The 2023 Nissan Sentra S Remains the Cheapest New Compact Sedan After No Annual Price Hike
Although carryover models remain unchanged in ability and appearance, there’s usually one difference: their price. Despite lacking innovation, identical models surviving another year often increase by a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Fortunately, the 2023 Nissan Sentra S remains the cheapest new compact car on sale after no annual price hike.
How much is the 2023 Nissan Sentra S?
In 2022, Nissan was letting go of their base compact for $21,045. Even though inflation is a variable in year-over-year product assessments, it didn’t affect the base Sentra. It’s the same price in 2023.
Yet, the upper trim levels have experienced price hikes, but only minor ones. Motor Trend reports that the mid-range Sentra SV is now $22,265, $140 more than last year. Also, the range-topping Sentra SR is a whole $200 more, with a starting MSRP of $23,935. Luckily, the prices include destination fees.
Does the Nissan Sentra gain anything new for 2023?
The entry-level Nissan sedan is a carryover model, but one trim level gains more amenities. The Sentra SR will feature LED headlights, sporty exterior accents, and 18-inch wheels—all for just $200 above last year.
Otherwise, there’s nothing different about the compact for 2023. This year’s Sentra is the third year of the eighth generation, and there are no planned improvements thus far.
What does the base Sentra S come with?
Although it’s the base model, Nissan stuffs the Sentra S with a load of standard safety features. As part of Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, it offers automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Inside the car, potential owners will enjoy a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Edmunds says the graphics are dated, but it’s not bad for a cheaper compact. Moreover, it provides Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Under the hood, each Sentra trim level is powered by a 149-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Teamed with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission, it’s an unexciting ride but a smooth one. The base S and midrange SV will achieve an EPA-rated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The top-of-the-line SV, however, will manage one mpg less in the city and two less on the highway.
Is the Nissan Sentra a reliable car?
Things have changed with Nissan’s cheapest compact over the years. The sixth and seventh-generation sedans had a slew of issues. CarComplaints.com shows that owners report everything from blown head gaskets to transmission failures to breaking door handles.
The eighth generation Sentra unveiled in 2020 seems to be much more reliable than its predecessors. Though, it still has predicted unreliability. Nissan Sentras may not have industry-leading warranties, but if anything does break, it’ll be cheap to fix. RepairPal says the average annual maintenance and repair cost is $491, which is lower than average vehicle ownership costs. The severity of repairs is no more significant than other cars in its class, and the frequency of those issues is low. Therefore, major repairs are uncommon for the Sentra.
