2012 Nissan Sentra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Nissan Sentra is a light equipment-update year rather than a redesign. The main change is that premium audio became standard on the SL, SE-R, and SE-R Spec V, while both SE-R trims also gained standard satellite radio.
About the 2012 Nissan Sentra
6th gen (2007-2012), final year before the all-new 2013 redesign.
For 2012, Nissan positioned the Sentra as a roomy, practical compact sedan with better everyday usefulness than its small-car footprint suggests. The brochure leans on easy fuel economy, long driving range, clever storage, straightforward controls, and a cabin sized to carry adults comfortably. In other words, the Sentra’s core appeal was simple: compact-car efficiency with a grown-up interior and an easy daily-driver character, plus optional sportier SE-R versions for shoppers who wanted more attitude.
The 2012 Sentra ranges from a simple commuter sedan to two distinct sporty versions. The SR adds a sharper look without more power, the 177-hp SE-R combines a sport-tuned suspension with an automatic transmission and paddle shifters, and the 200-hp SE-R Spec V uses a six-speed manual, larger brakes, and extra body bracing. The SL is the convenience-focused mainstream trim, with keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth, and a 4.3-inch color audio display.
What changed, by category
2012 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 | ||||||
| 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
Was the 2012 Nissan Sentra redesigned?
No. The 2012 Sentra is the final year of the sixth generation, and it received no major styling, structural, safety, or powertrain update. A fully redesigned Sentra followed for 2013.
What changed between the 2011 and 2012 Nissan Sentra?
The main difference is standard audio equipment on selected trims. For 2012, premium audio became standard on the SL, SE-R, and SE-R Spec V, while satellite radio became standard on both SE-R versions.
Did the 2012 Nissan Sentra get a new engine?
No. Mainstream 2012 Sentra trims kept the 140-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the SE-R and SE-R Spec V retained their 2.5-liter performance engines with 177 and 200 horsepower, respectively.
Is the 2012 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V different from the regular SE-R?
Yes. The 2012 SE-R Spec V has a 200-hp engine, a six-speed manual transmission, firmer and lower suspension tuning, larger brakes, and extra body bracing. The regular SE-R has 177 horsepower and an automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Is the 2012 Nissan Sentra meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
Not by much. The 2012 model’s main advantage is added standard audio equipment on the SL and SE-R trims; otherwise, the lineup largely carries over from 2011.