Motoring: Perky commuter

This week’s test car, a perky daily commuter qualifies as one of the least expensive one on the market. Besides mid-size Nissan Sentra, the Japanese automaker boasts two other new vehicles priced below $25,000. Built in Mexico, this budget-friendly car’s prices start at $20,890. Trim levels include S, SV, and SR.

Introduced in 2020 for the 2024 model year, Nissan delightfully freshened exterior styling, slightly improved fuel economy, extended range a tad, and added premium features to the SV grade. Did I mention the 360-degree camera available on the SV and SR trims? I found it beneficial in tight parking spots like at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

In more detail, the four-door sedan’s updates include new front fascia, restyled headlights, and both 16- and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Sentra SR I drove also added a restyled rear fascia and interior accent stitching color. The interior remains unchanged, true to the adage that one does not fix that which is unbroken.

Besides aesthetics, new technology sweetens the deal. Standard power is a 149-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that hums in synchrony with a Continuously Variable Transmission. A new CVT algorithm keeps engine revs in the most efficient operating range, which lends improved acceleration and fuel economy. Acceleration is good: The car zooms from zero to 60 miles per hour in 8.4 seconds. The I-4 is frugal: EPA mileage estimates are 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.

Another rewritten algorithm tweaks the engine stop-start system, shutting off the engine at stop lights and in bumper-to-bumper start-stop traffic. While somewhat annoying, it boasts incremental gains in efficiency. It’s good to know Nissan installed a button just ahead of the shifter to deactivate the feature.

Sentra features an independent rear suspension. My car of the week rolled on the tallest tires, which stiffened the ride somewhat. The ABS braking is impressive. From 70 mph, Sentra comes to a tire-screeching halt at 170 feet. A curiosity, the parking brake is foot-operated, old school, as in operated by a pedal instead of a lever or switch.

The hands-free keyless access requires pressing a button on the door handle to gain entry. Sentra seats five. The front seats are comfortable, with only the driver’s seat offering a six-way power assist. The rear seats comfortably accommodate two grown-ups or three kids where a fold-down armrest features a pair of cup holders. Generously sized door pockets lend additional room for water bottles. As expected, adding the optional sunroof reduces headroom.

  Buy Photo

The base model Sentra features a 7.0-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Personally, I prefer the larger 8.0-inch screen on SV and SR trims. It is compatible with SiriusXM satellite radio, an eight-speaker Bose stereo, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The SV Premium package also adds Intelligent Around View Monitor4 and exterior mirrors with turn signal indicators. Sentra SR adds heated front seats.

Intelligent Forward Collision Warning is standard. Additional driver-assist technology includes a bundle: Intelligent Driver Alertness, Intelligent Around View Monitor, Intelligent Cruise Control6, and the standard Easy-Fill Tire Alert system. Nissan Safety Shield 360, which is standard equipment, includes a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems, including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, and Rear Automatic Braking. Note Nissan got a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Finally, Nissan’s limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, and powertrain coverage runs for five years, or 60,000 miles.