2011 Nissan Sentra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2011 Nissan Sentra is a light update rather than a redesign. The most important change is that anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control became standard across the entire lineup.
About the 2011 Nissan Sentra
B16 generation (2007-2012), late-cycle year; one year before the all-new 2013 redesign.
Nissan positioned the 2011 Sentra as a roomy, practical compact sedan with a taller seating position, useful cargo flexibility, and straightforward daily-driver manners. The brochure sells it as smart, stylish, and ready for anything, emphasizing long highway range, easy storage solutions, and a cabin that can handle five adults. Versus other compact sedans, its main pitch was everyday usefulness and interior space first, with the SE-R models serving buyers who wanted a stronger performance flavor.
The regular 2.0-liter trims run from the simple, practical base model to the comfort-focused SL, while the SR adds sportier styling without more power. The SE-R pairs 177 horsepower with a paddle-shifted automatic, while the sharper SE-R Spec V has 200 horsepower, a six-speed manual, firmer lowered suspension, larger front brakes, and extra body bracing.
What changed, by category
2011 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 | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 24 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 mpg | 34 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 | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 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 | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| 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
What is the biggest change to the 2011 Nissan Sentra?
The biggest change is standard safety equipment across the lineup. Every 2011 Sentra has anti-lock brakes with brake-force distribution, traction control, and stability control.
Does every 2011 Nissan Sentra have stability control?
Yes. Stability control and traction control became standard on every 2011 Sentra, including the base 2.0 model.
Was the 2011 Nissan Sentra redesigned?
No. The 2011 Sentra remained part of the B16 generation introduced for 2007, so this was a late-cycle equipment update rather than a full redesign.
What changed on the 2011 Sentra S and SL?
The 2011 Sentra S and SL gained a standard rear spoiler with an integrated LED brake light. The spoiler had been optional on those trims for 2010.
Did the 2011 Sentra SE-R and SE-R Spec V get major performance changes?
No. The SE-R and SE-R Spec V kept their existing performance hardware, including the SE-R’s 177-horsepower engine and the Spec V’s 200-horsepower engine with a six-speed manual transmission.