2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020-present Nissan Sentra is the B18 generation and is a far more substantial redesign than the model had received in years. It is powered by a 2.0-liter PR20DD four-cylinder paired with an Xtronic continuously variable transmission, driving the front wheels. The body is a four-door sedan, sitting lower and wider than its predecessor, with an independent rear suspension replacing the torsion beam used previously.

The chassis change is the most consequential improvement, giving this Sentra ride and handling that are competitive with the class leaders rather than well behind them. Interior quality took a large step up, with available quilted seats and a considerably more modern dashboard. Nissan Safety Shield driver assistance became standard across the range.

As a used buy, the B18 Sentra is a genuinely competitive compact sedan rather than a value-only choice, and it corrects most of what made earlier generations hard to recommend. The continuously variable transmission remains, and while Nissan's newer units have a better record than those of the previous decade, verifying service history is still worthwhile. Most examples are recent enough to retain factory coverage. This is the generation where the Sentra became worth choosing on merit rather than price alone.