Nissan->ke62 is going three for three on introducing its new, striking design themes to its sedan->ke142 lineup. First the Maxima, then the Altima took on the extreme show-car styling language first debuted on the Murano->ke552 in 2014. The 2016 Sentra->ke557 has just undergone a significant update that brings its sheet metal into the fold as well.

Nissan’s third best-seller after the Altima->ke542 and Rogue->ke2176 crossover->ke288 has always been rather bland in terms of style (even when the rest of the sedan lineup was more radical), so the dramatic reskin is an intriguing departure from tradition. It should be a good thing for Nissan; as the subcompact market has gotten more competitive, the competent-but-forgettable Sentra has risked getting lost in the shuffle of sexier and more eye-catching offerings from Mazda,->ke53 Hyundai->ke201 and Ford.->ke31 Looking like a smaller version of the Maxima, the newly curvy Sentra is prepared to do battle with the all-new Honda Civic,->ke236 Mazda3->ke504 and Kia Forte->ke3202 with a re-tuned suspension. A host of new technology has also been added, as the Sentra inherits luxury features from Nissan’s larger sedans as well. The updated 2016 Sentra goes on sale in December.

Updated 12/30/2015: Nissan announced prices for the 2016 Sentra which is now on sale at dealers nationwide. Prices will start from $16,780 for the Sentra S with 6-speed manual transmission - an increase of just $250 over the previous year.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Nissan Sentra.

2016 Nissan Sentra

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Nissan Sentra
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Sentra is bland no more! The greenhouse retains its upright look and shoulder-sided trunk, but the hood now has a dramatic curve and dip to a narrow family grille. Without the chrome horizontal bars, the new front end gives the arched front fenders and C-pillar kickup a much more dramatic flair. A new rear fascia adds boomerang-shaped taillights.

New 17-inch wheels are also available, and the LED accent lighting that’s all the rage on luxury cars will make it onto uplevel Sentras as well. It’s arguably still a bit more conservative than the Maxima, which would look at home on the Blade Runner set, but the reskin definitely adds some much-needed curb presence.

Interior

The Sentra’s cockpit takes a bit of inspiration from Nissan’s sporting history, with a driver-centric instrument panel and high-mounted secondary controls. Updates to the interior include a new steering wheel, and LCD flat-panel display for infotainment. The Sentra also gets an instrument panel-mounted driver information system, new power seats and Siri Eyes Free connectivity in higher trim levels.

The Sentra steps above its class by offering dual-zone climate control, navigation, a backup camera, upgraded Bose sound system and the NissanConnect infotainment system, but these options are becoming common in the subcompact class.

Where the Sentra stands out somewhat is with the addition of intelligent cruise control, collision-mitigation automatic braking and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. These active driver aids are only just beginning to migrate into smaller, less expensive cars, and the Sentra is one of the first in its class to offer them.

Drivetrain

The 130-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is capable of up to 40mpg on the freeway and hasn’t changed significantly. Sentras equipped with the Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) benefit from an updated logic control module that offers more “natural” feeling shift points and takes some of the rubbery feeling out of the CVT. Nissan has also improved suspension response with stiffened body structure and increased spring and damper rates. The electronic power steering has been improved as well.

Safety

The 2015 Sentra is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and the 2016 model uses the same structure. Front, side and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment, and front seat-mounted torso airbags are also part of the package. A rollover sensor deploys the side-curtain bags if the Sentra is inverted. Stability control is standard, and the new available active safety features work well to prevent accidents from happening in the first place.

Prices

Model

Price

Sentra S 6MT

$16,780 USD

Sentra S Xtronic

$17,630 USD

Sentra FE+ S Xtronic

$18,030 USD

Sentra SV Xtronic

$18,550 USD

Sentra SR Xtronic

$20,410 USD

Sentra SL Xtronic

$22,170 USD


Competition

Mazda3

The Mazda3 is the current sporty-compact king of the roost, and one of the Sentra’s perennial competitors since the days of the Sentra SE-R. Mazda has gone upscale in a big way with the Mazda3, adding high-grade interior materials and a futuristic head-up display to go with the already stellar handling and entertaining performance.

Read our full review on Mazda3 here.

Honda Civic

The Civic remains a best-seller, but it’s had to fight hard for the position. An all-new Civic hits the streets for 2016, with more aggressive looks and improved performance. Like the Sentra, it’s taking a lot of influence from its big brother—in this case, the Accord.

Read our full review on the Honda Civic here.

Ford Focus

Another perennial sporty compact, the Focus’ European-designed lines have been on the road for a few years now but the car still looks fresh. World-class handling has always been a part of the Focus’ DNA, and it backs that up with comfortable interiors, aggressive pricing, and a hatchback model.

Read our full review on Ford Focus here.

Conclusion

It’s always a good thing for a manufacturer to have a cohesive family look, and Nissan’s chosen a good one with the striking Murano’s new theme. Spreading this uncompromising design across the whole lineup is a great way to improve visibility, and the Sentra is a car that could use the boost. More attractive sheet metal over good mechanicals is always a good way to go, especially with value-branded cars. Things are looking bright for the Sentra.

Updated History

Updated 11/25/2015: We added a series of new images taken during the car's official debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.