When it comes down to the Nissan Sentra or Altima, which one best fits your needs and lifestyle? Learn the difference between these two impressive sedans here.
Looking for the perfect new or used sedan? Nissan has you covered with two stellar options: the Sentra and Altima. Whether you’re a city commuter, a family driver, or someone who just loves a smooth, reliable ride, we’re here to help you find your perfect match.
Learn the difference between Altima and Sentra Nissans here. Then take one — or both — for a test drive at Ed Hicks Nissan.
Nissan Sentra: If you’re after a stylish and nimble daily driver, the Nissan Sentra might be your new best friend. This sleek, compact sedan combines agile handling, tech-savvy features, impressive fuel economy, and an eye-catching design for a thrilling overall experience. It’s ideal for urban explorers who need a reliable and efficient daily driver that’s as fun to drive as it is affordable.
Nissan Altima: Nissan Altimas offer more space, power, and a refined driving experience. This midsize wonder excels at long road trips and weekly commutes and has consistently proven to be a capable and invigorating choice. With its next-level upgrades, spacious interior, powerful engine options, noteworthy tech, and luxury features, the Altima is well-suited for those who enjoy a more upscale driving experience.
The Nissan Sentra easily and comfortably seats five passengers and is your go-to compact sedan for city driving. Its convenient dimensions make maneuvering through congested streets and slipping into tight parking spaces a breeze.
Despite its compact design, the Sentra makes efficient use of its interior space with ergonomic seating and ample legroom. You’ll also enjoy more than generous trunk space and flexible storage solutions since the rear seats can be folded down to expand the cargo area.
Need a bit more room? The midsize Nissan Altima is your best bet, especially when accommodating your rear-seat passengers. Its lengthier dimensions translate to a more spacious interior with charitable legroom so even the tallest of individuals can stretch out comfortably. Plus, whether you frequently take family vacations, transport sports equipment, or handle bulk shopping trips, the Altima’s trunk space is more than sufficient for your lifestyle.
The Sentra’s bold, sporty look will turn heads. Its sleek, bold lines and distinctive front grille give it a dynamic and contemporary appearance. Inside, the Sentra offers a well-thought-out cabin with intuitive controls and a comfortable layout. It features high-quality materials, adjustable and supportive seats, a user-friendly infotainment system, and for 2019 models and up, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay. You can also upgrade the interior’s ante with leather seating by opting for a higher trim level.
If you’re after a more sophisticated look, the Altima delivers. It exudes elegance and refinement, making it a standout choice for those who appreciate a more premium aesthetic. Inside this ride, luxury meets comfort and technology with premium materials, an intuitive touchscreen, Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay, and available leather upholstery. The Altima’s cabin is also more spacious and well-appointed, offering a range of amenities — depending on the year — like an eight-way power driver’s seat that elevates the driving experience.
Whether you’re navigating through traffic or taking the scenic route, the Nissan Sentra’s compact size and finely tuned suspension won’t let you down. Designed to handle tight corners and narrow streets with ease, this stylish yet practical sedan is an excellent choice for urban environments. It is nimble and easy to drive and offers responsive steering and agile handling for a better overall driving experience.
Thanks to its precise steering and advanced suspension system, the Nissan Altima offers a stable, refined, and elegant driving experience that packs more punch than the Nissan Sentra. An additional turbocharged powertrain is available in most years. Whether you’re riding on highways or maneuvering winding roads, this midsize wonder is sure to handle bumps and turns with ease.
One of the Sentra’s standout features is its impressive fuel economy. Its efficient design means fewer stops at the pump, which is a huge bonus for budget-conscious drivers or those with long commutes.
While the Altima doesn’t quite match the Sentra’s fuel efficiency, it still offers respectable mileage, especially with the standard engine. The turbocharged option might use a bit more fuel, but it provides a boost in power that most drivers find worth the trade-off.
Under the hood, late-year model Sentras boasts a more than capable 149-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that strikes a harmonious balance between performance and fuel economy. This makes the Nissan Sentra a more practical choice for daily commutes and urban driving.
For drivers seeking more robust highway and city performance, the Nissan Altima offers more power and more options. With two available CVT-paired engines to choose from — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 2.0L Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo™) four-cylinder — you’re in control.
The standard engine offers smooth, confident performance anywhere, anytime. The optional turbo engine delivers an extra boost of power for those yearning for a more thrilling experience behind the wheel. And if you’re seeking intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) for peace of mind in sleet or snow, you’ll want to consider a 2019 model or newer.
When comparing Nissan Sentra vs Nissan Altima safety features, you really can’t go wrong with either. Both offer noteworthy driver assistance technologies and ample safety features.
The Nissan Sentra has evolved by leaps and bounds over the years. Many safety and driver assistance technologies have become standard. The Sentra’s safety suite offers features like Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. These advanced technologies provide peace of mind, helping make sure you and your passengers are just a little more protected on the road.
The Altima also features Nissan Safety Shield® 360 and takes it a step further with available ProPILOT Assist. This advanced system offers semi-autonomous driving capabilities, including intelligent cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance, helping make long drives less tiring and more enjoyable. The Altima’s safety features are designed to not only help protect but also enhance your driving experience.
When comparing the price difference between Altima and Sentra, the official purchase amount can vary depending on multiple factors, including trim selection and chosen upgrades. However, if you’re on a budget, the base-model Sentra’s lower price tag is hard to beat. It’s an affordable choice that doesn’t compromise on style or features.
On the other hand, the base-model Nissan Altima is typically priced higher, reflecting its larger size, more powerful engines, and additional features. It’s a solid investment if you’re looking for extra comfort, space, and a touch of luxury.
Still not sure which option is right for you? Head over to Ed Hicks Nissan! Our inventory includes a great selection of Sentra and Altima vehicles. Plus, our friendly team is ready to help you explore all the features and options available so you can find the Nissan sedan that best fits your lifestyle. Stop in for a test drive today!
