Nissan has been known to cover the entire end of the spectrum, from affordable cars like Versa and Sentra to high-end machines like the Skyline GTR. The good news is that Nissan’s compact cars are moving into high-end territory with affordable price tags: both the Versa and the Sentra were completely redesigned in 2020. With new safety options, upgraded interiors, and top-notch infotainment systems, here’s everything you need to know about the all-new Nissan Versa and Sentra.
Exterior
Both models received an entirely new exterior design, leaving them closer stylistically to the Maxima and Altima. A V-shaped chrome bar on the radiator and a continuous window line are key features of the automaker’s style, so even their small cars are easily recognizable. The all-new Versa saw a 2.3-inch reduction in height through a streamlined roof, resulting in less headroom for the passengers on the second row yet a 1.6-inch addition to the length and a 1.8-inch to the width, providing more space and comfort for the front-row occupants. The new Nissan Versa is being offered only as a sedan: the hatchback Versa Note has been discontinued for the US market.
The 2020 Nissan Sentra borrowed nothing from the previous generation, but the model name. This car is built on a completely new platform and has an appealing design. Diagonal and rather narrow headlamps resemble Maxima’s front. Wide and sharp taillights add individuality to the all-new Nissan Sentra, making it stand out in its class.
Powertrain
The all-new Nissan Versa comes with a 1.6L four-cylinder, pushing 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. The base model has a 5-speed manual gearbox, whereas higher-level trims are available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For a daily driver, it’s perfectly capable of tackling your commute. Beyond that, the all-new Nissan Versa gets above average fuel-efficiency: 32 mpg city, 40 mpg highway.
The 2020 Nissan Sentra has a 2.0L four-cylinder, making 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque through the XTronic CVT. Due to constantly adjustable gear ratios, this gearbox contributes to decent fuel economy: 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway. Front-wheel drive is standard for both models.
Interior
Inside the Nissan Versa, you’ll find plenty of room in the first row, but the second row is less accommodating for taller passengers because of the streamlined roof. The overall quality of the interior has been improved over the previous generation, and the amount of hard plastics has been reduced. Even the entry-level trims feature a user-friendly infotainment system with either a 7 or 8-inch touchscreen mounted on the center console. Voice command is standard on all trims.
The new generation of the Sentra doesn’t fall short, either. This model has Nissan Zero Gravity seats, the same as in the heavy-duty Nissan Titan. There, you’ll also find contrast stitching and even heated leather seats on the SV or SR trims. The patterns Nissan applies on seating surfaces are so well-designed that they are similar to the interiors of luxurious cars.
Trims
Both vehicles are available in three trim levels: the basic S, the best value for the money SV, and the top-tier SR. These sedans are packed with safety technology, which most rivals don’t have. The list of standard safety features on Versa includes automatic high-beam-lighting, emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning, which makes the 2020 Nissan Versa a spectacularly-equipped compact car. For SL and SR trims blind-spot monitoring, rear-seat restraint reminder, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control are available. Other amenities range from power windows and keyless entry on the S trim to the leather upholstery, LED headlamps, and foglights on the top-notch Versa SR.
A lot of these optional features for the Versa are standard on the Nissan Sentra. The Sentra has additional options: an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an 8-speaker Bose premium audio system, power-adjustable heated seats, and a surround-view parking camera. The 2020 Nissan Sentra comes standard with 10 airbags to protect passengers from injuries.
Recognition
Though it hasn’t been long since their releases, they have already been recognized by different automotive organizations. The 2020 Nissan Versa was rated “Good” by the IIHS in two crash tests and received five overall stars from the NHTSA. The all-new Nissan Sentra also scored “Good” in most of the IIHS safety tests.
The all-new Nissan Versa received the title of The Most Appealing Small Car by J. D. Power, while the Nissan Sentra was named the Most Appealing Compact Car by the same institution. The Sentra’s interior was voted as one of the ten best new cars’ interiors by Wards Auto, while Autotrader recognized the new Sentra as the Best New Car.
Bottom Line
We have an extensive range of both Sentras and Versas, as well as other Japanese cars available: you can find a lot of Nissan models at our auto auction. To get started, enter the make and model of a car you’re interested in our Vehicle Finder and see what we’ve got. As soon as you find what you’re looking for, register with us to place your bid. To complete your registration, upload a copy of your passport or government-issued ID and place a refundable security deposit. Then you’ll get a basic membership, which determines the maximum bid you can place on a single car. If you want to buy without limits, you’ll have to upgrade your membership. We will be glad to answer all your questions at + 1 (360) 347-1300(6:00 AM – 3:00 PM Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday). You can fill in our online form and we’ll take your request from there.