2010 Nissan Sentra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2010 Nissan Sentra gets a light refresh rather than a full redesign. The main change is revised exterior styling, joined by cabin, technology, safety, and trim-lineup updates.
About the 2010 Nissan Sentra
6th gen (2007-2012), light refresh year
Nissan positioned the Sentra as a roomy, flexible compact sedan for everyday driving. The marketing leans on space, long highway range, useful storage, and a fold-flat rear seat, with a broad trim spread that runs from simple commuter sedan to comfort-focused SL and sportier SE-R models. Compared with many compact rivals, the Sentra's main selling points were its big-for-the-class cabin, straightforward controls, and the fact that shoppers could get either basic practicality, more features, sport styling, or real extra power within the same model range.
The 2010 Sentra ranges from the straightforward 2.0 and better-equipped S to the comfort-focused SL and style-first SR. The SE-R adds a 177-hp engine and paddle shifters, while the 200-hp SE-R Spec V uses a 6-speed manual, firmer suspension, added body bracing, and larger front brakes.
What changed, by category
2010 Nissan Sentra specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Automatic, CVT | Manual, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 140 hp | 140 hp | 140 hp | 140 hp | 177 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 147 lb-ft | 147 lb-ft | 147 lb-ft | 147 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb | 1000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in | 34.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Stability Control | ||||||
| Traction Control | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Nissan Sentra a new generation?
No. The 2010 Nissan Sentra is a light refresh within the sixth generation, not a full redesign. Its main updates are revised exterior lighting and front-end styling, refreshed cabin trim, and expanded technology and safety equipment.
What changed on the outside of the 2010 Nissan Sentra?
All 2010 Sentras receive revised headlights and taillights. The 2.0, 2.0 S, and 2.0 SL also get a new grille and an updated front end.
Which 2010 Nissan Sentra trims have stability and traction control?
Stability and traction control are standard on the 2010 Sentra 2.0 SL, SE-R, and SE-R Spec V. These features became standard on those trims for 2010.
How did the 2010 Nissan Sentra trim lineup change from 2009?
The FE Plus, S FE Plus, and SL FE Plus trims were dropped for 2010. The SR FE Plus continued under the simpler SR name, while the SR also became a full-year offering after its mid-2009 debut.
Is the 2010 Nissan Sentra worth considering over the 2009 model?
The 2010 Sentra is the more updated choice if revised styling, broader iPod support, or standard stability and traction control on the SL and SE-R models matter to you. The basic vehicle carries over, so the difference is a light refresh rather than a major mechanical overhaul.