A used Sentra can be an affordable, easy option for a pre-owned car. But, there are a lot of options out there, not only for this compact car but for its competitors. If you’re considering a used 2019 Nissan Sentra, don’t forget about the equally cheap-and-cheerful 2019 Toyota Corolla. Compare Sentra vs. Corolla features, performance, specs, interior, and more now.

Both should be reliable used cars

There is some debate over how reliable the Nissan Sentra is. Some critics have given the 2019 Sentra poor scores for reliability, but some owners have reported few problems over 100,000 miles. However, the Corolla is very reliable in almost every model year. You should be able to get a good few years out of either one of these used cars.

Beyond reliability, both should be affordable cars, as well. The Sentra’s retail price when new was lower than the Corolla. You’ll likely find a used 2019 Nissan Sentra for less than a used 2019 Toyota Corolla. However, keep in mind that’s in part because the Toyota depreciates slower, on average.

The 2019 Sentra’s turbo is more powerful than the 2019 Corolla’s engine

Neither base car in this competition is particularly thrilling in terms of performance. The 2019 Corolla offers a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine good for 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. This is the only engine available. In comparison, the base 2019 Sentra offers a similar 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine making 130 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque.

However, upper Sentra trim levels offer a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This fun option makes 188 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque.

The 2019 Toyota Corolla offers way more backseat legroom than the Sentra

Per Autotrader, “the Corolla leads its class in back seat legroom with space that rivals midsize sedans. Seriously, the Corolla sedan is huge in the back so don’t hesitate to use it as a family car. Both of these cars are roomy and comfortable, but the back of the Toyota has about four more inches of legroom than the Nissan.”

The 2019 Toyota Corolla is the better choice in this competition in terms of interior space and passenger comfort.

Both cars offer updated tech, but the 2019 Corolla has more standard safety features

Autotrader points out that “every 2019 Corolla sedan comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) driver assistance technology suite, which includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.”

The 2019 Sentra only offers standard auto high beams. You’ll pay extra for blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Which is better, the 2019 Corolla or the Sentra?

Autotrader claims that the 2019 Corolla “has a few notable shortcomings like an underwhelming engine and no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay capability, but we think it’s a more well-rounded compact than the Sentra.”

Also, we’ve reported in the past that the 2019 Sentra left many with buyer’s remorse. If you’re just looking for an affordable used compact car to pack around town, a Nissan Sentra could absolutely be an acceptable choice. But, if you can find a similarly priced used Toyota Corolla, you may be happier in the long run.