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The 2022 Nissan Sentra is a popular choice for potential owners looking for a dependable and sensible small sedan. However, it’s not alone in the segment; cars like the 2022 Toyota Corolla and 2022 Honda Insight are solid alternatives to the little Nissan. Check out the Corolla, and some other recommended small cars based on safety, price, and desirable features like all-wheel drive (AWD) or a hybrid drive system.   

  • Honda Civic
  • Mazda3
  • Toyota Corolla
  • Honda Insight
  • Subaru Impreza

Is the 2022 Honda Civic a good buy?

The Honda Civic has long been a staple in affordable, dependable small sedans. The 2022 Honda Civic is no different, with commendable fuel economy, a competitive starting point, and handsome styling compared to the overstyled 2021 model year. Also, the Civic managed to earn a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). As a result, the Civic is a safe and smart alternative to the 2022 Nissan Sentra, if also a bit more expensive. 

The 2022 Honda Civic, along with the 2022 Toyota Corolla and Honda Insight are viable alternatives to the 2022 Nissan Sentra.
2022 Honda Civic | Honda

Is the 2022 Mazda3 a good alternative to the 2022 Nissan Sentra?

The 2022 Mazda3 starts at $22,215 compared to the Sentra’s $21,045, so the little sedan from Hiroshima is slightly more expensive than the Nissan. However, the Mazda3 offers an optional hatchback with a cavernous 20.1 cubic feet of cargo volume and AWD as an extra. The Sentra neglects to offer either of those choices to potential owners. Finally, like the Civic, the Mazda3 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.

The Mazda3 is a solid alternative to the 2022 Nissan Sentra, just like the 2022 Toyota Corolla.
A Mazda3 | Mazda

How much is a 2022 Toyota Corolla?

The 2022 Toyota Corolla starts at around $21,520 for the entry-level L trim, putting it into striking distance of the sensible Sentra. However, unlike the Nissan Sentra, the 2022 Corolla offers a hybrid trim with an estimated 53 mpg city and 52 mpg at highway speeds. Of course, TrueCar reports that the starting point of the Corolla hybrid is more demanding, namely $25,145. Still, the Corolla offers a higher average fuel economy than the Nissan Sentra across its trim levels and a Top Safety Pick+ rating. 

The 2022 Toyota Corolla hybrid offers a hybrid alternative to the 2022 Nissan Sentra, just like the Honda Insight.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid | Toyota

Should you consider a 2022 Honda Insight over a Nissan Sentra?

The 2022 Honda Insight is a hybrid sedan with much higher fuel economy figures than the 2022 Nissan Sentra. Specifically, the entry-level Insight EX manages 55 mpg city and 49 mpg highway, making it a contender against the Toyota Corolla hybrid. The Insight also managed to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating and has more cargo volume than the Sentra. However, the Insight starts at around $26,855, making it quite a bit more expensive than the Nissan sedan.  

Does the 2022 Subaru Impreza have AWD?

The 2022 Subaru Impreza offers AWD as a standard feature, meaning potential owners won’t have to stretch their budget for the option. Better yet, with a starting price of $20,815, the Impreza is one of the most affordable sedans on this list. However, the Impreza entry-level 2.0i returns estimated fuel economy scores of just 23 mpg city and 31 mpg at highway speeds, making it less efficient than a Sentra. 

The 2022 Subaru Impreza, like the Honda Insight, is an alternative to mainstream other sedans like the Honda Civic.
2022 Subaru Impreza | Subaru

Should you consider one of these cars over the 2022 Nissan Sentra?

If you’re in the market for a dependable small sedan, the 2022 Nissan Sentra is a solid option. However, the Mazda3 offers an optional hatchback and AWD. Also, the Mazda3 is a fun-to-drive alternative to the Sentra and other more sober sedans like the Subaru Impreza. Scroll down to the following article to read more about sensible sedans!

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