Are you thinking about getting either the Toyota Corolla or the Nissan Sentra? See how the two compact cars stack up in this 2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Nissan Sentra comparison. With its abundance of advantages, the Corolla beats the Sentra in many key areas.

2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Nissan Sentra: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Nissan Sentra comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price. The Corolla offers both sedan and hatchback versions, but the Sentra only has a sedan model. We note the differences when applicable.

Corolla vs. Sentra: Performance

On the performance front, the 2023 Toyota Corolla offers more powerful engine options than the 2023 Nissan Sentra. The standard 2023 Toyota Corolla model has a 2.0-liter cylinder engine, which produces 169 horsepower. Also, the Corolla offers a hybrid powertrain. The Corolla Hybrid generates 121 horsepower for the front-wheel drive model. However, the specs for the all-wheel drive version are not yet available.

If you desire greater performance, then you can get the first-ever GR Corolla “hot hatch.” The GR Corolla has a 1.6-liter 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, which delivers 300 horsepower. 

In comparison, all Sentra models come equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 149 horsepower. Also, while the Corolla offers an all-wheel drive system, the Sentra is only available with front-wheel drive. 

Corolla vs. Sentra: Gas mileage

The 2023 Corolla is more efficient than the 2023 Sentra. The fully gas-powered 2023 Corolla has an estimated gas mileage of up to 31 city/40 highway mpg, while the Corolla Hybrid has a fuel economy of up to 53 city/46 highway mpg. In comparison, the 2023 Sentra gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 29 city/39 highway mpg. 

Corolla vs. Sentra: Safety

Given its history, the Corolla has the edge for safety. For the previous model year, the Corolla earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the Sentra received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award. 

Corolla vs. Sentra: Passenger and cargo space

The 2023 Sentra is slightly bigger than the 2023 Corolla, resulting in more interior space. It has a total passenger volume of 96.0 cu-ft, compared to 88.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Sedan and 84.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Hatchback.

For trunk storage space in the sedan models, the Sentra has a cargo capacity of 14.3 cu-ft, compared to 13.1 cu-ft for the Corolla Sedan. However, the Corolla Hatchback provides up to 23.0 cu-ft of cargo space. 

Corolla vs. Sentra: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, both the Corolla and Sentra are backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, unlike the Sentra, the Corolla has a free maintenance plan, with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.

Also, the Corolla is marginally more reliable than the Sentra. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 85/100, compared to 84/100 for the Sentra. 

Corolla vs. Sentra: Price

Which compact car costs more: the 2023 Corolla or the 2023 Sentra? The starting price of the 2023 Corolla is $21,550 MSRP. For the 2023 Sentra, the official price information is not yet available, but it will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 version, which has a starting price of $19,950 MSRP.

2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Nissan Sentra: Which compact car is better?

In this 2023 Toyota Corolla vs. 2023 Nissan Sentra compact car comparison, the 2023 Corolla has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for its more powerful engine options, an available all-wheel drive system, gas mileage, safety, hatchback cargo space, a free maintenance plan, and reliability. Conversely, the 2023 Sentra has advantages for passenger and sedan cargo space.