The 2020 Nissan Sentra is the first in the new eighth generation, and Car and Driver calls it “a big improvement versus its predecessor.” It’s fully redesigned and has a new platform, more powerful engine, more standard technology, and more driver-assistance features. Do those features include Android Auto compatibility in the 2020 Nissan Sentra?

Android Auto

The Android Auto software, developed by Google and first rolled out in 2015, has a similar purpose to Apple CarPlay. Both let drivers connect their phones to their vehicles and use them hands-free. Icons let the infotainment system menu operate like a smartphone.

Vehicles that are compatible with Android Auto can use the apps in the phone rather than having their own native software. This includes navigation systems. Drivers can simply access Google Maps instead. There are lots of other apps that are also compatible with Android Auto, including Waze, Spotify, Audible, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger.

To use Android Auto, drivers need an Android phone that runs the Lollipop 5.0 operating system or higher. The phones also need to have the Android Auto app unless they run the Android 10 operating system, which has Android Auto built-in. While some features will work using Bluetooth, the system works best in a Nissan when the phone is plugged in with a USB cable.

Saying “Hey, Google” turns on the Google Assistant so the phone can be used hands-free. Google Assistant can perform various functions, including answering a question, playing a song or podcast, or giving a weather report.

2020 Nissan Sentra infotainment system

Since Android Auto is so useful, do buyers get it with the 2020 Sentra? The answer is that it depends on the trim level. The 2020 Sentra has three trims for buyers to pick from: S, SV, and SR.

The S trim comes standard with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 4.2-inch driver display, but it does not offer Android Auto compatibility. The higher SV and SR trims provide the eight-inch touchscreen along with a seven-inch driver display. These two do have both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Tech features in the Sentra

In addition to its infotainment system, the 2020 Nissan Sentra provides other tech features, which vary depending on the trim level. A Bose® Premium Audio System with eight speakers is available on the SR trim. The S trim comes with four speakers, while the SV and SR trims come standard with six speakers.

The SR trim also has Intelligent Around View Monitor available as part of its package. This system provides cameras to give a 360-degree view around the car and make parking easier. The SV and SR trims have three USB ports, including a data-capable USB-C port and a charge-only USB port for the rear seats. The S trim just has one USB port.

Safety features in the Sentra

The 2020 Nissan Sentra offers a number of safety and driver-assistance features, and many come standard. All trim levels now include Nissan Safety Shield 360, Nissan’s set of six safety and driver-assistance features.

This provides drivers with blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, rear automatic braking, automatic front emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and high beam assist. The Sentra also has an alert to make sure drivers don’t forget children sitting in the rear seats.

On all three trims, chimes and an icon alert drivers if their steering indicates they might not be alert. On the SV and SR trims, intelligent cruise control adjusts the set speed while driving.

The good news for 2020 Nissan Sentra buyers is that the car is compatible with Android Auto. And, for buyers looking for a used Sentra, Android Auto compatibility is also included on the 2019 model year (except on the base S trim).