What To Know
- The Toyota Corolla is slightly more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the CVT transmission.
- Both the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla offer a comfortable and composed ride, but the Corolla has a slight edge in handling.
- The Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla offer a similar range of interior features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera.
The Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla are two of the most popular compact sedans on the market, renowned for their reliability, efficiency, and affordability. Both vehicles offer a compelling package of features and capabilities, but which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla, examining their performance, features, design, and overall value, to help you make an informed decision.
Performance
Engine and Power
The Nissan Sentra is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Corolla offers a choice of two engines: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 139 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
Winner: Toyota Corolla (2.0-liter engine)
Fuel Economy
The Nissan Sentra offers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with the CVT transmission. The Toyota Corolla is slightly more fuel-efficient, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the CVT transmission.
Winner: Toyota Corolla
Handling and Ride Quality
Both the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla offer a comfortable and composed ride, but the Corolla has a slight edge in handling. Its suspension is more finely tuned, providing sharper turn-in and better body control.
Winner: Toyota Corolla
Features
Interior Features
The Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla offer a similar range of interior features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. However, the Corolla offers some additional features, such as a sunroof, heated seats, and a premium audio system.
Winner: Toyota Corolla
Safety Features
Both the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla come standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The Corolla, however, offers additional advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.
Winner: Toyota Corolla
Design
Exterior Design
The Nissan Sentra has a sleek and modern exterior design, with sharp angles and bold lines. The Toyota Corolla, on the other hand, has a more conservative and understated design, with rounded edges and a less aggressive stance.
Winner: Nissan Sentra (subjective)
Interior Design
The interior of the Nissan Sentra is spacious and well-appointed, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. The Toyota Corolla‘s interior is also spacious, but its materials and design are less refined than the Sentra’s.
Winner: Nissan Sentra
Value
Pricing
The Nissan Sentra starts at a slightly lower price than the Toyota Corolla, with a base price of around $19,000. The Corolla starts at around $20,000.
Warranty
Both the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla offer a comprehensive warranty package that includes a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Winner: Tie
Which One is Right for You?
The Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla are both excellent compact sedans that offer a compelling package of features and capabilities. The Sentra is a slightly better value and has a more stylish exterior design, while the Corolla offers superior fuel economy, handling, and safety features. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Verdict: A Close Call
Both the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla are excellent choices in the compact sedan segment. The Sentra offers a slightly better value and a more stylish exterior design, while the Corolla has superior fuel economy, handling, and safety features. The Corolla is our overall winner, but the Sentra is a close second.
Answers to Your Questions
Which car has the better fuel economy?
The Toyota Corolla has slightly better fuel economy than the Nissan Sentra.
Which car has more safety features?
The Toyota Corolla offers more advanced safety features than the Nissan Sentra.
Which car is more affordable?
The Nissan Sentra starts at a slightly lower price than the Toyota Corolla.
Which car has a more spacious interior?
Both the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla offer spacious interiors, but the Sentra has a slight edge in terms of passenger and cargo space.
Which car has a better warranty?
Both the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla offer comprehensive warranty packages with similar coverage.