Fuel economy face-off: sentra vs. altima – who will save you more at the pump?
What To Know
- The Sentra is a compact sedan with a sleek and sporty design, while the Altima is a midsize sedan with a more refined and sophisticated look.
- The Sentra gets slightly better fuel economy than the Altima, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway compared to 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway for the Altima.
- The Sentra is a more fuel-efficient and affordable option, while the Altima offers more space, a more powerful engine, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features.
When it comes to choosing a reliable and affordable sedan, the Nissan Sentra and Altima are two of the most popular options on the market. Both vehicles offer a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a variety of features that make them a great value for the money. However, there are some key differences between these two models that can help you make the best decision for your needs.
Exterior Styling
The Nissan Sentra and Altima have distinct exterior styling that sets them apart from each other. The Sentra is a compact sedan with a sleek and sporty design, while the Altima is a midsize sedan with a more refined and sophisticated look. The Sentra features a V-Motion grille, LED headlights, and a sloping roofline that give it a dynamic and aggressive stance. The Altima, on the other hand, has a more conservative design with a wider grille, halogen headlights, and a more upright stance.
Interior Space and Comfort
When it comes to interior space, the Nissan Altima has a slight edge over the Sentra. The Altima offers more legroom, headroom, and shoulder room than the Sentra, making it a more comfortable choice for taller passengers or families. Both vehicles offer a comfortable ride, with the Altima providing a slightly smoother and quieter experience. The Sentra has a more modern and upscale interior design, with soft-touch materials and a user-friendly infotainment system.
Engine Performance and Fuel Economy
The Nissan Sentra and Altima both offer a variety of engine options, with the Sentra having a more fuel-efficient lineup. The base Sentra is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 124 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. The Altima, on the other hand, has a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The Sentra gets slightly better fuel economy than the Altima, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway compared to 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway for the Altima.
Safety Features
Both the Nissan Sentra and Altima come standard with a variety of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. The Altima, however, offers a more comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Altima also received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Sentra received a four-star rating.
Technology and Infotainment
The Nissan Sentra and Altima both offer a variety of technology and infotainment features, with the Altima having a more advanced system. The Altima features a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, while the Sentra has a smaller 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Altima also offers a premium Bose audio system, which is not available on the Sentra.
Price and Value
The Nissan Sentra and Altima have similar pricing, with the Sentra starting at $19,990 and the Altima starting at $24,990. However, the Altima offers more features and a more refined driving experience, making it a better value for the money.
Which One is Right for You?
The Nissan Sentra and Altima are both great choices for drivers who are looking for a reliable and affordable sedan. The Sentra is a more fuel-efficient and affordable option, while the Altima offers more space, a more powerful engine, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
The Final Verdict: Nissan Altima Takes the Crown
While both the Nissan Sentra and Altima are excellent vehicles, the Altima is the clear winner in this comparison. It offers more space, a more powerful engine, a more comprehensive suite of safety features, and a more advanced technology and infotainment system. The Altima is also a better value for the money, making it the best choice for drivers who are looking for a reliable and affordable sedan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which car has better gas mileage, the Sentra or Altima?
A: The Sentra has better gas mileage than the Altima, with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway compared to 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway for the Altima.
Q: Which car has more safety features, the Sentra or Altima?
A: The Altima has more safety features than the Sentra, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Q: Which car has a bigger trunk, the Sentra or Altima?
A: The Altima has a bigger trunk than the Sentra, with 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space in the Sentra.