In the compact sedan segment, some suggest no one builds and designs better cars than Toyota. But other models are gaining ground, and every year, the cars get smarter, faster, and more stylish. In a recent compact car comparison study, the 2020 Toyota Corolla, for example, has just met its match.

Some might be wondering how the fan-favorite Corolla fell second to the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The Sentra, with what some call the most significant redesign efforts in its long-running history, has plenty to offer and might be the better buy this year.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla is a winner for most consumers

There’s no question that Toyota has perfected its ability to produce outstanding sedans year after year. And the Toyota Corolla has consistently been a reliable and popular choice for consumers. The 2020 model Corolla doesn’t disappoint either, offering an appealing redesign.

In the recent compact sedan comparison, performed by Cars.com, the Corolla earns a third-place finish with 185 points out of a possible 350, and across 17 points of evaluation.

The Corolla is faithful and superbly responsive. It also brings a robust menu of standard equipment and driver aids, packaged neatly in a comfortable driving experience. But coming in third for this sedan category means two other cars might be better choices.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra does a few things better

Beating out the 2020 Toyota Corolla, and much to the surprise of some, the 2020 Nissan Sentra SV comes in second in the comparison review. The Sentra earned 213 points on the same grading scale.

In part, the Sentra deserves credit for its complete redesign for 2020, and really offers a comfortable and quality ride. Value might be Nissan’s greatest asset, considering it offers similar equipment and features, for nearly $4,000 less than the Toyota Corolla.

The Sentra even offers some unique extras, too, including optional interior lighting effects and exterior ground-effects lighting.

The Nissan Sentra upsetting Toyota is unprecedented

Historically, the Toyota Corolla enjoys a view from the top of the review lists. And the contenders, including the Nissan Sentra, try to keep up in consumer-driven categories. Comparing the Corolla and Sentra side by side, it is clear there are more similarities than differences.

They both offer four-cylinder engines and come standard with backup cameras. But in this latest Cars.com compact sedan review, the Toyota Corolla only wins the top spot in two overall categories, losing out in six others. Nissan’s fleet in year’s past has been slower to stay fresh with designs. But the 2020 Sentra is putting Toyota’s Corolla on notice.

A sign that compact sedans will only get better

The Toyota Corolla may have set the bar high. But it’s evident that other models are closing ground fast. For example, the 2020 Corolla still lacks Android Auto connectivity, a standard for nearly every other competitor.

Upgrades and enhancements keep coming. It’s only a sign that consumers can expect more from automakers in the future. When the segment gets crowded with really great cars, car buyers are the real winners as they expect better features, equipment, and standards.

In this latest comparison, the Honda Civic Touring comes out on top and is followed closely by the Nissan Sentra SV. The Toyota Corolla XSE found itself in third place.

You might be surprised by the results placing the Nissan Sentra beat out the Toyota Corolla in this 2020 model comparison study. It may just inspire you to venture out for a test-drive in the Sentra to experience it for yourself. At least in this latest review, the Sentra may prove to be the more valuable buy.