2021 Nissan Sentra vs Honda Civic

Whether you're looking for a sleek and sporty ride on the roads, or just something affordable yet reliable to get around town - look no further. The 2021 Nissan Sentra and Honda Civic have answered your call with modern styling that has been built with advanced technology in mind. From entry-level trims through top of the line models there's sure to be plenty advantages regardless; so find out which one fits best.

With two cars both boasting more than capable specifications, how do you decide which one is right for your lifestyle? This guide will explore the differences between the Nissan Sentra and Honda Civic to help potential buyers pick their perfect match. Dive into our comparison so that by the end of this overview, there’ll be no doubt in your mind as to which car best suits your needs.

Ready to blaze the roads with a Civic? Honda's famous coupe, sedan and hatchback models are perfect for getting from point A to B - but if you're looking for an extra edge, then consider exploring its Type R variant. This red-hot racer pumps out over 300HP of pure power and includes several sporty features. But is it your best option compared to what else is on the market? Let’s take a look at how this classic model competes against Nissan Sentra’s own lineup.

 

The Powertrain

The Nissan Sentra and the Honda Civic provide power to match their performance. With either a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine or an upgraded 1.5-liter turbocharged option in higher trims, these cars are optimized for acceleration - up to 174 horsepower with 162 pound-feet of torque from the Civic's turbocharger.

There's no clear winner in the engine duel between the standard and Sentra engines. While one has more horsepower, its challenger boasts greater torque strength – so performance-wise it will be a close call for most drivers. But those that crave speed may want to take note of Honda's turbocharged option, offering an extra boost for sportier acceleration and improved road confidence.

Nissan and Honda have outfitted their cars in this class with the latest technology: a combination of powerful engines and continuously variable transmissions. While you won't find all-wheel drive, front-wheel is standard to ensure maximum control on different terrains. Prepare for an advanced driving experience.

The Civics' paddle shifters give drivers the ability to take manual control over shifting whenever they please. Both models even come with Hill Start Assist, preventing them from rolling backward when stopped on a hill for extra peace of mind during uphill drives. Plus, there is no need to worry about any awkward lag time between shifting and accelerating - both cars will hold pressure on the brakes until you are ready to get moving again.

With both the Nissan Sentra and Honda Civic, you can cruise with supreme confidence knowing your fuel economy will be on point. The former offers impressive highway efficiency of 39 mpg while letting you zip through city streets at 29 mpg; but if that isn't enough, then opt for the latter instead - a remarkable 42 miles per gallon when riding highways plus 32 mpg in urban areas.

Drivability

When it comes to driving, these little cars are a breeze. With similar dimensions of 182.7 inches long - the Nissan just slightly wider and taller than its counterpart car - maneuvering through tight spaces is as effortless as can be. Both sedans provide agility in their pint-sized packages without compromising power; perfect for navigating city streets with ease.

If a spacious interior is your top priority when shopping for cars, then the Nissan Sentra and Honda Civic are excellent options. For those in front, they offer plenty of legroom - up to 44 inches in the Sentra or 42.3 inches with the Civic. In addition, rear passengers can also enjoy comfortable stretching space on both models – 34.7 and 37.4 respectively! Drivers who frequently transport large items will appreciate that along with its ample seating capacity; The Civic provides an extra edge cargo-wise thanks to 15 cubic feet of trunk storage compared to 14 from its rival vehicle.

The Nissan Sentra hits the sweet spot of offering both convenience and entertainment features. It's equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen; Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls--all powered by voice commands or steering wheel controls beside one USB port and an AM/FM radio complete with four speakers. Everything you need to stay connected on the road.

The higher trims of the Sentra feature a variety of high-end amenities to make your drive even more enjoyable. Enhancements such as an eight-inch touchscreen, six-speaker sound system, three USB ports and SiriusXM Radio will ensure you stay connected inside your vehicle while adding that extra something special on long trips. And for those who forget their eyeglasses every once in awhile, no problem - with its seven inch digital instrument cluster providing all kinds of data at just a glance away.

The Nissan Sentra's top trim level is the perfect vehicle for life on the go - it comes with an impressive Bose audio system boasting 8 speakers and even offers a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, ensuring passengers can stay connected wherever they are. Whether streaming content or getting work done during long journeys, this trim truly has something to offer everyone.

The Civic shakes things up with its basic model; where you don't get the usual touchscreen or Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that come standard in other trims. But it still packs some interesting features like Bluetooth streaming audio, hands-free phone calls, an AM/FM radio receiver and four speakers - proving beyond a doubt that convenience isn't sacrificed for affordability.

The other trims of the Honda Civic all have eight-speaker sound systems, seven-inch touchscreens, and smartphone connectivity. They have at least two USB ports as opposed to only one, which is what the base model has. Mid-level Civic trims have SiriusXM and HD Radio, and the top-level trim has navigation and ten speakers, one of which is a subwoofer. The fact that the Civic has available navigation is going to be significant when this car is compared against the Sentra and other sedans that don't offer this option.

Safety

Nissan truly brought their A-game with the Sentra, packing it full of cutting edge tech both for entertainment and safety. Standard across all vehicles is an impressive suite of accident preventing components such as automatic emergency braking, reverse automatic braking, lane departure warning system - even pedestrian detection! All these features are not typically found on cars in this price range; adding incredible value to the already stellar Sentra model.

Its higher trims have adaptive cruise control, which is a program in which the car can sense the speed of the vehicle in front of it. If that other vehicle slows down when adaptive cruise control is engaged, the Sentra can slow down, too. It can then speed up when appropriate. The most premium Sentra trim has an available around view monitor, and this can provide a driver with useful visual cues when parking or maneuvering around smaller spaces.

Honda is making waves in driver-assist technology with their innovative "Honda Sensing" package found as standard on the Civic. This suite of cutting edge safety features packages adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and road departure mitigation to provide enhanced protection during those unexpected moments behind the wheel. For an additional layer of defense against impacts or collisions, it also includes forward collision warning plus automatic high beams - leaving no excuse for poor visibility at night.

Higher trims of the Civic have something called Honda LaneWatch. Essentially, it's a blind spot monitoring system, but it goes a step further. It uses a camera to provide the driver with a live feed of the vehicle in his/her blind spot. So that it's not distracting, it would only turn on if a turn signal has been turned on.

Which Has the Best Value

Despite the Civic's higher price tag, it appears that drivers who opt for the Sentra S base model will be getting a better bang-for-their buck. The $1,790 difference in pricing comes with noteworthy perks such as touchscreen and smartphone connectivity capabilities not available on Civics' LX trim.

There are only three trims of the Sentra. The other two are the SV and the SR. The SV costs $20,520, and the SR is priced at $21,800. In contrast, there are four other trims of the Civic. They are the Sport ($23,050), EX ($24,400), EX-L ($25,600), and Touring ($28,300). Obviously, these are priced much higher than the trims of the Sentra are.

Take your driving experience to a higher level with the turbocharged engines of Honda Civics' EX, EX-L and Touring trims. Enjoy luxurious amenities such as leather seats on two trims, integrated navigation in the highest trim and heated front seats standard across all three top tiers – features that are not even options when it comes to Nissan Sentra! Get comfortable behind the wheel with an available power adjustable driver’s seat for an easier drive every time.

With its push button start, the Nissan Sentra offers convenience and ease. But those looking for an even more advanced driving experience can explore higher trims of the Honda Civic that boast features such as dual-zone automatic climate control or a power moonroof - both luxuries not available in any trim of the Sentra! For extra comfort, opt for one of the higher trims to access a standard auto-dimming rearview mirror not found on lower models.

 

Which is Better?

The Civic is the ideal marriage of performance and refinement. With three different turbocharged engine options available on its top trims, it's a powerhouse that doesn't sacrifice elegance - offering up an upscale feel to match its sleek exterior. It has all the modern amenities drivers are looking for today as well as those delightful surprises that can make driving more enjoyable than ever before.

The Sentra is a great value, offering superior quality and features at an affordable price. Starting under $20K you get all the bells and whistles such as touchscreen technology with access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for optimized convenience, coupled with an array of advanced driver assistance systems - proving that good things don't always have break the bank.

For those looking for a reliable and affordable option in their next vehicle, the Nissan 2021 Sentra impresses with its full suite of basic features that offer unparalleled comfort. Meanwhile, the 2021 Honda Civic stands out as an upscale choice when the budget isn't limiting - a perfect pick to indulge oneself in superior amenities.