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2020 Nissan Sentra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Nissan Sentra is a full, eighth-generation redesign rather than a light update. Its new platform brings major changes to the engine, ride, styling, cabin, and standard safety equipment.
About the 2020 Nissan Sentra
8th generation, first year of the redesign.
Nissan positions the Sentra as a compact sedan that looks and feels more upscale than its price class without giving up everyday usefulness. The core pitch is stylish design, a comfortable cabin, standard safety technology, and straightforward commuting value rather than sporty performance. Against rivals like the Civic and Corolla, the Sentra’s strongest hooks are its standard driver-assist suite, polished interior presentation, and easy daily-driver manners.
The S is the value-focused version, yet it still has push-button start and the full standard safety suite. The SV emphasizes comfort and everyday tech with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and dual-zone climate control. The SR is the sport-look model, adding LED lighting, dark exterior details, a rear spoiler, and orange-stitched seats without extra horsepower.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A 149-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder replaces the previous 1.8-liter engine across the lineup. It is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Structural
The redesigned Sentra moves to a new platform with an independent rear suspension and new electric power steering, changing the car's underlying structure and road manners.
Styling
The body is lower and wider, while the fully redesigned cabin has a more upscale look. The SR gains a distinct sport appearance with LED lighting, dark trim, a rear spoiler, and orange-stitched seats.
Safety
Nissan's full driver-assist suite becomes standard on every trim. It includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams.
Tech
The SV and SR receive an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus adaptive cruise control. The SV also has a 7-inch driver display, dual-zone climate control, and remote engine start.
2020 Nissan Sentra specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 28 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 37 mpg | 39 mpg |
| Horsepower | 149 hp | 149 hp | 149 hp |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.4 in | 37.4 in | 37.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| 360 Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Nissan Sentra a full redesign?
Yes. The 2020 Sentra starts the eighth generation with a new platform, new engine, independent rear suspension, completely revised body and cabin, and a much broader set of standard driver aids.
What engine changed for the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
Every 2020 Sentra uses a 149-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission. It replaces the previous 1.8-liter engine, raising output from 124 to 149 horsepower on the continuing S, SV, and SR trims.
Does every 2020 Nissan Sentra have the expanded safety suite?
Yes. Every 2020 Sentra has automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams as standard equipment.
Which trims were offered after the 2020 Sentra redesign?
The 2020 U.S. lineup consists of S, SV, and SR. The earlier NISMO, SL, and SR Turbo trims were dropped, leaving a simpler three-trim range.
Is the 2020 Sentra SR more powerful than the S or SV?
No. The 2020 SR is a sport-look trim, not a higher-power performance model. All three trims share the same 149-hp engine, while the SR stands apart through LED lighting, dark exterior trim, a spoiler, larger wheels, and orange-stitched seats.
2020 Nissan Sentra Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Nissan Sentra.
4.1
2020 Nissan Sentra
(669 reviews)
“It's a great commuter car. Gas mileage is excellent, but also has that pick up when you need it to pass someone.”
“It's a good car for the money, just don't agree to take the survey. Nissan clearly has zero consideration for your time.”