2020 Nissan Sentra Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Although compact crossovers continue to grow in popularity, the sedan will always make more sense for many consumers. They typically cost less initially and have lower fuel costs. In many cases, they are also more fun to drive with better handling. Depending on the size, the sedan can make a fine daily commuter or family car.

One vehicle that can do both of those jobs well is the 2020 Nissan Sentra. It received a full redesign for this year, which gave it a more spacious cabin that is full of more sophisticated materials. The vehicle is also now lower and wider than before, helping to give it a sportier appearance. Considering this is the beginning of the Sentra's eight generation, it is safe to say that this is one of the more popular options out there.

Nissan does not give buyers an overabundance of options when it comes to models of the new Sentra. There are three trim levels to consider, however. Known as the S, SV, and SR, there are several key differences between the three vehicles. Like with most things, consumers will want to do their research prior to making a purchase to avoid spending more than they need or want to.

The following guide thoroughly examines all three trim levels. It highlights both what makes them the same and what makes them different in an attempt to simplify the buying process for drivers.

 

Compare the 2020 Nissan Sentra S vs SV Trims. What is the difference?

One thing that will not help buyers narrow down their choices with the Sentra is the engine. That is because the S trim has the same engine as the other two options. It is a 2.0L four-cylinder that produces 149-horsepower and 146 lb-ft, which is up from previous models. Working with the engine for drivers is a continuously variable transmission. All models are front-wheel-drive exclusively.

Fuel economy numbers are more than respectable for this vehicle. The S trim will give drivers 29 mpg in the city and an impressive 39 mpg on the highway. These numbers stay the same for the SV trim but are reduced slightly for the SR trim, likely due to its larger and therefore heavier wheels.

Pretty much all of the mechanical features are going to be the same throughout the line. Drivers will find dual-pinion electric power steering as well as front and rear stabilizer bars. An independent strut front and multi-link rear suspension are also standard across the board. The brakes are the only area where the S trim lags a bit behind the other options. It features front disc brakes but rear drum brakes, whereas the SR and SV get disc brakes for both the front and the back.

The wheels are another thing about the entry-level S trim that are unique. This trim sits on 16-inch steel ones, whereas the other models upgrade to aluminum alloy. Halogen headlights with an automatic on and off feature are standard. It does get a little extra style on the outside thanks to the chrome V-motion grille with active shutters. Completing the list of exterior features are powered body-colored side mirrors.

Sitting down in the cabin, prospective buyers will find six-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat. Those who want power-adjustment have to go up to at least the next trim, although it remains optional on both the mid-level and top trims. The front passenger gets manual four-way adjustment with no option for an upgrade on any trim. As for the upholstery, the S model sticks with cloth-trim. The rear seat has the convenient 60/40 split-folding feature.

Air conditioning and an in-cabin microfilter help to keep the cabin pleasant. Despite being the most affordable trim, the S has sophisticated features like push-button start and keyless entry. The driver's side power window also has the one-touch up and down feature.

Two screens are visible inside the S. The first is a 4.2-inch driver information display. The second is a 7-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Both of these screens are larger in the other two trim levels. This trim does give buyers Siri Eyes Free and a hands-free text message assistant. Those who require smartphone integration will need to look elsewhere, however.

There are a few features in the S trim of the 2020 Nissan Sentra that help it feel high-tech. It comes with an auxiliary audio input jack, USB port, and handy steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Drivers can stream their audio using Bluetooth through the four speaker audio system.

When it comes to safety, the S trim gives drivers a tire pressure monitoring system that has both an individual tire display as well as an easy-fill tire alert feature. It then further adds advanced driver aids, to include a blind spot monitor, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. A rearview monitor and a rear sonar system are also part of the standard equipment for all Sentra models.

Further adding to the safety and convenience of the S trim are automatic high beams and a driver attention monitor. There are also of more traditional safety features on the S trim. These include things such as a vehicle dynamic control system, a traction control system, and hill start assist. Also standard is a rear seat reminder. This feature will recognize if the driver opened one of the back doors for any reason prior to the journey. It then beeps to remind them to check the back when exiting.

Those who are willing to spend a bit more can go with the SV trim. It is definitely worth noting that this trim has a starting price that is only about a thousand dollars more than the S. Other than the minor upgrade to the brakes, this trim is mechanically the same as the entry-level one.

Wheel size remains 16-inches but they get more sophisticated by being aluminum alloy. There is also the option of going with 17-inch wheels. The standard headlights remain the same but this trim does get the option of upgrading to thin projector LED headlights including signature daytime running lights. Interestingly, these lights are not even standard for the top-of-the-line trim, but rather remain optional.

A moonroof is yet another optional upgrade for the SV trim. As far as standard exterior upgrades, the only one involves the side mirrors. For this trim, they gain both heat and stylish integrated LED turn signals.

Although manual adjustment for the driver's seat remains standard, the SV model does give drivers the option of upgrading to power-adjustment instead. The upholstery gets upgraded to premium cloth trim with quilted leather heated seats being an option. This trim gets a little fancier feeling thanks to its standard leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Perhaps one of the most motivating reasons to go with the SV trim is the addition of dual-zone automatic climate control. A remote engine start is added here as well. Rather than the standard keyless entry found for the S trim, the SV instead has the Nissan Intelligent Key.

The driver information display grows all the way to 7-inches for this trim. As for the infotainment system screen, it gets bumped up to 8-inches. This trim adds both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making it a winner for those who consider smartphone integration to be a top priority.

For the SV trim, the stereo system gets two additional speakers, bringing the grand total up to six. Drivers can use this upgraded system to enjoy the satellite radio feature that is also added for this model. There is also a USB-C port to go along with the USB-A port found in the entry-level trim.

Safety features remain more or less the same when going up to the SV. There is one major exception, however, in the form of intelligent cruise control. This feature works similarly to what other brands call adaptive cruise control and can maintain a set distance between the Sentra and the vehicle it is following.

Many of the available upgrades are lumped into what Nissan calls the SV premium package. Adding this to the Sentra gives it heated front seats, the 17-inch tires, the leather seats, moonroof, and upgraded headlights. It also significantly adds to the price tag, perhaps more than buyers will be willing to pay.

Compare the 2020 Nissan Sentra SV vs SR Trims. What is the difference?

The most feature-packed version of the Sentra is called the SR. Once again, making this step up the trim ladder will only cost drivers about a thousand dollars more. This means there is only about a two thousand dollar difference between the entry-level and top-of-the-line versions of the 2020 Nissan Sentra.

Starting off the more luxurious look and feel of the SR trim are the 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. Although the LED headlights remain optional, this model does get LED fog lights standard. This trim stands out from the other two with its dark chrome V-motion grille and black side mirrors. It also looks a bit more athletic thanks to its sport rear spoiler and side sill extensions. Rounding out the look is a chrome exhaust finisher.

Sport cloth trim with eye-catching orange with contrast stitching is standard. Consumers also get the option of going with leatherette-appointed sport seats, once again with the orange-stitching. Heated front seats remain optional and this trim further adds the option of adding a heated steering wheel. It keeps the leather added to the steering wheel by the SV trim and also adds some to the shift knob.

Convenience-wise, there are no standard upgrades. You can choose to go with an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Also made available by the SR trim are illuminated vanity mirrors in the sun visors. The infotainment system remains the same. In fact, the only available tech upgrade is an optional 8-speaker Bose premium sound system.

Like the SV trim, the SR also has a premium package that groups many available features into one place. The SR with this package gives drivers the same things as the SV premium package, plus the Bose sound system, heated steering wheel, and leatherette-appointed sport seats.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

The 2020 Nissan Sentra presents three strong trim choices to consumers. Choosing the right one can be difficult, especially considering they all have the same engine. As appealing as the S trim is with its safety features and decent amount of tech, it is worth skipping over in favor of the SV.

Consumers will be attracted to the SV because of its standard smartphone integration and the longer list of available options. Intelligent cruise control also greatly adds to the appeal of this trim. Still, there is only a small price jump between the SV and SR trim. As a result, many consumers will want to go straight to the top trim.

The SR trim level of the Sentra gets extras like LED fog lights, a sportier exterior, and standard 18-inch wheels. Those who would like to save money should skip on the very pricey premium package, which primarily adds features that are nice but not necessary.

The top-of-the-line SR trim level of the 2020 Nissan Sentra is a smart buy that offers a lot to drivers for their money.