“I initially loved the vehicle until I drove it and took it to a shop where it had numerous mechanical issues and then after the warranty was up more problems arised. It made me lose interest in my vehicle altogether.”
2016 Nissan Sentra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Nissan Sentra received a mid-cycle refresh led by redesigned front and rear styling and an updated cabin. Nissan also retuned the transmission, steering, and suspension and expanded the car's display and safety technology.
About the 2016 Nissan Sentra
7th gen (B17, 2013-2019), mid-cycle refresh
Nissan positions the Sentra as a compact sedan that gives buyers more room and comfort than they might expect from the class. The core pitch is simple: generous back-seat space, a useful trunk, good fuel economy, and an upscale look without moving into a larger or more expensive sedan. Compared with rivals, the Sentra’s main appeal is everyday ease—comfortable commuting, family-friendly space, and straightforward technology in a conventional four-door shape.
The 2016 Sentra ranges from the straightforward S and mileage-focused FE+ S to the better-equipped SV. The SR emphasizes sporty styling with LED headlights and 17-inch wheels, while the SL adds leather, heated front seats, navigation, and more driver-assistance features. Every trim uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine.
What changed, by category
Styling
Nissan redesigned the grille, hood, front fenders, headlights, and taillights. Inside, the Sentra received revised trim and a more upscale dashboard design.
Powertrain
The 1.8-liter engine carried over, but Nissan retuned the continuously variable automatic transmission for a more polished response.
Steering and suspension
Revised steering and suspension tuning aimed to give the Sentra a more polished driving feel.
Safety
The SL added standard blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. Forward emergency braking also joined the higher end of the lineup.
Tech
SV, SR, and SL received a new 5-inch driver information display. The SL made its touchscreen navigation system standard, while the SV added Siri Eyes Free and a revised steering wheel.
2016 Nissan Sentra specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 38 mpg | 38 mpg | 38 mpg | 38 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 130 hp | 130 hp | 130 hp | 130 hp |
| Torque | 128 lb-ft | 128 lb-ft | 128 lb-ft | 128 lb-ft | 128 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 15.1 cu-ft | 15.1 cu-ft | 15.1 cu-ft | 15.1 cu-ft | 15.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Nissan Sentra different from the 2015 model?
Yes. The 2016 Sentra has redesigned front and rear styling, an updated dashboard and interior trim, revised driving controls, and expanded display and safety technology.
Did the 2016 Nissan Sentra get a new engine?
No. The 2016 Sentra kept its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, but Nissan retuned the continuously variable automatic transmission, steering, and suspension.
Which 2016 Sentra trims received the new driver display?
The SV, SR, and SL received a new 5-inch driver information display for 2016. The lower S and FE+ S trims did not receive it.
What safety features changed on the 2016 Nissan Sentra?
The SL added standard blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert for 2016. Forward emergency braking also joined the higher end of the lineup.
Was the 2016 Nissan Sentra fully redesigned?
No. The 2016 Sentra was a mid-cycle update of the generation introduced for 2013, not a full redesign. Its basic platform and 1.8-liter engine continued while the styling, cabin, technology, and driving controls were revised.
2016 Nissan Sentra Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Nissan Sentra.
4.1
2016 Nissan Sentra
(939 reviews)
“You will be happy with the car because it gets good mileage, handles good on snow and ice and easy to maintain.”
“The Sentra does not seem to have a lot of pick up / acceleration for me personally”