2018 Nissan Sentra

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Rating6.7

Ranked #11 in 

Compact Sedan
Write Review
$16,990 - $25,790
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on June 10, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Expansive Interiors

Boring performance

All automatic transmission equipped 2018 Sentra get Automatic Emergency Braking

Capacious Boot

Interior not as nice as rivals

Rearview Monitor is standard

Decently equipped base trim

Plenty of cost-cutting measures

Sentra SV gets 16-inch wheels and standard dual-zone climate control

Bang for the Buck

Specs & Features

$18,275

price

124 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

125 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm

torque

Continuously Variable-Speed Automatic

transmission

1.8L 4cyl FWD CVT

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2018 Nissan Sentra has a starting price of $16,990 and $23,440 for the high-end SL model. There are no major changes from the previous model except for additional standard features. The 2018 Nissan Sentra sedan is offered in S, SV, SR, SR Turbo, and SL trim levels.

The cockpit of the 2018 Nissan Sentra features an easy cabin layout and a tall upright posture that gives superb outward visibility. The base 130 horsepower 1.8L naturally aspirated engine is designed to meet only the most basic requirements. While the available 188 horsepower 1.6L turbocharged inline-4 promises more. You can choose from either a 6-speed manual transmission or CVT.  

Buying Advice

Nissan Sentra is a value for money purchase and we recommend sticking with lower trims. Optioning the CVT is a must but a CVT equipped base Sentra S is just marginally cheaper than the Sentra SV equipped with Dual-zone automatic climate control, premium cloth upholstery and push-button start. we recommend going for it.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

"The 2018 Nissan Sentra is a compact car that does what it says on the package: it’s roomy, quiet, and relatively affordable." - The Car Connection

The 2018 Nissan Sentra has a basic design and reasonable pricing. There is plenty of cargo space as well as passenger space. The Sentra has a vast list of possible comforts as well as updated safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control and automatic braking. Nissan's Sentra has two engine options for 2018. The S, SV, SR, and SL all have a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower, while the SR Turbo has a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower.

The 2018 Nissan Sentra starts at $16,990 and tops out at $23,440 for the top-of-the-line SL trim. The 2018 Nissan Sentra features minor changes from the previous model. All models now include a 5.0-inch color screen with a backup camera and autonomous emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control is now standard on the SR and SL models, while dual-zone climate control is also standard on the SV.

Features
6.0/10

Starting at just $16,990, the Sentra S is one of the cheapest compact cars on the market. It gets the base 1.8L naturally aspirated I4 mated to 6-speed manual. However, we strongly recommended upgrading it with optional CVT that takes the price to $18,275.

The 188 hp 1.6L turbocharged I4 bangs in with SR Turbo are priced at $22,490. The Sentra SL retailing at $23,440 is the most well-equipped trim. However, the pricing takes away the value proposition of the car.

Trims S SV SR SR Turbo SL
MSRP $16,990 $19,085 $20,500 $22490 $23,440
Key Features 1.8-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine Includes S features plus: Includes SV features plus: Includes SR features plus: Includes SV features plus:
  Bluetooth streaming audio Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) 17″ aluminum-alloy wheels 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) Turbocharged Engine Leather-appointed seats
  Automatic Emergency Braking Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition LED low-beam projector headlights with LED accents Tuned suspension and steering Intelligent Cruise Control
  RearView Monitor Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) with in-cabin microfilter Premium Sport cloth seat trim 11.7″ front ventilated disc brakes Power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature
  Advanced Drive-Assist Display with 5″ color display Premium Cloth Seats and Door Trim Heated front seats Power sliding glass moonroof with tilt feature Fog lights
      Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)   Bose Premium Audio System with eight speakers

We Recommend

Nissan Sentra is a value-for-money purchase and we recommend sticking with lower trims. Optioning the CVT is a must but a CVT-equipped base Sentra S is just marginally cheaper than the Sentra SV equipped with Dual-zone automatic climate control, premium cloth upholstery, and push-button start. Hence, all this puzzle-solving leads us to the Sentra SV priced at $19,085 – we recommend going for it.

Fuel Economy
6.5/10

The sedan's base equipped with the 1.8L I4 and 6-speed manual delivers 27 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. However, equipping the must-have CVT ups the MPG ratings. The CVT equipped Sentra with 1.8L engine delivers 29 mpg in city and 37 mpg on the highway. The powerful 1.6L Turbo-I4 equipped Sentra produces an acceptable 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Model 2018 Nissan Sentra 2018 Honda Civic 2018 Toyota Corolla 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
MPG (city) 27 28 27 28
MPG (highway) 35 40 35 39
MPG (combined) 30 32 30 32

Interior
6.5/10

The Sentra is straightforward and user-friendly, with controls that don’t require navigating any high-tech interface. Visibility is also quite good, and the trunk is large. It’s one of the more sensible compact cars. – Edmunds

The Sentra offers one of the most spacious interiors among compact cars and the trunk is equally generous. The 60/40 split seat provides added flexibility. High driving position offers excellent visibility and the acoustic glass keeps outside noise outside. However, competitors have more upscale interior quality.

2018 Nissan Sentra Seating and Comfort

If spaciousness means comfort to you, the sedan's interior will impress you. The front seats offer good legroom and shoulder room and even with the moon-roof, the tall boxy design offers excellent headroom. The tall design and the high driver’s seat also combine to offer an excellent driving position with effortless outward visibility.

Model 2018 Nissan Sentra 2018 Honda Civic 2018 Toyota Corolla 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Passenger capacity 5 5 5 5
Passenger Volume(ft cube) 95.9 97.8 97.5 93.5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)

(In.)

39.4/54.7/42.5 39.3/57/42.3 38.0/54.8/42.3 38.9/54.9/42.0
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg)

(In.)

36.7/53.9/37.4 37.1/55/37.4 37.1/54.8/41.4 37.3/53.2/36.1

The rear seats are equally expansive and even an adult passenger will find it easy to get comfortable in the rear middle seat. However, the cabin quality leaves you asking for more if you drive a competitor like the Honda Civic back to back.

2018 Nissan Sentra Infotainment System

The base Sentra S gets a 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system while you can opt for a larger 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment on higher trims. The Sentra SL gets the 5.8-inch touchscreen as standard. Audiophiles are catered to with the available eight-speaker Bose audio system. However, Nissan does not offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in Sentra.

2018 Nissan Sentra Cargo Capacity

At 15.1 cubic feet, the sedan offers one of the most cavernous trunks in the compact car class. The 60/40 split rear seat and wide pass-through ensures added flexibility when carrying longer items and three passengers.

Model 2018 Nissan Sentra 2018 Honda Civic 2018 Toyota Corolla 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Trunk volume (ft.cube) 15.1 15.1 13.0 14.8

Exterior
6.5/10

The 2018 Sentra is well proportioned and attractive. Its design closely mimics the shape of Nissan’s larger Altima sedan with athletic curves and a subtle flare of its wheel wells. – Kelley Blue Book

The Nissan Sentra received a major facelift in 2016 to bring it in-line with the new Nissan V motion design language. The design is not overly busy but does give this compact sedan some road presence. It does feel noticeably taller than the competitors because it is.

You can equip even the base Sentra S with a Deck-lid spoiler but if you are looking for racy highlights, why not go completely bonkers and get the Midnight trims. These dark Sentras possess black wheels, black spoiler, black mirrors and plenty of other mean highlights and they cost just over a thousand dollar over the comparable trim.

2018 Nissan Sentra Dimension and Weight

The Nissan Sentra weighs average among the competition and its overall length, width and wheelbase is nothing different compared to other compact cars implying it’s as suited to tight parking spaces as other compact cars. However, its tallest compact car and its higher driving position afford you better outside visibility – a boon in city traffic.

Model 2018 Nissan Sentra 2018 Honda Civic 2018 Toyota Corolla 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
curb weight(lbs) 2866 2790 2860 2932
Length(in) 182.1 182.3 183.1 183.7
Width(in) 69.3 70.8 69.9 70.5
Height(in) 58.9 55.7 57.3 57.4
Ground clearance(in) 6.4 5.9 6.7 6.4
Wheelbase(in) 106.3 106.3 106.3 106.3
Track width(in) F/R 60.2/60.2 60.9/61.5 59.8/59.9 60.7/61.3

Safety
8.0/10

Impressively, all the CVT equipped the Nissan now gets automatic emergency braking as standard. A rearview camera is standard as well as it’s now a regulatory requirement. Along with these, the optional Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control complete the available active safety features and driver assistance systems list.

Safety features

  • VSA Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • ABS And Driveline Traction Control
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
  • Side Impact Beams
  • Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
  • Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
  • Airbag Occupancy Sensor
  • Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
  • Low Tire Pressure Warning
  • Rear Child Safety Locks

The 2018 Nissan Sentra has performed well in IIHS crash test.

Small overlap front driver side Good
Small overlap front passenger side N/A
Moderate overlap front Good
Side Good
Roof strength Good
Head restraints & seats Good

However, IIHS has rated the Nissan Sentra headlights as “poor”.

Crashworthiness
Front crash prevention Superior
Headlights Poor

Competition
8.0/10

Nissan Sentra vs Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is frequently called the best available compact car and for good reasons. It magically blends terrific fuel economy with an enthusiastic engine. It rides comfortably and offers corner craving dynamics as well. Its interior is attractive and features loaded and it’s priced competently too. However, the Sentra is more spacious and is priced more competently as well.

Nissan Sentra vs Toyota Corolla

The Corolla is the car that defines the compact-car segment and has the distinction of best-selling car in the world. The reason is simple – immense practicality, bulletproof reliability, sofa-like rear seats with unbelievable legroom for a compact car and excellent value for money. It’s a perfect point A to B tool. But so is the Sentra at a lower price. However, the Sentra lacks the Corolla’s upscale interior.

Nissan Sentra vs Chevy Cruze

The Chevy Cruze is one of the cushiest and most refined compact car available. It also gets plenty of upscale features as standard and there is even a turbodiesel engine on offer – at a cost. However, the Sentra is considerably roomier inside and is priced much more competently. Still, if you need a comfortable and feature loaded compact car, the Cruze is an excellent choice.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a decently comfortable and spacious urban runabout at a budget, the 2018 Nissan Sentra should rank high on your lists. It’s one of few compact cars that can carry five passengers in comfort.

The smooth ride and excellent high-speed stability combine with quiet interiors and spacious boot to make this compact car viable for long road trips with family. Plus, the Sentras are known to be reliable and fetch good value in used car market. However, the interior feels it’s built at a cost and the powertrain is not remotely exciting. Fuel efficiency could be better as well.

There is nothing wrong with the Sentra but if you can spend a little more, you can bring such complete cars as the applauded Honda Civic and Mazda 3 in your garage. That said, the Sentra makes a decent case for itself if you find cabin quality and trendy features to be capitalism focused and simply desire a spacious daily driver at a budget.

Trims

    S
    $16,990 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
    SV
    $19,085 onwards
    • Dual-Zone automatic climate control
    • Keyless entry and ignition
    • Leather-Wrapped steering wheel
    • Satellite radio
    • Six-Speaker sound system
    SR
    $20,500 onwards
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Foglights
    • Heated Front Seats
    • Heated mirrors
    • Led headlights
    • Unique cloth upholstery
    SR TURBO
    $22,200 onwards
    • Recalibrated steering
    • Sport-Tuned suspension
    • Sunroof
    SL
    $23,440 onwards
    • 5.8-Inch touchscreen w/ navigation & voice controls
    • Auto-Dimming rearview mirror
    • Leather upholstery
    • Moonroof
    • Nissanconnect
    • Six-Way power driver seat
    NISMO
    $25,790 onwards
    • Engine: 1.6L 4cyl FWD CVT
    • Horsepower: 188 hp @ 5600 rpm hp
    • Torque: 177 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 7.7 sec
    • Top Speed: 130 mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 27 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$16,990- $25,790

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.74

Horsepower

188 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque

177 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$23,570- $35,800

Gasoline

8.41

192 hp @ 5500 rpm

192 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$28,100- $35,100

Gasoline

6.25

201 hp @ 6800 rpm

180 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

5

Read Review

$16,975- $25,865

Gasoline

6.8

153 hp @ 5600 rpm

177 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,680- $30,975

Gasoline

7.89

160 hp @ 5700 rpm

184 lb.-ft. @ 2500 rpm

5

Read Review

$14,205- $21,285

Gasoline

7.37

120 hp @ 6350 rpm

112 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$17,950- $41,120

Gasoline

7.6

160 hp @ 6500 rpm

146 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$18,940- $28,750

Gasoline

8.57

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

138 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

5

Read Review

$14,995- $18,895

Gasoline

6.56

130 hp @ 6300 rpm

119 lb.-ft. @ 4850 rpm

5

Read Review

$16,950- $22,900

Gasoline

7.23

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

2018 Nissan Sentra vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    9.6 sec17.2 sec104 mph
    7.6 sec15.9 sec122 mph
    7.7 sec15.9 sec-
    7.8 sec15.5 sec122 mph
    8 sec16.2 sec130 mph
    8 sec--

    2018 Nissan Sentra vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      27 mpg35 mpg30 mpg13.2 gal.356.4/462 mi.
      30 mpg38 mpg33 mpg14.8 gal.444/562.4 mi.
      28 mpg40 mpg33 mpg14.5 gal.406/580 mi.
      27 mpg40 mpg32 mpg13.7 gal.369.9/548 mi.
      2018 Kia Rio

      Ranked #2

      29 mpg37 mpg32 mpg11.9 gal.345.1/440.3 mi.
      28 mpg36 mpg32 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/475.2 mi.

      2018 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.
        193.8 in.73 in.57.6 in.6 in.111.4 in.
        192.2 in.73.3 in.57.1 in.6 in.111.4 in.
        191.9 in.72 in.57.8 in.5.4 in.109.3 in.
        191.1 in.73.2 in.57.7 in.5.3 in.110.4 in.
        191.1 in.73.4 in.58.1 in.5.3 in.110.4 in.

        2018 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.-
          12.8 cu.ft.85.1 cu.ft.285.9 cu.ft.
          13.2 cu.ft.90.7 cu.ft.58.5 cu.ft.
          15.7 cu.ft.94.1 cu.ft.61 cu.ft.
          2018 Mazda 3

          Ranked #4

          12.4 cu.ft.96.4 cu.ft.47.1 cu.ft.
          15.1 cu.ft.97.8 cu.ft.46.2 cu.ft.

          2018 Nissan Sentra vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            -15.1 cu.ft.--
            2018 Kia Rio

            Ranked #2

            32.8 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.32.8 cu.ft.-
            14.9 cu.ft.14.9 cu.ft.14.9 cu.ft.-
            9.9 cu.ft.15.8 cu.ft.10 cu.ft.-
            45.4 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.45.4 cu.ft.-
            20.6 cu.ft.16.7 cu.ft.20.6 cu.ft.72 ft.

            2018 Nissan Sentra vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              933 lbs.2866 lbs.
              1168 lbs.3131 lbs.
              1025 lbs.2930 lbs.
              -2571 lbs.
              2018 Mazda 3

              Ranked #1

              -2899 lbs.
              1325 lbs.2974 lbs.

              2018 Nissan Sentra Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              2

              Recalls

              0

              Investigations

              176

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              #10

              2018 Nissan Sentra User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              WC

              Wendy Christoph

              2018 Nissan Sentra

              S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 6, 2024

              Not a car for someone who can't afford repairs

              Pros - ["It's great on gas mileage, City or highway.", "Very comfortable seats.", "I love the visibility out all sides. No blind spots."]

              Cons - ["Clunky transmission especially on reverse and up/down even slight inclines. The console lid has never stayed on; Nissan refused to fix or replace it. The rubber seals around the doors and the trunk came off the tracks and hang loose. So I can't wash my car except with a bucket because everything leaks. Nissan also refused to repair/fix. Lastly, the trunk lid never has opened all the way, only about a foot above the frame. So I have to manually push up which is difficult with my age and health conditions. Again, Nissan refused to repair/fix.", "The cost of repairs beyond comparable brands is ridiculous.", "I've only had this car 4 years 67000 miles. The transmission is starting to go out. Also the headliner has been saggy and puckered since day one."]

              I absolutely love the gas mileage I've gotten on both city and highway especially with climbing gas prices. The car is very comfortable for my special needs grandson I'm raising and myself. Service is useless though. I've had three major issues with my car from day one that Nissan refused to resolve. The local dealer in Alvin, TX lied multiple times that they were getting issues resolved but neve...

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

              CC

              Chloe Chidester

              2018 Nissan Sentra

              S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 27, 2024

              Would not buy again

              Pros - ["Comfortable seats", "Cold air conditioning", "Good sound system"]

              Cons - ["It doesn't accelerate properly", "Power locks only work on 3 doors", "Bluetooth connection to phone doesn't always work"]

              I can't wait to get rid of this car - the thing that bugs me the most about it is that when you accelerate, the engine will rev but the speed will not change. I've never had a car that had this problem so severely.

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

              BJJ

              Billy J Jones

              2019 Nissan Sentra

              S 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 25, 2024

              Excellent gas milage!

              Pros - ["Excellent gas milage ( 35-40 miles per gallon)", "Low maintenance", "Air conditioner works great!"]

              Cons - ["Uncomfortable seats", "Sometimes underpowered. Especially in urban areas where traffic is thick and heavy", "The cabin is cramped. When I'm driving and need to look out the side windows, I have to bed. Down to see out the windows"]

              I like my 2019 Nissan Sentra. To me me, all the Nissan vehicles that I woned were reliable. And this vehicle is no exception. I travel in highways a lot and my Nissan Sentra gets at 35-40 mpg. It is a smooth ride. But I don't like the seats due to being uncomfortable.

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