| Pros | Cons | What's New |
|---|---|---|
Spacious cabin | Dated design | No changes |
Comfortable seats | Harsh ride quality | |
User-friendly control layouts | Excessive droning from CVT |
$17,610
price140 hp @ 5100 rpm
horsepower147 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm
torqueContinuously Variable-Speed Automatic
transmission2.0L 4cyl FWD CVT
engine-
basic warrantyNissan is known to make excellent and value for money vehicles with a proven track record and a brilliant portfolio of vehicles. Being a brand that took the world by storm with the fabulous GT-R, its expertise in making well-engineered cars is not surprising. The brand launched the car in 1982 as a subcompact car but it got promoted to a compact car gradually.
We would recommend the SR trim for a good experience with the sedan since the base trim is too bare-bones for anyone’s liking. The Nissan Sentra SL would be a nice option if you desire to have more features.
For the 2012 model year, the sedan comes with no significant changes and thus, is the oldest and most outdated offering in the segment. The base price for the Sentra is set at $16,430 while the top-end SE-R Spec V is priced at $20,990 which is well within the affordable price range. The sedan gets two engine options and two transmission options. In the segment, the car competes against the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, and the Hyundai Elantra.
The 2012 Nissan Sentra is available in a total of six trim levels. The sedan gets two powertrain options and two transmission options. The CVT is standard in almost all the trims except for the base trim. The SE-R and the SE-R Spec V are performance-oriented trims hence get the bigger 2.5-liter motor and performance-oriented tunings such as firm suspension setup with lower ride height and aero body kit. The top-end SE-R Spec V trim even gets sportier interior trims as well. There are some additional packages to better equip the car such as a Convenience package, Audio package, and Technology package among others.
|
Trim |
2.0 |
2.0 S |
2.0 SR |
2.0 SL |
SE-R |
SE-R Spec V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$16,430(manual) $17,610(CVT) |
$18,360 |
$18,360 |
$19,760 |
$20,490 |
$20,990 |
|
Key Features |
15-inch Steel Wheels |
16-inch steel wheels |
16-inch alloy wheels |
Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
17-inch alloy wheels |
Increased power output from the motor |
|
|
Power windows and locks |
Power-adjustable mirrors |
Rear spoiler |
Keyless entry/ignition |
Performance-oriented suspension tuning, |
High-performance tires |
|
|
60/40-split-folding rear seats |
Height-adjustable driver seat |
Foglamps |
Bluetooth |
Aero-style body kit |
Firmer suspension with a reduced ride height |
|
|
Keyless entry |
Cruise control |
Side sill extensions |
Satellite radio |
Cloth sport seats |
Sportier interior trim |
|
|
Tilt-adjustable steering wheel |
Remote keyless entry |
Distinctive front and rear fascias |
|
Larger front brakes than the rest of the trims |
|
|
|
Four-speaker sound system with a CD player |
Six-speaker CD/MP3 audio system |
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|
|
|
|
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iPod interface |
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|
|
We recommend
We would recommend the SR trim for a good experience with the sedan since the base trim is too bare-bones for anyone’s liking. The Nissan Sentra SL would be a nice option if you desire to have more features.
The 2012 Nissan Sentra gets a 2.0-liter MR20DE naturally aspirated I-4 motor as standard. The motor dishes out a maximum of 140 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of maximum torque. The power and torque figures are decent for the segment but the CVT’s droning while accelerating makes things less favorable even for regular drivers. The power is transferred to the front wheels only and the layout remains the same even for the top-end SE-R Spec V trim as well. The ride quality of the sedan over smooth roads is seamless but rough tarmac conditions unsettle the car pretty quickly and the ride turns into a harsh one. Handling is nothing praiseworthy either in the non-Spec V models and entering a corner at high speeds is absolutely a no-no in this car.
|
Model |
Nissan Sentra |
Chevrolet Cruze |
Ford Focus |
Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$16,430 |
$16,800 |
$16,500 |
$16,120 |
|
Engine |
Gas I-4 2.0L |
Gas I-4 1.8L |
Gas I-4 2.0L |
Gas 1.8L I-4 |
|
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
|
Transmission |
6-speed Manual |
6-speed Manual |
6-speed Manual |
6-speed manual |
|
Power |
140hp@5100rpm |
138hp@6300rpm |
160hp@6500rpm |
148 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
|
Torque |
147lb-ft@4800rpm |
125lb-ft@3800rpm |
146lb-ft@4450rpm |
131 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
|
0-60 mph (seconds) |
9.9 |
8.1 |
8.0 |
8.2 |
|
Quarter-mile (mph) |
17.6 |
16.2 |
16.2 |
16.5 |
|
Top Speed (mph) |
120 |
130 |
138 |
130 |
The Chevrolet Cruze gets a slightly smaller 1.8-liter motor and makes lesser power and torque than the Sentra but its brilliant manual transmission allows for an enjoyable driving experience and quicker acceleration times. The Ford Focus generates more power from its 2.0-liter motor but 1 lb-ft less than the Sentra yet it is quicker than the latter. The Hyundai Elantra also gets a 1.8-liter motor like the Cruze and puts out more power than the Sentra and is quicker too.
The Nissan Sentra disappoints in the fuel economy department like its performance. Despite being lethargic in delivering power the EPA ratings are sub-par as per the segment. The city mileage is rated at 24mpg while the high mileage is rated at 30mpg. The combined mileage is rated at 26mpg.
|
Model |
Nissan Sentra |
Chevrolet Cruze |
Ford Focus |
Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) (mpg) |
24 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
|
MPG (Highway) (mpg) |
30 |
36 |
37 |
38 |
|
MPG (Combined) (mpg) |
26 |
30 |
31 |
32 |
|
Fuel Capacity (gallon) |
14.5 |
15.6 |
12.4 |
12.8 |
The Chevrolet Cruze takes advantage of its smaller powertrain and lowers power output to deliver impressive city and highway mileage ratings. The Ford Focus is even more fuel-efficient than the Cruze but disappoints with its small 12.4 gallons gas tank. The Hyundai Elantra leaves the Sentra in the dust with its segment-leading fuel economy ratings but it also gets bogged down by a small 12.8 gallons gas tank as well like the Focus.
The 2012 Nissan Sentra interior space is perhaps the only thing that has kept this aging contender in the segment alive. It has a roomy cabin with comfortable seats and a bland design to say the least. The controls are super easy to understand and their layout is quite user-friendly too. There are hard plastics everywhere but the silver accents give a somewhat acceptable taste. The dashboard design is acceptable with a unique dash-mounted gear selector lever. There is more than adequate headroom and legroom for both the front and rear passengers but the cargo capacity is on the lower side as compared to its rivals.
|
Model |
Nissan Sentra |
Chevrolet Cruze |
Ford Focus |
Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
40.6/56.9/42.4 |
39.3/54.8/42.3 |
38.3/55.6/41.9 |
40.0 / 55.9 / 43.6 |
|
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.3/55.1/34.5 |
37.9/53.9/35.4 |
38.0/53.7/43.7 |
37.1 / 54.8 / 33.1 |
|
Cargo Capacity (cu-ft) |
13.1 |
15.4 |
13.2 |
14.8 |
The Chevrolet Cruze is quite spacious too with a stylish interior design and better fit and finish than the Sentra. It also offers the best cargo space among the rivals here. The Ford Focus has a fresh, stylish, and user-friendly interior design too with more headroom for the rear passengers than the Sentra. The Hyundai Elantra has the most stylish cabin with an intuitive dashboard design and excellent headroom for the front passengers.
Some interior features are:
The infotainment system of the 2012 Nissan Sentra is as basic as it could get when compared to the rivals. The standard features offer a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack. Stepping up to the S trim adds a six-speaker CD/MP3 sound system and an iPod interface. The SR trim, however, offers somewhat pleasing entertainment features such as Bluetooth, an upgraded stereo, satellite radio, and a color display. The additional packages further add some features such as a navigation system and a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system.
Some infotainment system features are:
The 2012 Nissan Sentra exterior has the dullest and boring design in the segment. The front end gets a sleek grille and a square-ish headlamp design. The windscreen is bigger than average which allows for excellent visibility as compared to the rivals. The side profile is neat while the rear end looks extra compact which translates to smaller cargo space. The performance-specced Spec V trims get sportier exterior trims and an aero body kit to accentuate the extra performance it offers.
|
Model |
Nissan Sentra |
Chevrolet Cruze |
Ford Focus |
Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
2906 |
3093 |
2857 |
2,661 |
|
Length (in.) |
179.8 |
181.0 |
178.5 |
178.3 |
|
Width (in.) |
70.5 |
70.7 |
71.8 |
69.9 |
|
Height (in.) |
59.5 |
58.1 |
57.7 |
56.5 |
|
Wheelbase (in.) |
105.7 |
105.7 |
104.3 |
106.3 |
The Chevrolet Cruze has the most aggressive-looking front fascia among the rivals here and has the maximum length too. The Ford Focus gets a decent exterior design language but lacks the sportiness of the Cruze but has the shortest wheelbase as compared to the rivals here. The Hyundai Elantra gets the brand’s new “Fluidic” design language and gets a decently aggressive front end with a smart-looking rear end as well.
Some exterior features are:
The 2012 Nissan Sentra has a decent safety department with a decent list of standard safety features. The NHTSA rated the sedan 4-stars out of 5 while the IIHS gave it the best possible “Good” rating. Some of the standard safety techs include stability control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and active front head restraints.
Safety features:
The 2012 Nissan Sentra is an aging competitor in the segment that is in dire need of an upgrade. There are few points that go for it such as a spacious interior, comfortable seats, a decent safety aspect, and a user-friendly cabin. The sedan however lacks standard features and an appealing design along with an aging powertrain. Overall, the rivals such as Chevrolet Cruze or the Ford Focus would be a better option than this sedan.
Car Name | 0-60 MPH | Quarter Mile | Top Speed | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 Nissan Sentra Ranked #5 | 8.8 sec | 16.6 sec | 120 mph | |||
2012 Suzuki SX4 Ranked #1 | 8 sec | - | - | |||
2012 Ford Focus Ranked #2 | 8.1 sec | 16.4 sec | 130 mph | |||
2012 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #2 | 8.1 sec | - | - | |||
2012 Kia Forte Ranked #2 | 8.1 sec | 16.2 sec | 120 mph | |||
2012 Buick Verano Ranked #3 | 8.2 sec | 16.3 sec | 118 mph |
Car Name | MPG City | MPG Highway | MPG Combined | Fuel Tank Capacity | Range (C/H) | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 Nissan Sentra Ranked #7 | 24 mpg | 31 mpg | 27 mpg | 14.5 gal. | 348/449.5 mi. | |||
2012 Ford Fiesta Ranked #1 | 29 mpg | 38 mpg | 33 mpg | 12 gal. | 348/456 mi. | |||
2012 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #2 | 28 mpg | 38 mpg | 32 mpg | 12.8 gal. | 358.4/486.4 mi. | |||
2012 Honda Civic Ranked #3 | 28 mpg | 36 mpg | 31 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 369.6/475.2 mi. | |||
2012 Toyota Corolla Ranked #4 | 27 mpg | 34 mpg | 30 mpg | 13.2 gal. | 356.4/448.8 mi. | |||
2012 Ford Focus Ranked #4 | 28 mpg | 36 mpg | 30 mpg | 12.4 gal. | 322.4/446.4 mi. |
Car Name | Length | Width | Height | Ground Clearance | Wheelbase | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 Nissan Sentra Ranked #8 | 179.8 in. | 70.5 in. | 59.5 in. | 5.6 in. | 105.7 in. | |||
2012 Mitsubishi Galant Ranked #1 | 191.1 in. | 72.4 in. | 57.9 in. | 5.9 in. | 108.3 in. | |||
2012 Buick Verano Ranked #2 | 183.9 in. | 71.4 in. | 58.4 in. | 9 in. | 105.7 in. | |||
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #3 | 182.2 in. | 70 in. | 57.2 in. | 5.5 in. | 104.4 in. | |||
2012 Chevrolet Cruze Ranked #4 | 181 in. | 70.7 in. | 58.1 in. | 7 in. | 105.7 in. | |||
2012 Mazda 3 Ranked #5 | 180.9 in. | 69.1 in. | 57.9 in. | 4.7 in. | 103.9 in. |
Car Name | Trunk Capacity | Passenger Volume | Max Trunk Volume | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 Nissan Sentra Ranked #2 | 13.1 cu.ft. | 97.4 cu.ft. | 167.9 cu.ft. | |||
2012 Kia Forte Ranked #1 | 14.7 cu.ft. | 96.8 cu.ft. | 217.3 cu.ft. | |||
2012 Chevrolet Cruze Ranked #3 | 15.4 cu.ft. | 94.6 cu.ft. | 85.1 cu.ft. | |||
2012 Ford Focus Ranked #4 | 13.2 cu.ft. | 90.7 cu.ft. | 277.7 cu.ft. | |||
2012 Ford Fiesta Ranked #4 | 12.8 cu.ft. | 85.1 cu.ft. | 96.8 cu.ft. | |||
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Ranked #5 | 15.5 cu.ft. | 94.1 cu.ft. | 81 cu.ft. |
Car Name | Cargo Volume | Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area | Max Cargo Volume | Bed Length | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 Nissan Sentra Ranked #1 | 167.9 cu.ft. | 13.1 cu.ft. | 167.9 cu.ft. | - | |||
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Ranked #2 | 50.2 cu.ft. | 12.3 cu.ft. | 12.3 cu.ft. | 55 ft. | |||
2012 Mazda 3 Ranked #3 | 59.5 cu.ft. | 11.8 cu.ft. | 59.5 cu.ft. | - | |||
2012 Chevrolet Cruze Ranked #4 | 85.1 cu.ft. | 15.4 cu.ft. | 85.1 cu.ft. | 180 ft. | |||
2012 Mitsubishi Galant Ranked #5 | 52.6 cu.ft. | 13.3 cu.ft. | 13.3 cu.ft. | - | |||
2012 Ford Fiesta Ranked #6 | 83.1 cu.ft. | 12.8 cu.ft. | 96.8 cu.ft. | - |
Car Name | Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity | Weight | Source | Compare | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 Nissan Sentra Ranked #3 | - | 1020 lbs. | 2906 lbs. | |||
2012 Toyota Corolla Ranked #1 | 1500 lbs. | - | 2734 lbs. | |||
2012 Buick Verano Ranked #2 | 1000 lbs. | - | 3300 lbs. | |||
2012 Chevrolet Cruze Ranked #2 | 1000 lbs. | 1219 lbs. | 3093 lbs. | |||
2012 Hyundai Elantra Ranked #3 | - | 1091 lbs. | 2661 lbs. | |||
2012 Kia Forte Ranked #3 | - | 931 lbs. | 2729 lbs. |
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POPULAR TAGS
User Overall Rating
Posted On: July 5, 2024
The performance is crazy with yhe little 4 cylinder motor it has it gets up to speed very quickly and its great on gas no hesitation whdn it drives it.it gets great gas mileage.interior is ok i smoke in it .safety is great it has 20 airbags so i guess its outstanding safety rating.aand the only thing that has impacted me is when my tires went flat and i had to go get new tires all the way around ...
User Overall Rating
Posted On: June 25, 2024
I have owned a few different Sentra's, all of which have been fine cars. Good gas mileage, Good pep in the engine overall good ride. As an Uber driver, it served as an excellent car for passengers. It can carry 4 people and a driver comfortably. It has all the bells and whistles I desire
User Overall Rating
Posted On: May 10, 2024
The 2013 Nissan Sentra SR is a compact sedan known for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride. The exterior design is sleek, and the interior boasts spaciousness. The 1.8L engine provides adequate power for daily commuting. The SR trim offers sportier features, enhancing the overall driving experience. However, the CVT transmission can be a bit noisy under heavy acceleration. The cabin provides...
