The 2022 Nissan Sentra is a stylish compact sedan with a surprisingly roomy interior, an impressive standard and optional equipment list, and fuel economy figures approaching 40 mpg.
Nissan makes it easy to find the right Sentra, with just three trims: S, SV, and SR. The S is the most basic of the bunch, but still nicely equipped. The SV appeals to those seeking a few more creature comforts, while the SR adds a sporty feel. However, as the same 149-horsepower 2.0-liter engine powers all three trims, the Sentra isn’t as quick as some rivals. With no hybrid option, it’s not as fuel-efficient, either.
2022 Nissan Sentra S (starting at $19,510)
The 2022 Nissan Sentra SR starts at $19,510.
Looking over the S model’s standard equipment list, there are clear signs this is Nissan’s entry-level trim. The giveaways are features like 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, rear drum brakes, and power side mirrors minus heating elements. But then, to confuse the idea of what makes an entry-level car entry-level, Nissan goes and tosses in a host of standard driver assists that suddenly make the S feel a lot more premium.
Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 comes standard and includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Also standard is rear automatic braking and lane departure warning with a haptic steering wheel (the steering wheel will vibrate to alert the driver). A driver drowsiness monitor observes steering input to detect erratic driving, warning the driver they may need to pull over and rest.
Other upgrades include automatic halogen headlights with automatic high beams, variable intermittent wipers, a rearview monitor, and Nissan Intelligent Ride Control. IRC helps ease pitching when encountering bumps by slightly applying brake force.
The driver enjoys a 6-way manual driver’s seat and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with Bluetooth, cruise control, and audio controls. The Sentra’s seats are covered in durable charcoal-colored cloth and include a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
Standard conveniences encompass a one-touch up/down power driver’s window, power door locks, remote keyless entry with push-button start, trunk and fuel-filler door remote release, and manual single-zone air conditioning. Nissan’s Rear Door Alert reminds the driver to check the backseat for children or pets before leaving the vehicle.
Less bold but still appreciated are simple additions such as a tachometer, coolant temperature gauge, and a trip computer showing average speed and fuel consumption. LED overhead map lights, sun visors with extensions and vanity mirrors, and a sliding center armrest are also standard fare. On the passive safety front, the Sentra S includes front airbags, side-curtain airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and front and rear side-impact airbags.
Finally, the Sentra S has a reasonably modern infotainment system comprised of a 7-inch color touch-screen display, an AM/FM radio with four speakers, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability. The system also features one Type-A USB port with an iPod interface, an auxiliary input jack, and streaming Bluetooth.
There are no option packages for the Sentra S, and exterior colors are limited to just four choices: Super Black, Gun Metal, Brilliant Silver Metallic, and Fresh Powder (white).
With the $975 destination fee, the 2022 Nissan Sentra S costs $20,485. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $368. See 2022 Nissan Sentra S models for sale
2022 Nissan Sentra S includes:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – allows easy smartphone integration with the car’s infotainment system, opening the door to your favorite apps, messages, music, and maps.
- Automatic emergency braking – can detect when a frontal collision is imminent and if the driver fails to act, automatically slow or stop the vehicle.
- Rear automatic braking – uses rear parking sensors to detect objects behind the Sentra and automatically apply the brakes.
- Automatic high-beam headlights – activate high beams in low lighting situations, dimming them automatically when sensing approaching headlights.
2022 Nissan Sentra SV (starting at $20,570)
2022 Nissan Sentra SV starts at $20,570.
For about $1,000 over the base S, the SV offers a few more features and a lot more options. We think it’s the best choice for those seeking a nice balance between value and convenience.
The SV improves on the Sentra formula with ventilated rear disc brakes, 16-inch alloy wheels, and heated outside mirrors.
Interior upgrades include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, higher quality cloth seating, rear center armrest with cup holders, and a larger 7-inch information display monitor with readouts for traffic sign recognition and driver-assist systems.
Adaptive cruise control and Intelligent Key keyless entry mark the tech upgrades. At the same time, the SV’s infotainment system adds an 8-inch touch screen, two more speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Type C USB front charge port, and a Type A USB rear charge port.
Colors for the SV expand to include Scarlet Ember, Rosewood, and Electric Blue Metallic.
New for 2022 is the optional All-Weather Package. It adds dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote engine start.
The SV Premium Package adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a power moonroof, quilted leather-appointed seats, a leather shift knob, and a 6-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support.
With the $975 destination fee, the 2022 Nissan Altima SV costs $21,545. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $387, less than $20 extra each month over the Sentra S. See 2022 Nissan Sentra SV models for sale
2022 Nissan Sentra SV includes:
- Adaptive cruise control – continually maintains a safe distance to the vehicle ahead, adjusting speed as needed. The system can even bring the car to a stop, at which point it turns off and returns control to the driver.
- Intelligent Key – having the proximity key fob with you is all that’s needed to unlock the doors by pressing a button on the door handle. The fob can also lower the windows or flash the car’s lights, a helpful feature when searching for your vehicle in a crowded parking lot.
- Heated side mirrors – activate with the defroster to keep ice and snow from building up on the mirrors.
- Available heated steering wheel – an excellent way to get a comfortable grip on the steering wheel after a night sitting in freezing weather.
2022 Nissan Sentra SR (starting at $22,100)
The 2022 Nissan Sentra SR starts at $22,100.
The SR is the sportiest of the Sentra models, although it still uses the same engine and transmission as the S and SV.
The SR gains 18-inch alloy wheels, a dark chrome V-Motion grille, LED headlights with LED DRLs (daytime running lights), LED fog lights, sport cloth seats with orange stitching, and a rear spoiler. Also in the mix are black mirror caps, side sill extensions, and a chrome exhaust tip finisher. The SR gains dual-zone automatic climate control and remote start, as well as four two-tone paint options.
The SR offers the most variation of the three trims, with new option packages like the Midnight Edition that adds a black-painted V-Motion grille, a rear spoiler, rear diffuser, black exterior badging, and 18-inch black wheels.
SR buyers can opt for the SR Premium Package for a more luxurious feel that adds Prima-Tex faux leather seats, heated front seats, a 6-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and an 8-speaker Bose premium audio system. Also in the package are Nissan’s 360-degree Around View Monitor, NissanConnect services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a power moonroof, and thin-type projector LED headlights.
With the $975 destination fee, the 2022 Nissan Sentra SR costs $23,075. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $415. See 2022 Nissan Sentra SR models for sale
2022 Nissan Sentra SR includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels – look great and with lower-profile tires, improve handling in sharp corners.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – allows individual front settings for driver and passenger temperature preferences.
- Remote start – allows the car to be started from outside the vehicle, a perfect way to have a warm or cool interior waiting for you when you climb inside.
- Available NissanConnect Services – allows connectivity via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, plus remote access via a smartphone and customizable alerts.
