The 2016 Nissan Sentra: A Comprehensive Look at this Practical Family Sedan

In Short:

• Exceptionally spacious rear seat legroom and trunk capacity rival midsize sedans, making the Sentra ideal for families needing roomy, affordable transportation.
• Available modern safety technologies include intelligent cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking – rare for the segment.
• Fuel economy ranges up to 34 mpg combined thanks to the 130hp engine’s efficiency, eco drive mode, and aerodynamic tweaks on the FE+ S trim.
• The Sentra’s refreshed exterior styling gives it a more premium, sleek look aligning with Nissan’s Maxima and Altima sedans, while the upgraded interior boasts nicer materials and user-friendly touchscreen tech.

Now in its seventh generation, the Sentra compact sedan receives an invigorating refresh for 2016 that helps maintain its competitive standing amid peers like the newly redesigned Honda Civic and popular Toyota Corolla. The Sentra may not lead the pack in thrills or value, but practical strengths like generous passenger space, an enormous trunk, and up to 34 mpg fuel economy give this venerable nameplate enduring appeal for buyers focused more on substance than style.

Key Specifications

Exterior Features and Design

Nissan stylists thoroughly revised the 2016 Sentra’s front and rear designs to deliver a more upscale, modern aesthetic that ties in closely with the brand’s latest Maxima and Altima sedans. The previous generation’s rounded styling transitions to a sharper, chiseled profile with V-Motion styling cues like the familiar trapezoidal grille, LED boomerang headlights on SV trim and up, and a floating roof treatment. Vertical LED taillights, prominent chrome exhaust finishers, and snazzy 17-inch alloy wheels on top SR and SL models provide additional curb appeal. Overall, aerodynamic enhancements yield a .29 drag coefficient, promising reduced cabin noise and improved high-speed stability. Shoppers can choose from nine attractive exterior colors ranging from sporty Brilliant Silver to sophisticated Gun Metallic.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Inside the Sentra’s roomy cabin, riders in front and rear benefit from well-padded seats and generous head and legroom that are competitive with midsize models. Cloth upholstery is standard, with leatherette trim on the SR and real leather offered with the SL. Rear seat passengers will appreciate generous 37.4 inches of legroom and surprisingly luxurious accommodations overall. Those seeking a refined cockpit can upgrade to the SL with leather, contrast stitching, and piano black trim. Although interior materials have a budget cast, accommodations feel solidly constructed without excessive hard plastics. Completely revised, the 2016 dash highlights a 5-inch color driver information screen plus near-premium conveniences like push-button start, smart key access, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with knurled switchgear.

Performance and Engine Options

Lacking substantive upgrades, Sentra’s performance resume remains modest for the segment. Motivation comes exclusively from a naturally aspirated 1.8L DOHC inline-four producing 130 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque directed through your choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or optional Xtronic CVT with D-Step logic mimicking fixed gear ratios. Despite competitive output for the segment, performance lags with a zero to 60 mph gallop exceeding 10 seconds. Under full throttle, the droning engine makes an unpleasant racket and struggles to keep up with traffic flow without determined downshifting. Handling proves competent through the turns despite noticeable body lean mitigated by a well-tuned suspension delivering respectable grip and steady tracking with minimal loss of composure.

Fuel Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Features

One bright spot comes courtesy of the thrifty powertrain’s eco-friendly fuel-sipping personality. Expect EPA-rated results reaching 30/40 mpg city/highway for the FE+ S with CVT. Smart features like the standard ECO drive mode, an interactive trip meter encouraging efficient driving habits, and automatic stop-start help to maximize real-world economy around town or commuting. Though unlikely to excite driving enthusiasts with blistering acceleration, the Sentra’s eager efficiency helps offset steep gas prices at the pump for budget-focused families.

Safety Ratings and Features

Nissan takes great strides to insulate occupants through extensive standard safety provisions, including anti-lock disc brakes, stability and traction control, responsive suspension tuning, ten airbags, steel unibody construction, zone body deformation engineering, and LATCH anchors securing child seats. Newly available active safety technologies include intelligent cruise control, Blind Spot Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Forward Emergency Braking. Covering all the bases results in stellar safety ratings, with the IIHS bestowing their highest Top Safety Pick + designation thanks to Good showings across the board. This level of security allows parents peace of mind about protecting precious passengers when commuting or traveling together as a family.

Driving Experience and Handling

From behind the wheel, drivers will notice the Sentra’s easy maneuverability around town and precise, responsive steering, lending a nimble, tossable feel through the turns. Ride quality trends towards supple without excessive float or rebound over road imperfections. Generally, noise from broken pavement or wind gets effectively damped out for cabin calmness, which is suitable for hands-free phone conversations. While spirited handling falls short of sportier machines like the Civic Si or VW Jetta GLI, the Sentra claws back appeal through a compliant, relaxed driving personality perfect for daily commutes or weekend road trips. Despite the powertrain’s thrashy demeanor when pushed, the competent Sentra feels planted and secure at speed. Just don’t expect a thrilling punch off the line, as the engine needs to be worked hard through the rev range to build momentum.

Infotainment System and Connectivity Options

At the entry level, the Sentra S receives standard audio playback via CD player and Bluetooth wireless audio streaming, plus hands-free calling functionality—allowing occupants to rock out or cue up their favorite driving playlists from Internet radio apps like Pandora. Stepping up to the SV or SR opens access to the intuitive NissanConnect setup incorporating a 5-inch color touchscreen with multifunction controller dial, available factory navigation with live traffic reports, Voice Recognition for audio and navigation controls, headphone jacks allowing rear passengers private listening, and a capacious call history. Digital device connectivity remains strong, with two USB ports for charging and hooking up iOS-powered devices to enjoy Apple CarPlay or Siri EyesFree voice activation. However, Android Auto capability is still absent. Audiophiles who crave premium sound can splurge on the nine-speaker Bose setup via the optional premium package.

Trim Levels and Customization Options

Finding the right Sentra is simplified through just five familiar trim grades ascending from the rental fleet-ready base S starting at $17,615; the highly efficient FE+ S from $18,905; two midlevel offerings in the SV from $19,410 with its All-Weather package or the sportier SR $21,510; all the way up to the flagship SL priced from $23,905 and brimming with nearly every conceivable feature. Cost-conscious customers get a fine bang for their buck in the mid-trims, while the SL aims to deliver a taste of luxury with leather interiors, intelligent safety systems, and navigation. With over $6,000 separating the base and range-topping versions, there’s a Sentra suited to nearly any budget according to which amenities or performance upgrades resonate strongest with individual drivers.

Maintenance and Reliability

Long-term reliability projections for the seventh generation Sentra earn a 3.5 out of five Power Circles from J.D. Power, with most issues arising after the three years or 36,000 miles covered by Nissan’s basic bumper-to-bumper warranty. This score lands in line with segment averages. To ease the cost of ownership, Nissan extended their powertrain protection to an industry-leading seven years or 100,000 miles. And unexpectedly, the CVT transmission causes few headaches that once plagued similar gearboxes. Budget-focused buyers also benefit from a fuel economy that is better than average and has low scheduled maintenance requirements. Brake fluid flushes, inspections of the suspension bushings, timing chain, and intake valves around 60,000 miles should help this family-friendly four-door achieve over 200,000 miles when properly maintained.

Comparisons with Competing Models

• Toyota Corolla

Corolla is a top-selling rival with similar passenger rooms but less cargo capacity and dated infotainment. Offers a legendary reputation for hassle-free reliability and strong resale value that justify its steeper purchase price.

• Honda Civic

The all-new 10th-generation Civic sets the pace with attractive styling, peppy turbo engines, and sporty handling. Class-leading tech interface and interior quality come at the expense of rear seat comfort.

• Hyundai Elantra

Sharp-looking bodywork and loads of standard equipment make this budget-friendly compact a sales success. Less impressive safety ratings and unproven long-term durability could be deciding factors versus the trusty Sentra.

Resale Value and Depreciation

According to ALG projections, the 2016 Sentra holds an average resale value of around 36% – 50% over five years, depending on trim, despite Nissan’s strong brand recognition. This places it midpack against rivals, but lower running ownership costs and available purchase incentives help offset the difference for value-focused drivers planning to keep their vehicles beyond payoff. Those piling on the mileage should see trade-in offers plummet to around 30% under the original MSRP after just three years. So, purchasing a pre-owned model with historically lower depreciation saves substantially versus buying a new one.

Note: While the Sentra hits the practicality sweet spot for buyers focused on interior room, fuel efficiency, and safety scores over performance, it lacks dimensions of driving fun or sharp handling offered by sportier civic variants. The base engine also trails the acceleration of turbocharged competitors.

Pros and Cons of Nissan Sentra

Conclusion

Thanks to its 2016 overhaul addressing aging bones with sleek new sheet metal, an injection of driving assistance systems, and smarter infotainment options, Nissan sustains the Sentra’s appeal as a sensory experience for growing families rather than just basic transportation. Buyers seeking a polished, peace-of-mind package benefit from ample interior room, user-friendly controls, upscale cabin materials, and high safety scores. While the entry cost presents a bargain, investing in SV or higher trims unlocks the technology and features closer to matching 21st-century expectations. All told, Nissan’s midsize alternative presents practical five-passenger mobility.

FAQs

Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra a reliable car?

The Sentra garners about average long-term reliability scores for the compact class. Certain components, like the brakes and fuel system, may require occasional maintenance.

How safe is the 2016 Sentra?

With top “Good” scores in all IIHS crashworthiness tests and available actve safety features, the Sentra is one of the safest affordable compacts you can buy.

Does the 2016 Sentra get good gas mileage?

Yes, EPA estimates reach 38 mpg on the highway or 34 mpg combined on select trims. Even real-world fuel economy should meet or exceed 30 mpg overall.

How much can the 2016 Sentra tow?

The Sentra has a modest tow rating of 800 to 1000 lbs, depending on configuration, so it’s best suited for pulling a small utility trailer on rare occasions rather than frequent towing.

Does the Sentra offer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay?

Unfortunately, these smartphone integration systems are not offered on the 2016 model. However, Nissan’s NissanConnect system does include comparable connected features.