upholstery, air conditioning, and one-touch windows. A 7” touchscreen sprouts form the dashboard with a pair of physical knobs and smartphone mirroring software for Apple and Android devices. No packages are available, but Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and speed-sensitive volume control for the stereo are on hand.
SV – $21,545
For about $1000 over the base model, SV trim adds alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, and access to more colors like Scarlet Ember. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and premium cloth spruce up the cabin, as does the 8” touchscreen display. An additional USB port is added and a 7” screen sits between the analog gauges to display text messages, safety alerts, and the like. As well, the base 4-speaker setup steps up to 6 speakers and Intelligent Cruise Control is included.
For cold weather climes, the $590 All-Weather package brings a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, remote start, and dual-zone automatic climate control. To access the fancy tan-colored leather upholstery with quilted inserts, a moonroof, and power-adjustable driver’s seat, tick the SV Premium package box.
SR – $23,075
Only SR Sentras offer the slick two-tone paint scheme that looks especially sharp in Monarch Orange Metallic with a black roof. It will set you back $595, but the 18” wheels, LED lighting, rear spoiler, and chrome exhaust outlet are all included. A trim-exclusive Midnight Edition package adds the blackout treatment from wheels and badging to front grille and spoiler. The SR Premium package is pricey at $2470, but tacks on Prima-Tex upholstery, a Bose audio system, moonroof, Wi-Fi, and then some.
Warranties
The warranty on a 2022 Nissan Sentra is utterly basic with 3 years or 36,000 miles of vehicle coverage and 5 years or 60,000 miles covering the powertrain. There is no complimentary maintenance or roadside assistance like you’ll find among competitors Kia and Toyota.
What we think
2022 Nissan Sentra – nissanusa.com | Shop 2022 Nissan Sentra on Carsforsale.com
Cars are getting more expensive, so it’s nice to find an option like the 2022 Nissan Sentra that offers a solid range of amenities without breaking the bank. Even with the Premium package, top-spec SR models come in at around $26,000 making it a solid little sedan.
