Apparently, the Sentra is Nissan's most popular sedan in America, and to help boost sales, they just gave the compact some more options and revamped the pricing. But will they bother to make it any more fun?

Trim levels

The base trim is the S and it starts at $19,510. However, that does not include the $975 destination and handling fee, hiking up the price to $20,485. It does come standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, some solid safety features, keyless entry, and 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers that look like they came from an Autozone discount isle.

The SV is the next level, starting at $20,570 (the extra fee brings it to $21,545) adds a larger touch screen, adaptive cruise control, and dual-zone climate control. The SV Premium is a package but it might as well be an independent trim as it adds 17-inch wheels, a sliding glass moonroof, and a 6-way adjustable power driver's seat with quilted leather and the ability to heat your bum. Oh, and it bumps the price up an extra $2,270.

The SR is the top trim and tries to make the experience of driving a Nissan Sentra a bit more exciting. It starts at $21,850 ($22,825 with the additional fee). The main upgrades over the other trims are mostly aesthetic and superficial. It comes with larger 18-inch wheels, 215 all-season tires, LED headlights, and sport cloth seats with orange stitching.

2022 Nissan Sentra prices

New options

New for 2022 is the Midnight Edition Package. Nissan said this includes " black-painted V-motion grille, rear spoiler and rear diffuser, black exterior badging and black 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels."

Also, the All-Weather package is new, which includes; dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, and remote engine start. Nissan's "Safety Sheild 360" is also standard for all Sentras regardless of trim.

Can we just make this more exciting already?

Regardless of which Sentra you choose, it will come with a rear-independent suspension setup and a 2-0-liter four-cylinder that maxes out at 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. This would be perfectly fine if it came with a slick manual gearbox or fancy dual-clutch transmission or with 8, 9, or 10 gears like so many other cars nowadays. However, all 2022 Sentras come with a CVT transmission.

Why does Nissan not bring back the Sentra SE-R to compete with the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Golf GTI? Nissan could more than likely slap a turbo and intercooler on the engine to help it break 200 horsepower. Or better yet, give us a high revving, naturally aspirated four-pot.

Pair that with some weight reduction and a satisfying six-speed manual gearbox, and we have something that could put a wicked smile on your face.

Unfortunately, Nissan has no plans to do this as of right now.