Nissan Sentra has been a staple in the compact sedan segment since its debut in 1982. Over the years, the Sentra has evolved to meet market demands, moving up from a subcompact car to a compact sedan in 1999. Today, with American automakers largely abandoning compact sedans, Nissan continues to fight alongside competitors like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, and Kia K4 (formerly Forte).
For 2025, the Sentra remains a compelling option for buyers looking for affordability, reliability, and a comfortable ride. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into the 2025 Nissan Sentra SV—its exterior styling, interior features, performance, and overall value.
2025 Nissan Sentra SV’s specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 149 hp @ 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| **Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/40 MPG |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gallons |
| Suspension (Front/Rear) | Independent strut with coil springs / Multi-link with coil springs |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Ventilated disc / Solid disc |
| Wheels | 17-inch aluminum-alloy |
| Tires | 215/60 R17 |
| Overall Length | 182.7 inches |
| Overall Width | 71.5 inches |
| Overall Height | 56.9 inches |
| Wheelbase | 106.8 inches |
| Curb Weight | Approximately 3,122 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Cargo Space | 14.3 cubic feet |
| Infotainment System | 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration |
| Safety Features | Nissan Safety Shield® 360, including Automatic Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Warning |
2025 Nissan Sentra Exterior Styling
Striking Design with Room for Improvement
The 2025 Sentra SV features a clean, modern design with a striking color palette. Our test model came in a sparkling ruby red, which looked particularly stunning under the sun.
At the front, the Sentra SV disappoints slightly with halogen headlights and turn signals—Nissan reserves LED lighting for the higher SR trim. However, the V-motion grille with chrome accents and gloss black finishes adds an upscale touch. The updated Nissan badge and forward-facing camera at this price point are pleasant surprises, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality.
While competitors like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic offer sharper, sportier designs, the Sentra holds its own with a simple yet sophisticated appearance. If you step up to the SR trim, you’ll gain LED lighting and additional sporty touches like fog lamps.
2025 Nissan Sentra Wheels and Side Profile
The SV trim rides on 17-inch machined aluminum wheels with gloss black inserts. The clean side profile benefits from color-matched mirrors with LED turn signals and a standard sunroof—features that elevate its premium feel. Another bonus is the lack of flat black cladding along the lower side panels, which can sometimes cheapen a car’s look.
The tires are 215/60 R17, providing a comfortable balance of ride quality and road feedback. While the Sentra is front-wheel-drive only, its rivals like the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla offer all-wheel drive—albeit at a higher cost.
Rear Design
The rear styling is highlighted by a floating roof design with gloss black accents and sharp, sporty tail lights. The chrome “Sentra” lettering and updated Nissan badge give it a polished look. However, the fake rear vents are a bit of a letdown—body-colored panels would have been a better choice.
Overall, the Sentra’s rear design feels cohesive and elegant, if not as aggressive as competitors like the Hyundai Elantra.
Exterior Dimensions:
- Length: 182.9 inches
- Width (without mirrors): 71.5 inches
- Height: 56.9 inches
- Wheelbase: 106.6 inches
- Front Track Width: 62 inches
- Rear Track Width: 62 inches
- Ground Clearance: 4.8 inches
These dimensions contribute to the Sentra SV’s agile handling and ease of parking, especially in tight urban environments.
Cargo Space:
The Sentra SV provides a trunk volume of 14.3 cubic feet, offering ample room for groceries, luggage, or daily essentials.
This cargo capacity is competitive within the compact sedan segment, ensuring practicality for everyday use.
Under the Hood: Engine and Performance
The 2025 Nissan Sentra SV is powered by a 2.0L inline-4 naturally aspirated engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which prioritizes fuel efficiency over sporty performance.
Key performance specs:
- 0-60 mph: ~9.1 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 28 MPG city / 37 MPG highway
- Curb Weight: 3,122 lbs
While the Sentra won’t win any drag races, its fuel economy makes it an ideal daily driver. The CVT has simulated shift points to reduce drone, but some buyers may still find it unrefined compared to the CVTs in rivals like the Subaru Impreza.
For drivers prioritizing performance, rivals like the Mazda 3 or the turbocharged Honda Civic offer more excitement behind the wheel.
0-60, 0-100 & Top Speed
2025 Nissan Sentra SV is anticipated to deliver performance metrics comparable to its recent predecessors. Equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Sentra SV is expected to achieve:
- 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): Approximately 8.4 seconds.
- 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): Around 8.8 seconds.
- Top Speed: Estimated at 120 mph (193 km/h).
These figures align with the performance of the 2024 Sentra SR, which recorded a 0-60 mph time of 8.4 seconds.
Historically, the Sentra’s performance has seen gradual improvements. For instance, the 2020 Sentra SV achieved a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds.
While the Sentra SV offers respectable acceleration within its segment, it prioritizes fuel efficiency and comfort over high-speed performance. Prospective buyers seeking enhanced acceleration might consider the SR trim, which has demonstrated slightly quicker 0-60 mph times.
Interior Features
Upscale Comfort on a Budget
Step inside the 2025 Sentra SV, and you’ll be surprised by its two-tone interior, soft-touch materials, and thoughtful design. Nissan has done a great job making the cabin feel premium at this price point.
Technology and Convenience
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- SiriusXM radio for added entertainment options.
- Dual-zone climate control.
- Heated front seats and steering wheel.
- Ample storage, including large cupholders and a spacious center armrest.
The faux carbon fiber trim around the controls adds a sporty touch, while Nissan’s NASA-developed zero-gravity seats provide exceptional comfort on long drives.
Rear Seat and Cargo Space
Passengers in the back seat will enjoy the continuation of the two-tone design and comfortable seating materials. There’s one USB-A charging port for convenience, and Nissan uses durable, dark-colored materials on the seatbacks—perfect for families with kids.
The trunk offers 15 cubic feet of cargo space, which is highly competitive for the segment. The rear seats fold down in a 60/40 split, and Nissan earns bonus points for including a spare tire—a feature that many competitors have phased out.
Driving Experience
On the road, the 2025 Sentra SV delivers a smooth and quiet ride. The suspension absorbs bumps well, and the cabin remains isolated from wind and road noise. While the CVT isn’t particularly sporty, it gets the job done for daily commuting. Steering is light and responsive, making the Sentra easy to maneuver in city traffic.
Competitors like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 offer more engaging driving dynamics, but the Sentra excels in comfort and efficiency.
Fuel Efficiency
2025 Nissan Sentra SV offers an impressive 30 mpg city / 40 mpg highway, with a combined fuel economy of 34 mpg. This is a notable improvement over past models, such as the 2013 Sentra (28 mpg combined) and the 2017 Sentra (30 mpg combined). With a 12.4-gallon fuel tank, it provides a strong driving range, making it a fuel-efficient choice in the compact sedan segment.
Competitors of 2025 Nissan Sentra SV
2025 Nissan Sentra SV occupies a competitive position in the compact sedan market, facing notable rivals such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, and Volkswagen Jetta. Below is a detailed comparison highlighting key specifications and features of these models:
2025 Honda Civic
- Engine: 2.0L inline-4
- Power: 158 hp
- Torque: 138 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- Fuel Economy: Up to 31 MPG city / 40 MPG highway
- Starting Price: Approximately $25,345
2025 Toyota Corolla
- Engine: 1.8L inline-4
- Power: 139 hp
- Torque: 126 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- Fuel Economy: Up to 32 MPG city / 41 MPG highway
- Starting Price: Approximately $21,550
2025 Hyundai Elantra
- Engine: 2.0L inline-4
- Power: 147 hp
- Torque: 132 lb-ft
- Transmission: CVT
- Fuel Economy: Up to 33 MPG city / 42 MPG highway
- Starting Price: Approximately $20,650
2025 Mazda 3
- Engine: 2.5L inline-4
- Power: 186 hp
- Torque: 186 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: Up to 26 MPG city / 35 MPG highway
- Starting Price: Approximately $25,135
2025 Volkswagen Jetta
- Engine: 1.5L turbocharged inline-4
- Power: 158 hp
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: Up to 30 MPG city / 40 MPG highway
- Starting Price: Approximately $23,220
In summary, the 2025 Nissan Sentra SV offers a balanced blend of performance, fuel efficiency, and features at a competitive price point. However, potential buyers should consider the specific strengths of each competitor, such as the Mazda3’s higher horsepower or the Hyundai Elantra’s superior fuel economy, to determine the best fit for their needs.
2025 Nissan Sentra Expected Colors
2025 Nissan Sentra SV offers a diverse palette of exterior colors to suit various preferences. Available options include:
- Super Black
- Gun Metallic
- Fresh Powder
- Scarlet Ember Tintcoat
- Rosewood Metallic
- Electric Blue Metallic
- Atlantic Gray Metallic
- Aspen White TriCoat
For those interested in a more dynamic appearance, the SR trim offers exclusive two-tone color combinations:
- Two-tone Monarch Orange Metallic / Super Black
- Two-tone Electric Blue Metallic / Super Black
- Two-tone Atlantic Gray Metallic / Super Black
- Two-tone Aspen White TriCoat / Super Black
These color options allow drivers to personalize their Sentra SV to reflect their individual style.
Final Thoughts: Value for Money
The 2025 Nissan Sentra SV is a strong contender in the compact sedan segment, offering impressive value at a starting price of $22,900. Key highlights include:
- Fuel Efficiency: 28/37 MPG
- Premium Features: Standard sunroof, wireless smartphone connectivity, and dual-zone climate control.
- Comfort: Spacious cabin with supportive NASA-developed seats.
- Practicality: 15 cubic feet of trunk space and a spare tire.
While it doesn’t have the sporty edge of a Mazda 3 or the turbocharged power of a Honda Civic, the Sentra excels as a reliable and comfortable daily driver.
For budget-conscious buyers looking for a new compact sedan, the 2025 Nissan Sentra SV is well worth considering.
