2016 Nissan Sentra

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Rating7.8

Ranked #5 in 

Compact Sedan
Write Review
$16,780 - $22,170
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Functional, Utilitarian Interior.

Bland Interior and Exterior Aesthetics.

Exterior Redesign.

Loads of Cargo Space.

Underwhelming Powertrain.

Overhauled Interior.

High Reliability, Low Maintenance.

Limited Packages and Options.

Retuned 1.8L Engine.

Updated Infotainment.

Revised Ventilated Seats.

Specs & Features

$17,760

price

130 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

128 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

torque

Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic

transmission

1.8L 4cyl FWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The compact sedan market can get super competitive, but the 2016 Nissan Sentra seems to draw all the cards in its favor. After receiving an update from the 2015 model year, the new Nissan Sentra offers a great deal of value at genuinely impressive price points. There are four trims to choose from, and each offers a different level of comfort and usability. 

Buying Advice

Since the 2016 Nissan Sentra is a budget sedan, our recommendation certainly considers not going over the budget. That being said, we recommend going for the Sentra SR trim, which packs a whole bunch of comfort and tech features, along with a long equipment list- all for just $2,500 over the base Sentra S. If you’re planning on getting a 2016 Sentra, do go for the SR trim.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2016 model year Nissan Sentra starts at $18,625, offering an impressive equipment list and a good deal of usability. The Nissan Sentra faces stiff competition from rivals such as the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and the Toyota Corolla. In this review of the 2016 Nissan Sentra, we walk you through the good and the bad and help you decide whether you should take one home. 

Features
8.0/10

Nissan offers the 2016 model year Sentra in four different trims, in varying features and equipment list. The base Sentra S starts at an affordable $18,625, and can go all the way up to $23,035 for the Sentra SL trim. Nissan also offers a wide range of trims and features with the Sentra, and one can pick a few based on requirement and utility. The following table highlights the key trims and features offered with the 2016 Nissan Sentra. 

Model

S

SV

SR

SL

MSRP

$18,625

$19,415

$21,275

$23,035

Key Features

1.8L, Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 Engine

S Features, plus:

SV Features, plus:

SR Features, plus:

 

Basic 4-Speaker Sound System

Leather Steering Wheel

Multi-Level Heating Front Seats

Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror

 

Emergency Braking Assist

6-Speaker Sound System

Hands-Free Entry

Premium Paint Finish

 

Heated Mirrors

Keyless Ignition

LED Headlamps

Dual Zone Front Climate Control

 

Hide-Away Trunk Net

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

3 Months of Satellite Radio Service

Blind Spot Warning Accident Avoidance System

 

Standard Headlights

Premium Cloth upholstery

External Ground Lighting

Power Adjustable Lumbar Support

 

Rear Spoiler

     

We Recommend

Since the 2016 Nissan Sentra is a budget sedan, our recommendation certainly considers not going over the budget. That being said, we recommend going for the Sentra SR trim, which packs a whole bunch of comfort and tech features, along with a long equipment list- all for just $2,500 over the base Sentra S. If you’re planning on getting a 2016 Sentra, do go for the SR trim.

Engine and Performance
6.0/10

Nissan offers the 2016 model year Sentra with a standard 1.8L Inline-4 engine, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The naturally aspirated engine makes a healthy 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque, which might not seem like much, but feels sufficient for comfortable city drives and fairly powerful highway trips. 

The gearbox, however, feels extremely well-gated and fun to play with. Gear ratios are well positioned, which allows for plenty of time for changing gears. The top gear feels tall enough for comfortable highway drives. We do however feel that Nissan should have allowed for the option of upgrading to a CVT on the base trim, which would have added a great degree of comfort to daily driving. 

Models

2016 Nissan Sentra

2016 Hyundai Elantra

2016 Toyota Corolla

MSRP

$18,625

$18,085

$18,195

Engine

1.8L Inline-4

1.8L Inline-4

1.8L Inline-4

Drivetrain

FWD

FWD

FWD

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

6-Speed Manual

6-Speed Manual

Power 

130 hp @ 6,000 rpm

145 hp @ 6,500 rpm

132 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque 

128 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm

130 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm

128 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

0 to 60 MPH

10.7

8.8

9.6

Quarter Mile (Sec)

17.9

16.8

17.4

Top Speed (MPH)

121

129

114

Comparing the competition, the Hyundai Elantra offers the most power and torque. On the other hand, the Nissan Sentra and the Toyota Corolla end up on the slightly lower side. The Elantra also manages to be the quickest in terms of 0 to 60 and quarter-mile times. Unsurprisingly enough, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra also offers the highest top speed among the three cars in the lot. 

Fuel Economy
8.0/10

The 2016 model year Nissan Sentra offers pretty decent fuel economy for its class, and stands at par with some of the best-performing rivals in this regard. The 2016 Nissan Sentra returns 27 MPG in the city, and 36 MPG on highways, for an impressive combined EPA rating of 30 MPG. Additionally, the 2016 model year NIssan Sentra comes with a sizable 13.2-gallon fuel tank, which enables it a range of up to 475 miles on the highway. 

Models

2016 Nissan Sentra

2016 Hyundai Elantra

2016 Toyota Corolla

MPG (City)

27

27

28

MPG (Highway)

36

37

37

MPG (Combined)

30

31

31

Fuel Capacity (gallons)

13.2

12.8

13.2

Driving Range (Miles)

356 / 475 / 396

346 / 474 / 397

370 / 488 / 409

Comparing the competition, the 2016 Nissan Sentra fares pretty well in the fuel economy department. The best in the lot is the Toyota Corolla, which manages slightly higher city and highway fuel efficiency numbers. The Toyota Corolla also manages to offer higher driving range, thanks to the equally-sized fuel tank as that of the Nissan Sentra. 

Interior
8.0/10

The 2016 Nissan Sentra offers a plain and functional cabin, with little luxuries on offer. However, the Sentra’s cabin feels sufficiently comfortable and highly utilitarian. The overall design is simple, elegant and highly inviting. On the lower trims, you get high quality cloth seating surfaces, while fancier trims get you leather seats with power adjustment. 

The cabin is highly ergonomic and utilitarian, with all the buttons and controls comfortably within the reach of the driver. The center console is installed at a height, which makes accessing buttons and controls easier. There’s also a good amount of practicality in terms of cup holders, a large glove compartment and a folding central armrest. 

Models

2016 Nissan Sentra

2016 Hyundai Elantra

2016 Toyota Corolla

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

39.4 / 54.7 / 42.5

40.0 / 55.9 / 43.6

38.3 / 54.8 / 42.3

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

36.7 / 53.9 / 37.4

37.1 / 54.8 / 33.1

37.1 / 54.8 / 41.4

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft.)

15.1

14.8

13.0

Comparing the competition, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra offers the most headroom, shoulder space as well as the most legroom at the front row. At the back, the Toyota Corolla offers as much headroom and shoulder space as the Elantra, but offers significantly more legroom. However, the overall winner in the passenger room category goes to the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. The Nissan Sentra, however, offers the highest cargo space. Some key interior features offered with the 2016 Nissan Sentra include:

  • Dual-Zone Climate Control. 
  • Cloth/Leather Upholstery. 
  • Power-Adjustable Seats. 
  • Front Cup Holders. 
  • Locking Glove Box. 
  • Hybrid Gauge Cluster. 

2016 Nissan Sentra Infotainment System

The 2016 Nissan Sentra gets a fresh set of infotainment features after the update. The 2016 model year Sentra features a 5.8-inch infotainment screen, which hosts a wide variety of apps and features to browse. There’s a fairly basic but efficient 6-Speaker sound system on offer, and you get to play your favorite playlists via Bluetooth Audio Streaming. The Nissan Sentra also supports USB and Aux inputs, which gives you a good deal of flexibility. Nissan also offers you additional features such as Siri Hands Free support and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. Some highlight infotainment features offered with the 2016 Nissan Sentra include:

  • 5.8-inch Infotainment Screen. 
  • 6-Speaker Sound System.
  • Siri Eyes Free Voice Recognition.
  • SiriusXM Satellite Radio. 
  • Real-Time Traffic Display and Navigation.
  • Bluetooth Audio Streaming.
  • NissanConnect Internet Service.

Exterior
8.0/10

The Nissan Sentra has received a significant update for the 2016 model year, which includes a freshened-up exterior. The front fascia now features a more modern design, with angular headlamps showcasing intricate LED arrangements. The chrome used in the front grille remains untouched, which has lately been Nissan’s favourite design element on their products. 

The rear of the sedan also sees an aesthetic update, now featuring sharper folds and bends, along with redesigned tail lights. The overall appearance has a much sportier and sleek design now, as opposed to the rather ungainly and puffy aesthetic the previous model year showcased. 

Models

2016 Nissan Sentra

2016 Hyundai Elantra

2016 Toyota Corolla

Curb Weight (lbs) 

2,848

2,773

2,800

Length (inches) 

182.1

179.1

182.6

Width (inches)

69.3

69.9

69.9

Height (inches)

58.9

56.3

57.3

Ground Clearance (inches)

6.4

5.3

5.5

Wheelbase (inches)

106.3

106.3

106.3

All the three sedans in the competition weigh nearly the same, with the Hyundai Elantra boasting the least weight. The 2016 Toyota Corolla measures the longest, while sharing the spot with the Hyundai Elantra in terms of width. The Nissan Sentra stands the tallest among the competition, while also offering the most ground clearance. All three sedans come with the same wheelbase, measuring 106.3 inches. Some key exterior features offered with the 2016 Nissan Sentra include:

  •  Chrome Grille Surrounds. 
  • 17-inch Machined Alloy Wheels. 
  • Integrated Fog Lights.
  • Chrome Door Handles. 
  • Panoramic Sunroof. 
  • All-Weather Tires.
  • Side Mirror Indicators.

Safety
8.0/10

There’s no doubt that Nissan makes extremely safe vehicles for daily usage, and the 2016 Nissan Sentra is certainly no exception. While the NHTSA hasn’t officially crash tested the 2016 model year Sentra, the IIHS has acknowledged it with an impressive “Good” score under most categories. The 2016 Nissan Sentra comes packed with a wide range of active and passive safety features, which play an important role in enhancing the sedan’s occupant protection merit. Som key safety features offered with the 2016 Nissan Sentra include:

  • ABS and ESP. 
  • Traction Control. 
  • Dual-Stage Airbags. 
  • Blind Spot Monitoring. 
  • Back-Up Camera. 
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring. 
  • LATCH Anchors. 
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. 

Final Verdict

The 2016 Nissan Sentra offers a compelling package of practicality and comfort. With a low starting price, the Nissan Sentra offers a good deal of tech and convenience features to get you going for all your daily grinds. The 1.8L engine is no performer, but gets the job done with astounding reliability. There’s a lot of cargo space and plenty of interior functionality. Fuel efficiency is a no-complainer. The 2016 Nissan Sentra offers everything you’d need from a daily driver, with minimum things to complain about at a pocket-friendly budget.

Trims

    S
    $16,780 onwards
    • 5-Inch central touchscreen
    • 60/40-Split folding rear seatbacks
    • Air conditioning
    • Automatic headlights
    • Cruise control
    • Height-Adjustable driver seat
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Tilt-And-Telescoping steering wheel
    FE+ S
    $18,160 onwards
    • Low-Rolling-Resistance tires
    • Rear spoiler
    • Underbody aerodynamic deflectors
    SV
    $18,550 onwards
    • Dual-Zone automatic climate control
    • Keyless entry and ignition
    • Leather-Wrapped steering wheel
    • Satellite radio
    • Six-Speaker sound system
    SR
    $20,410 onwards
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Foglights
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Heated mirrors
    • Led headlights
    • Unique cloth upholstery
    SL
    $22,170 onwards
    • 5.8-Inch touchscreen w/ navigation & voice controls
    • Auto-Dimming rearview mirror
    • Leather upholstery
    • Nissanconnect
    • Six-Way power driver seat

Compare to similar cars

Price

$16,780- $22,170

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.82

Horsepower

130 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

128 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$27,900- $34,890

Gasoline

7.47

201 hp @ 6800 rpm

180 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,065- $28,670

Gasoline

8.02

180 hp @ 6700 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$16,120- $24,370

Gasoline

7.56

138 hp @ 6300 rpm

125 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

5

Read Review

$16,995- $24,395

Gasoline

7.62

160 hp @ 6400 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm

5

Read Review

$17,225- $35,900

Gasoline

7.83

160 hp @ 6500 rpm

146 lb.-ft. @ 4450 rpm

5

Read Review

$14,580- $21,460

Gasoline

7.46

120 hp @ 6350 rpm

112 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$18,640- $26,500

Gasoline

8.77

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

138 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

5

Read Review

$17,250- $21,700

Gasoline

7.85

145 hp @ 6500 rpm

130 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

5

Read Review

$15,990- $21,990

Gasoline

7.75

145 hp @ 6500 rpm

130 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

5

Read Review

2016 Nissan Sentra vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    9.6 sec17.2 sec120 mph
    7.8 sec15.5 sec114 mph
    8.2 sec16.3 sec118 mph
    2016 Mazda 3

    Ranked #2

    8.2 sec16.4 sec130 mph
    8.2 sec16.5 sec130 mph
    8.4 sec16.7 sec-

    2016 Nissan Sentra vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      27 mpg36 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/475.2 mi.
      2016 Mazda 3

      Ranked #1

      29 mpg41 mpg33 mpg13.2 gal.382.8/541.2 mi.
      27 mpg37 mpg31 mpg12.8 gal.345.6/473.6 mi.
      27 mpg40 mpg31 mpg12.4 gal.334.8/496 mi.
      27 mpg37 mpg31 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/488.4 mi.
      27 mpg36 mpg31 mpg12.4 gal.334.8/434 mi.

      2016 Nissan Sentra vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        182.1 in.69.3 in.58.9 in.6.4 in.106.3 in.
        183.9 in.71.4 in.58.1 in.9 in.105.7 in.
        183.9 in.72 in.57.7 in.4 in.106.4 in.
        183.3 in.70 in.57.2 in.5.2 in.104.4 in.
        182.6 in.69.9 in.57.3 in.5.5 in.106.3 in.
        182.3 in.70.8 in.55.7 in.6 in.106.3 in.

        2016 Nissan Sentra vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          15.1 cu.ft.95.9 cu.ft.67.2 cu.ft.
          15 cu.ft.94.6 cu.ft.237.8 cu.ft.
          14.8 cu.ft.95.6 cu.ft.128.1 cu.ft.
          13.1 cu.ft.97.2 cu.ft.33.5 cu.ft.
          12.8 cu.ft.85.1 cu.ft.46.2 cu.ft.
          13.2 cu.ft.90.7 cu.ft.487.3 cu.ft.

          2016 Nissan Sentra vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            67.2 cu.ft.15.1 cu.ft.67.2 cu.ft.-
            128.1 cu.ft.14.8 cu.ft.128.1 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.13.1 cu.ft.33.5 cu.ft.73 ft.
            -14.9 cu.ft.--
            83.1 cu.ft.12.8 cu.ft.46.2 cu.ft.-
            28 cu.ft.15.7 cu.ft.28 cu.ft.-

            2016 Nissan Sentra vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -933 lbs.2848 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3122 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3300 lbs.
              --2800 lbs.
              -1058 lbs.2773 lbs.
              -899 lbs.3084 lbs.

              2016 Nissan Sentra Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              6

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              257

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2016 Nissan Sentra User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              CJ

              Corey Johnson

              2016 Nissan Sentra

              FE+ S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 4, 2024

              Just Say No

              Pros - ["Great mileage", "Premium Sound", "Comfy seats"]

              Cons - ["Electrical Issues", "Transmission Issues", "Performance"]

              This car may look nice and have a premium feel to it but it has been an absolute nightmare. It constantly has electrical issues that are always effecting it. The CVT transmissions are trash and even with the recall it needs a new one after just 40k. I have more money is this factory lemon than what it's worth. Until nissan fixs the electrical and transmission issues I will never by another nissan...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              JA

              Jazmin Acevedo

              2016 Nissan Sentra

              FE+ S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 24, 2024

              Nissan Sentra

              Pros - ["back up camera is great at helping me park", "Dashboard, has a nice screen that lets you know if you need fuel or music you are playing"]

              Cons - ["breaks are terrible and not matter how many times it's fixed doesn't do much", "Radio, a few months after buying car the right speaker blew"]

              The car is a great car for my early 20s, great and small car but now that I am a mom I would love something bigger, just waiting to pay it off to get rid off it. It does do great on gas and hasn't given me much issues for the last 4 years but the breaks are not great and the door window side stuff that is supposed to keep the rain out keeps coming apart.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              DL

              Dominic Lee

              2017 Nissan Sentra

              NISMO 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 23, 2024

              Just Ok not the best

              Pros - ["Gas mileage", "Rear view camera"]

              Cons - ["Size is too small", "Too low to the ground"]

              I have had this car for a year and have had to replace several things. I had to replace the battery, starter, serpentine belts. I like the Good gas mileage. The car just needs more space. The car also needs a bigger trunk.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review