“My largest complaint with my Sentra is the quality of the seats and adjustability of the seats and steering wheel. The leather package is much too expensive and the quality of the non-leather seats is not desirable. The seats literally show every single mark.”
2021 Nissan Sentra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Nissan Sentra is standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim, including the base S. Otherwise, this is a light-update year that largely carries over from the redesigned 2020 model.
About the 2021 Nissan Sentra
8th generation Sentra, introduced for 2020; 2021 is the second model year with no major refresh.
For 2021, the Sentra is Nissan’s small sedan for shoppers who want an easy daily driver that looks and feels a little more upscale than the typical budget compact. Nissan leans on confident styling, a tidy and comfortable cabin, strong standard safety coverage, and straightforward phone-friendly tech. The core appeal is not speed or luxury; it is getting a comfortable, efficient commuter sedan with a polished interior and a lot of safety value for the class.
The S is the straightforward commuter, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a broad set of standard driver-assistance features. The SV adds everyday comforts such as an 8-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and dual-zone climate control, while the SR emphasizes appearance with 18-inch wheels, LED lighting, darker exterior trim, and a rear spoiler. Every trim uses the same 149-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive.
What changed, by category
Tech
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto became standard across the lineup because the base S gained both smartphone-integration systems for 2021.
2021 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 | 34.7 in | 34.7 in | 34.7 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 | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| 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
What changed on the 2021 Nissan Sentra compared with the 2020 model?
Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the main changes for 2021, with the base S gaining both features. The three-trim lineup, engine, automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive layout, styling, and broad safety equipment otherwise carry over.
Does every 2021 Nissan Sentra have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2021 Sentra trim: S, SV, and SR.
Did the 2021 Nissan Sentra get a new engine?
No. The 2021 Sentra keeps the 149-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive used for 2020.
Is the 2021 Sentra SR more powerful than the S or SV?
No. The SR uses the same 149-hp engine as the S and SV. Its main distinctions are visual, including 18-inch wheels, LED lighting, darker exterior details, and a rear spoiler.
Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra a full redesign?
No. The Sentra was fully redesigned for 2020, so the 2021 model is a light update rather than a new generation or major refresh.
2021 Nissan Sentra Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Nissan Sentra.
4.1
2021 Nissan Sentra
(985 reviews)
“The car is dependable and has many extra safety features without blowing your budget out of proportion.”
“Great design, both inside and out. Perfect on fuel economy and comfort. So much fun to drive!”