2019 Nissan Sentra Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision

in Car Comparisons
Silver Nissan Sentra parked on a street

Source: Pixabay

In the competitive compact sedan market, the 2019 Nissan Sentra is an option that’s touted to balance practicality with affordability. As one of the flagship models of Nissan, the Sentra has established itself as a very dependable choice for drivers on the hunt for both value and efficiency. If this sounds like you, we’ve pulled together all of the most important 2019 Nissan Sentra pros and cons here.

Instead of just a regular review that’s going to gas up the Sentra without being honest, our list of 2019 Nissan Sentra pros and cons will make sure to touch on some aspects of the 2019 Nissan Sentra that might be deal-breakers for those in the market. We’ll look at the good, but we’re going to shine a light on the bad as well, and in the end, you should be much better informed when making a big decision like buying a vehicle.

What We Love: 2019 Nissan Sentra Pros

Even though our 2019 Nissan Sentra pros and cons are going to look at both sides of the proverbial coin, we always like to start with the good stuff. Here’s what we, and other owners, love about the 2019 Nissan Sentra.

Affordability 

A major benefit and contributing factor to the popularity of the 2019 Nissan Sentra is the highly-affordable starting price below $20,000, and the relatively low ongoing maintenance and repair costs. RepairPal puts the average repair cost at just $491, lower than the average for compact cars. This affordability was seen at many of the trim levels, with even the semi-luxurious SV trim costing less than $19,500. This pricing made it very popular and ensured there would be plenty of secondary market demand for them after the initial owners.


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Fuel Efficiency

Another big strength of the 2019 Nissan Sentra is its fuel efficiency, particularly in models equipped with an automatic CVT transmission. These varieties can often see up to 37 MPG on the highway, though the average overall is just over 32 MPG. This makes it a wildly smart option for anyone driving in dense urban traffic or along lengthy daily commutes. Even the turbo varieties can keep up with the efficiency of the base models.

Performance Trims Available

A common complaint with many cars is that there is no performance trim available directly from the factory, but this is not true with the 2019 Nissan Sentra. For those looking for a used car with some spice to it, look for the SR Turbo and Nismo flavors. The SR is equipped with a 188 HP turbocharger, while the Nismo stands out with its bold aesthetics, sport-tuned suspension, and bigger, 18-inch wheels. All of these cater to the zesty drivers who enjoy putting performance at the top of their list without sacrificing all practicality.

Spacious

Even though the 2019 Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan, there is a surprising amount of room inside both for front and rear passengers and for additional cargo. There is a massive amount of legroom, and sometimes more importantly, hip room, ensuring all occupants are comfortable even on long rides. Additionally, the 15 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk is ideal for carrying weeks’ worth of groceries, sports gear, or luggage without infringing on cabin space.


ARE NISSAN SENTRAS GOOD CARS?

Wondering if Nissan Sentras are good cars is only natural when shopping for an affordable and efficient small vehicle. We’ll analyze earlier Sentra model years (2011-2020) because these cars have endured (or haven’t endured) the test of time.


Safety Features

While all cars have safety features, the litany of safety features installed in the 2019 Nissan Sentra make it an incredibly safe vehicle and have earned it 4 stars from the NHTSA. The features include the standard fare you’d find in any competing sedan, as well as every trim level being equipped with a backup camera, emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The commitment to safety in these measures means even in the used car market there is significant value in the safety of the model.

Visibility

Finally, an often-overlooked benefit is the ample visibility of the 2019 Nissan Sentra. The difference the large windows and thin pillars make when you look outward is obvious. This means drivers in the 2019 Sentra have a clearer view than many competitors, which makes it a great option for new drivers or anyone who travels in heavy traffic a lot.


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What We Don’t Like: 2019 Nissan Sentra Cons

Now that we’ve covered all of the ups, it’s time for the inevitable downs. Here are some things that people just don’t like about the 2019 Nissan Sentra.

Underpowered Engine

A common complaint is that while economical, the base engine still struggles to put out enough power to meet demanding driving situations like steep hilly terrain or situations where you need rapid acceleration. This is true for the base trim, as well as the SR Turbo version. Even though it’s sportier, there is still a distinct lack of the same pep that might be found in a close competitor. 

No AWD Option

This may not be a deal-breaker for some, but it makes driving in challenging weather or similar situations, more difficult. While some trims may have stability and traction control options, no AWD option means reduced traction for the FWD system in wet or icy conditions. 

Should You Buy a 2019 Nissan Sentra?

That will just about do it for this list of the 2019 Nissan Sentra pros and cons. There are undoubtedly some readers who are wondering if they should buy a 2019 Nissan Sentra, but in truth, the only person who is going to be able to answer that question is you. Think about all the points we covered, and weigh them against what you want and need, and how you drive. 

If your list is topped by affordability, interior space, and economy, then the 2019 Nissan Sentra is probably a solid choice. However, if any of the downsides we covered feel like they might be deal-breakers for you, then you may want to keep browsing or find a model year where those issues have been resolved. Overall. The 2019 Nissan Sentra is a really smart choice for the budget-conscious and those who do a lot of driving on well-maintained roads.



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