Nissan Sentra 2020 is a sedan that combines Japanese reliability, modern design and an affordable price. The model replaced the previous generation (B17) and became a real bestseller in the markets of North America, Mexico and the Middle East. The car was not officially sold in Russia and the CIS countries, but is actively imported by “gray” dealers and is in demand among lovers of Japanese sedans.
Main difference Sentra 2020 from its predecessor - a completely updated platform Nissan CMF-C/D, which also underlies Nissan Rogue And Qashqai. This improved handling, reduced noise levels in the cabin and increased safety. The car received a new 2.0-liter direct injection engine, a modern multimedia system and an expanded package of driver assistance systems Nissan Safety Shield 360.
In this article we will analyze in detail all aspects Nissan Sentra 2020: from technical characteristics to real reviews from owners, we will compare it with the main competitors and give recommendations on choosing a configuration. We will pay special attention to the nuances of operation, which are important to know before purchasing.
Technical specifications of Nissan Sentra 2020
Under the hood Sentra 2020 the only gasoline engine installed is naturally aspirated 2.0-litre MR20DD with direct fuel injection system. This motor develops 149 hp at 6000 rpm And 203 Nm torque at 4400 rpm. For comparison, the previous generation offered a 1.8-liter engine with 130 hp.
Transmission - continuously variable variator Xtronic CVT with 8-speed simulation, which is optimized for better dynamics and efficiency. The drive is exclusively front-wheel drive; there are no all-wheel drive versions. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes approx. 9.5 seconds, which is 1.5 seconds faster than its predecessor.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-litre MR20DD, 4 cylinders, 16 valves |
| Power | 149 hp at 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 203 Nm at 4400 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT Xtronic CVT with manual mode |
| Fuel consumption (combined cycle) | 6.9 L/100 km (according to EPA) |
Front suspension - type MacPherson, rear - multi-link. The steering is equipped with an electric power steering with a variable ratio, which makes the steering wheel more informative at high speeds. The braking system includes ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear (on base versions) or disc brakes on all wheels (on top trims).
⚠️ Attention: Owners note that with an aggressive driving style, fuel consumption can increase to 9-10 l/100 km. The CVT is sensitive to overheating, so it is not recommended to tow trailers weighing more than 500 kg without additional cooling.
Options and prices for Nissan Sentra 2020
In 2020 Nissan Sentra offered in three main trim levels: S, SV And SR. A top version was also available in some regions (such as the Middle East) SL. Prices for a new car in the USA started from $19,990 for the basic version and reached $24,500 for a fully equipped SR.
In the secondary market of Russia and CIS countries, prices for Sentra 2020 varies depending on mileage and condition. Average offers:
- 🚗 Basic package S (mileage 30-50 thousand km):
1.8–2.2 million rub. - 🚗 SV with multimedia and rear view camera (mileage 20-40 thousand km):
2.0–2.5 million rub. - 🚗 Top SR with leather interior and adaptive cruise control (mileage up to 30 thousand km):
2.3–2.8 million rub.
It is worth noting that prices for “gray” cars can be reduced by 10-15% compared to official dealers in the countries of original sale. However, when purchasing such machines, it is important to check the history through Carfax or AutoCheck, since they could have been in an accident or had problems with customs clearance.
- Basic S
- Average SV
- Top SR
- I don't care about the level of equipment
Exterior and interior design
Exterior Nissan Sentra 2020 has undergone dramatic changes compared to the previous generation. The car received a more aggressive and sporty look with design elements borrowed from Nissan Altima And Maxima. The front part is distinguished by a large trapezoid-shaped radiator grille, narrow headlights with LED optics (on top versions) and stylish foglights.
The side profile features smooth body lines, a distinctive window line and 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch on the base version). The rear part turned out to be laconic: narrow lights, a small spoiler on the trunk lid and a dual exhaust system (imitation on most trim levels). Car dimensions:
- 📏 Length:
4630 mm(+55 mm compared to the previous generation) - 📏 Width:
1790 mm(+30 mm) - 📏 Height:
1445 mm(-20 mm, which improved aerodynamics) - 📦 Trunk volume:
428 liters(15% more than its predecessor)
Interior Sentra 2020 is made in a minimalist style using high-quality materials. The center console is dominated by an 8-inch touchscreen (7-inch on the base version) with support Apple CarPlay And Android Auto. The instrument panel can be either analog or fully digital (on versions SR And SL). Seats are available in fabric or leather trim, heated and electrically adjustable on top trim levels.
When inspecting the interior, pay attention to the build quality of the plastic panels - early batches of 2020 had squeaks in the dashboard area on rough roads.
Safety and driver assistance systems
Nissan Sentra 2020 received maximum 5 stars in crash tests NHTSA and high marks from IIHS, including reward Top Safety Pick. The car is equipped with six airbags, stability control system VSC and anti-lock braking system ABS with electronic brake force distribution.
Starting from the configuration SV, package available Nissan Safety Shield 360which includes:
- 🚨 Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition
- 🚗 Lane Keeping System with steering correction
- 👁️ Blind Spot Monitoring with lane crossing warning
- 🚦 Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control
- 💡 Automatic high beam headlights
The system deserves special attention ProPILOT Assist (available on versions SR And SL), which combines adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist. It is capable of independently braking, accelerating and correcting its trajectory at speeds up to 100 km/h, however, is not a full-fledged autopilot.
⚠️ Attention: System ProPILOT Assist Requires clear road markings for correct operation. On Russian roads with poor markings or in snowy conditions, its effectiveness is significantly reduced.
Pros and cons of the 2020 Nissan Sentra
Like any car, Nissan Sentra 2020 has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's consider them based on owner reviews and expert tests.
Benefits:
- ✅ Reliable engine with a resource of more than
300,000 kmwith proper maintenance - ✅ Spacious salon with comfortable seats and a large trunk
- ✅ Good sound insulation at higher speeds
100 km/h - ✅ Low cost of ownership (cheap maintenance, available spare parts)
- ✅ Modern security systems as standard
Disadvantages:
- ❌ Weak variator during aggressive driving (overheating, jerking)
- ❌ Soft suspensionprone to swaying on uneven surfaces
- ❌ Low ground clearance (
130 mm) - problems on bad roads - ❌ Weak corrosion resistance bodies in Russian winter conditions
- ❌ Lack of all-wheel drive even in options
Many owners also note that the multimedia system sometimes freezes, and the sound quality of the standard audio system leaves much to be desired. However, these shortcomings are easily eliminated by installing an alternative radio or improving the acoustics.
The 2020 Nissan Sentra is an excellent choice for city driving and long trips on good roads, but is not suitable for off-roading or aggressive driving.
Comparison with competitors
In my class Nissan Sentra 2020 competes with models such as Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra And Kia Cerato. Let's compare the key parameters:
| Parameter | Nissan Sentra 2020 | Toyota Corolla 2020 | Honda Civic 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0 (149 hp) | 1.8 (139 hp) or 2.0 (169 hp) | 1.5T (174 hp) or 2.0 (158 hp) |
| Gearbox | CVT | CVT or 6-speed Manual transmission | CVT or 6-speed Manual transmission |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9 l/100 km | 5.8 l/100 km | 6.2 l/100 km |
| Price (average on the secondary market) | 2.0–2.5 million rub. | 2.2–2.8 million rub. | 2.3–3.0 million rub. |
| Warranty (official) | 3 years/60 thousand km (in countries of sale) | 3 years/100 thousand km | 3 years/60 thousand km |
Sentra beats competitors in terms of price/quality ratio, especially if purchased on the secondary market. However, in terms of dynamics and efficiency it is inferior Honda Civic with a turbo engine, and in terms of reliability - Toyota Corolla with its legendary reputation. Hyundai Elantra And Kia Cerato They offer a longer warranty (5 years), but lose in suspension comfort.
If dynamics are important to you, choose Civic, if reliability is Corolla, and if the combination of price, comfort and modern technology - Sentra will be the best option.
Nuances of operation and maintenance
Upon purchase Nissan Sentra In 2020, it is important to consider several key points that will affect the cost of ownership and ease of use.
Service and spare parts:
- 🔧 Engine oil it is recommended to change every
10,000 km(or once a year). Suitable for synthetics5W-30or0W-20. - 🔧 CVT requires oil changes every
60,000 km. Use only original fluidNS-3. - 🔧 Brake pads serve on average
40,000–50,000 km, disks -80,000–100,000 km. - 🔧 Spark plugs change once every
100,000 km(iridiumNGK ILZKR7B11).
Typical problems:
- ⚠️ Creaks in the cabin - often appear after
20,000 kmmileage It can be solved by treating plastic panels with silicone grease. - ⚠️ Variator oil seal leak - found on cars with mileage over
80,000 km. Requires oil seal and oil replacement. - ⚠️ Headlights fogging - defective seals, corrected by service under warranty (if valid).
☑️ What to check before buying a used Nissan Sentra 2020
To extend the service life of the variator, it is recommended:
- Avoid sudden starts and long towing.
- Check the oil level in the variator regularly (every
10,000 km). - Use only original fluid
NS-3. - When sitting for long periods in traffic jams, turn on the mode
"Sport"for better cooling.
What to do if the variator starts to twitch?
If the variator Nissan Sentra started to jerk when accelerating, check the oil level. If the oil is normal, but the problem persists, diagnostics of the control module (TCM) and replacement of the solenoids is required. In 80% of cases this solves the problem without major repairs.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2020 Nissan Sentra
🔹 Is it possible to install all-wheel drive on the Nissan Sentra 2020?
No, Nissan Sentra 2020 was produced exclusively with front-wheel drive. Installing all-wheel drive on your own is technically possible, but it is not economically feasible - the cost of the modification will exceed the market price of the car. If you need an all-wheel drive sedan, consider Subaru Impreza or Audi A4 Quattro.
🔹 What is the real fuel consumption of the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
According to the owners, real fuel consumption is:
- 🏙️ City:
8.5–10 l/100 km(depending on driving style) - 🛣️ Route:
5.5–6.5 l/100 kmat speed90–110 km/h - 🔄 Mixed cycle:
7.0–8.0 l/100 km
Fuel use AI-95 instead of AI-92 reduces consumption by 5-7% and improves dynamics.
🔹 What tires are recommended for the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
Factory tire sizes:
- 🚗 Basic equipment:
205/60 R16 - 🚗 Equipment SV And SR:
215/50 R17
For Russian conditions it is recommended:
- 🌨️ Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 or Michelin X-Ice North 4
- ☀️ Summer: Continental PremiumContact 6 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
Tire pressure: 2.2 bar front and 2.0 bar behind.
🔹 How often do you need to change the oil in the variator?
Official regulations Nissan provides for changing the oil in the variator every 90,000 km, however, for Russian operating conditions (frequent traffic jams, low temperatures) it is recommended to reduce the interval to 60,000 km. Use only original fluid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE52-00004). Service replacement cost: 8,000–12,000 rub. (with work and materials).
🔹 Is it possible to tune the Nissan Sentra 2020?
Yes, but with reservations:
- 🔧 Chip tuning allows you to increase power up to
160–170 hp, but reduces the resource of the variator. - 🎨 External tuning (body kits, spoilers) does not affect technical characteristics, but can worsen aerodynamics.
- 🔊 Audio upgrade (replacing speakers, installing a subwoofer) is the safest direction.
- ⚠️ Prohibited install a turbocharger or compressor - this will lead to rapid wear of the engine and variator.
The best option to improve dynamics is to install exhaust system with direct flow (For example, Injen or Borla) and sports air filter (K&N).