Review: 2023 Nissan Sentra SR CVT

If you are looking for an affordable, stylish car that is great on gas and easy to drive around town, then the 2023 Nissan Sentra is a great option. Whether you decide on the base trim or premium trim level, it will still cost you under $30,000 CAD.

Engine/Transmission

The 2023 Nissan Sentra SR CVT has a 2.0L DOHC 4-cylinder engine. It produces 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of what trim level you choose, all will have a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. This is far from a sporty car in my opinion as it is not fast to pick up speed and does not drive like one. You will notice the difference if you’re someone that is used to driving cars with greater horsepower. 0-60 mph (96 km/h) is done in a little over 9 seconds. The Sentra SR is rated for 8.2 L/100km in a city and 6.1 L/100km on a hwy while I averaged a combined 7.0 L/100km. So with gas prices these days, I was quite happy the week I had the demo vehicle and not spending so much money at the pumps.

Handling/Performance

As mentioned earlier, the Sentra SR does not drive like a sports car. It is quite boring to drive, not exciting as it has slow acceleration. Taking over another vehicle is not as quick, so it isn’t a car for someone that is always running late. You just won’t get moving as quickly as you’d like. This is a perfect sedan for someone that cares more about comfort and safety. It is perfect for daily commuters to work, running errands and even road trips. I did find the Sentra to be a bit stiff when going over potholes or bumps so something to be aware of and either avoid potholes or drive slower through them. Other than that, it was smooth and comfortable drive. I also found myself having to brake a bit sooner than I normally would in any other vehicle so also something to be aware of.

Comfort

I found that the 2023 Nissan Sentra SR seats were comfortable for long rides with the 6-way adjustments. They were soft enough to be able to sit comfortably. The rear seats were also cushioned enough to comfortably sit for longer periods. Space is decent for average height individuals, as I was able to sit just fine in the driver’s seat with enough legroom space for the rear passengers. Trunk space is also decent to fit larger items and long items as well as the seats fold 60/40.

Interior

The 2023 Nissan Sentra SR is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen which is straightforward to use. I really like the interior of the Sentra, as it has a modern look to it and looks great with the orange stitching on the dashboard. The only not so modern touch would be the foot operated parking brake. For an affordable price, the Sentra is equipped with heated steering wheel, heated front seats, sport cloth interior with orange stitch, and a moonroof to name a few. It has a mixture of touchscreen, buttons, and knobs for the important features for those who prefer quick access to the climate control, volume, and such.

Exterior

The 2023 Sentra SR is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors with turn signal indicators, and a dark chrome V-motion grille which in my opinion adds to the great look of the Sentra. Again, for the price tag it has, it is available with quite a few great tech features that you would want in a vehicle. As for the standard safety features, it is available with forward-collision warning, ABS brakes, blind spot monitoring, vehicle dynamic control, amongst a few others and has a 360-degree camera.

Pros/Cons

Overall, the 2023 Nissan Sentra SR is well equipped in terms of safety features and tech features that would normally be add-ons and not standard in other vehicles. It is a great looking sedan; it has a nice interior and exterior. My only complaint would be that I wish it was a bit faster and for that reason, I don’t think I would consider this Sentra as an option for a future vehicle. But then again, my priorities may be different than yours. If you are someone looking for a nice-looking car that is comfortable to drive daily, great on gas, decent space to fit your belongings and possibly kids, is well equipped with safety features and best of all, budget friendly then this is a great option. The starting price of the base model Sentra S is $21,048 CAD and the SR Premium is $28,648 CAD which is still a great price for all that it is available with. In the United States the Sentra S has a starting price of $20,050 USD and the Sentra SR at $26,455 USD.