• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / New Car Reviews / Refreshed Nissan Sentra Goes Beyond the Simple Nip/Tuck

Refreshed Nissan Sentra Goes Beyond the Simple Nip/Tuck

February 1, 2016 by admin 3 Comments

Nissan chooses a major refresh for the fourth year of its current generation compact Sentra sedan.

2016 Nissan Sentra
2016 Nissan Sentra (photo courtesy of Nissan Motors).

Consumers are flocking to crossover utility vehicles and leaving cars, particularly sedans, in the dust. Despite that significant shift, some manufacturers are investing more money in small and medium-sized sedans and hatchbacks in an effort to gain a larger slice of a shrinking market pie.

For example, this year Hyundai rolled out a new Elantra, Ford is expanding its Focus line to include a race-worthy all-wheel drive RS variant, and Nissan has refreshed its Sentra sedan.

2016 Nissan Sentra

The Nissan refresh may be the most noteworthy news in this segment for one important reason. Instead of going with the customary nip for the front fascia and a tuck to the interior, the automaker chose to make hundreds of updates to keep this model relevant in a highly competitive compact (C-Class) segment.

The segment is composed of winners and losers with the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic serving as the top sellers. The Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Jetta, Subaru Impreza, Kia Forte, Dodge Dart, and the Mitsubishi Lancer also do battle.

But those battle lines are sharply drawn and just this past week, Fiat Chrysler announced it will no longer build the Dodge Dart, choosing instead to find a partner to supply a vehicle for it. Also, the Mitsubishi Lancer is terribly aged and outmatched, demonstrating that if you don’t have a top player in this segment, then you’re not going to matter.

Long Wheelbase, Commodious Cabin

One of the more interesting facts about the current generation Sentra is how large this vehicle is. Nissan placed its compact model on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, giving it one of the most capacious interiors in the segment. And just to show you how sizable this model is, the circa 2000 midsize Altima sedan resides on a 103.1-inch wheelbase. Although that Altima is still more than three inches longer than the current Sentra, the all-important interior volume room is what underscores the Sentra’s relative bigness.

The Sentra reinvigoration allows Nissan to claim one of the freshest sedan lines in the industry. Indeed, that renewal includes the flagship Maxima an all-new for 2016 model. Late last year it was the Altima’s turn followed by the Sentra. Incorporate the smaller Versa sedan — refreshed in 2015 — and Nissan’s volume models are most competitive.

For 2016, Nissan has realigned the Sentra’s visage closer to the appearance of both the Altima and the Maxima. All three reflect the brand’s current design language, launched with the introduction of the 2015 Murano crossover.

Crisp, Invigorating Visage

Important new design features found in the 2016 Sentra refresh include boomerang-shaped headlights, what seems to amplify the refreshed grille. Nissan didn’t stop there either: the rest of the fascia, including the fender as well as the pockets housing the available fog lamps, have been changed. The hood, door handles, side mirrors, chrome accents, wheels and the tail lights are also new.

Inside, the cabin is marked by a new steering wheel not too dissimilar to the 370Z’s design. Nissan also rearranged the instrument cluster, changed the center cluster formation, and replaced the console. Other details new this year include the shift knob and seat fabrics.

All Sentra models are powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine making 130 horsepower and 128 foot-pounds of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is available only on the base S grade; a continuously variable transmission is standard elsewhere.

Five Grade Levels

Priced from $16,780, the 2016 Nissan Sentra offers five other grades — S the CVT ($17,630), FE+S ($18,030), SV ($18,550), SR ($20,410), and SL ($22,170).

Standard equipment for the 2016 Sentra includes halogen headlights, automatic headlights, 16-inch steel wheels, all-season tires, keyless entry, cloth seats, a 4-speaker audio system, power accessories, cruise control, air conditioning, and Bluetooth connectivity. All models come with four cup holders, in-door storage pockets with bottles, a 12-volt outlet, at least one USB port, and an auxiliary input jack.

Nissan showcased the 2016 Sentra at a special automotive media preview event and drive in Southern California. While there, we were able to examine several models up close, including the SR and SL grades.

Slip behind the wheel of the Sentra and you’ll find the driver seat offers adequate support. Nothing spectacular, but not swathing either. As you go through the Sentra grade levels, standard cloth seats give way to premium cloth, then on to premium sport cloth and finally leather seats. Power support is standard in the SL grade and optional in the SR, but is not available elsewhere. Heated front seats are standard in the SR and SL grades only.

The rear seat is a 60-40 split folding design, or what you will find in most sedans in the class. The advantage, of course, is apparent: give up one or two places and you can expand the already generous standard storage size (15.2 cubic feet) accordingly. That rear seat is ideal for two, but it can fit three adults in a pinch, or at least all three of your young family members.

On the Road

Buckle up, adjust the standard power-assisted side mirrors and the rear mirror, and move the tilt and telescopic steering column in place, and you’re ready to go. No manual transmission models were on hand for the test drive — if you prefer to do your own shifting, that duty is consigned only to people who buy the base model.

That limitation was duly noted by a fellow journalist who adroitly explained that the take rate for this gearbox would probably be higher than Nissan’s stated two percent if it was available elsewhere. Needless to say, such transmissions have largely fallen into disfavor especially amongst younger drivers who more often than not don’t know how to operate one nor are they interested.

What you do get is a continuously variable automatic transmission, one that relies on belts, not gears, to move the unit and transmit power to the front wheels.

The current iteration of this transmission was redesigned to ease up on the intense pulling feel that accompanies the design. Nissan recently added “d-step shift logic” to the transmission mapping, what causes a drop in driving force as well as the accompanying unpleasantness — “good golly — the transmission is about to blow!”

That’s a disconcerting feeling you’ll notice during hard acceleration — as when taking the entrance ramp on I-5 when traffic is open and drivers are pushing 80 mph. You better step on the accelerator or that Range Rover Sport or Tesla Model S will eat your backside.

130 Horses, of Course

In the Sentra, Nissan provides 130 horsepower and that’s standard across the model line. The SR line offers the sporty look with side sill spoilers, a rear spoiler and a chrome exhaust tip finisher, but you won’t gain one additional horse.

Other models provide additional engines with some, such as the Ford Focus ST doubling the horsepower, but Nissan is satisfied to offer one choice. With fuel economy reaching as high as 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway, the Sentra’s low cost of ownership crystalizes into clarity.

That singular engine offering hasn’t hurt model interest either as Sentra sales have doubled in the past five years. Sport-infused offering? No. Sales growth? Absolutely.

Up and down hills, around snakelike turns, and across a 1,000-foot stretch of water connecting Newport Beach to Balboa Island we went, taking in the sights and sounds of Orange County, California. The two Sentra models we drove demonstrated this sedan’s full competence and also underscored what is readily apparent — the Nissan Sentra offers excellent value for the money.

That value is most evident when choosing the popular SV edition and opting for the driver assist package — NissanConnect navigation, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert. As packaged, you’ll come away with a roomy sedan outfitted with multiple safety features and costing about $20,000.

Winning Consumers With Value

In summation, the 2016 Nissan Sentra is a strong competitor in a very tight segment. For people on a budget and still wanting to come away with navigation and important safety features, the Sentra’s value proposition should not be overlooked.

2016 Nissan Sentra


  • Sticker price from $16,780
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 1.8-liter 16-valve four-cylinder gasoline engine
  • 130 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
  • 128 foot-pounds of torque @ 3,600 rpm
  • 3.14 inches bore by 3.55 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 9.9-to-1
  • Continuously variable automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
  • Length: 182.1 inches
  • Width: 69.3 inches
  • Height: 58.9 inches
  • Passenger volume: 95.9 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 15.1 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 30 mpg city, 40 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 2,848 to 2,943 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Smyrna, Tenn.

See Also — Hyundai Genesis Sedan: Grand Finale!


2016 Nissan Sentra photos copyright Nissan Motors.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2016 cars, 6-SPEED GEARBOX, CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION, front-wheel drive, NISSAN SENTRA, NissanConnect, sedan

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Miata and Me: Not Quite a Love Story says:
    November 28, 2016 at 5:51 pm

    […] See Also — Refreshed Nissan Sentra Goes Beyond the Simple Nip/Tuck […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. First Drive: 2014 Toyota Corolla says:
    March 29, 2017 at 7:38 am

    […] The overall drive feel of the 2014 Toyota Corolla is not spectacular, but it isn’t a chore either. Handling is steady and feedback is good. You will still feel the impact of most uneven road surfaces, but it isn’t to the degree that you would have found in this car just a few generations back. Braking is confident and at least as good as what I discovered in a recently tested Nissan Sentra. […]

    Log in to Reply
  3. Style Maker: 2016 Honda Civic Coupe — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    October 29, 2018 at 10:20 am

    […] for granted in a segment where such competitors as the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, Volkswagen Golf, Dodge Dart, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza, and […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All

Recent Comments

  • Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Minivan Surprise: 2016 Kia Sedona SXL — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • Compact Crossover Extraordinaire: Mazda CX-5 — Auto Trends Magazine on Compact, Luxury SUV: 2019 Volvo XC40

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
February 2016
S M T W T F S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
2829  
« Jan   Mar »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in