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Nissan Altima Vs. Sentra: A Sedan Showdown
Sedan shoppers searching for their next four-door car often consider the Nissan Sentra vs. Altima. Our review of the Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra pits two of the automaker's most beloved sedans against one another, all in an effort to help drivers like you determine which model better suits your lifestyle.
Continue reading to learn about the Nissan Sentra and Altima differences, brought to you by Don Williamson Nissan, a source for new Nissan specials.
Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra: Trim Levels
The new Nissan Sentra and Altima sedans for sale through your local Nissan dealership are each offered in a range of trim levels, giving you plenty of choices on how you want your next car equipped. Starting with the Sentra, you'll find the 2024 model available in three trim levels: the Sentra S, SV, and SR.
The new Nissan Altima for sale comes in the following five trim levels:
- Altima S
- Altima SV
- Altima SR
- Altima SL
- Altima SR VC-Turbo
The 2024 Nissan Sentra S base trim is highlighted by its fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine, Nissan Safety Shield 360 tech suite, versatile 60/40 split-folding rear seatback, and value-packed starting price. Selecting the Sentra SV brings upgraded aluminum-alloy wheels and the convenience of Nissan Intelligent Key and three USB ports.
For sharp LED lighting, larger 18-inch alloys, and a sporty Dark Chrome V-Motion grille, opt for the range-topping Sentra SR.
Like the Sentra, the Nissan Altima S base trim starts with 16-inch steel wheels, standard cruise control, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. The next two Altima trims mirror the Sentra, at least in name. The Altima SV gets larger 17-inch alloy wheels and an 8-inch NissanConnect infotainment system. Opt for the Altima SR for sport cloth seat trim, 19-inch alloys, and a leatherette steering wheel.
The Altima SL is a luxurious take on this midsize sedan and comes fitted with leather-appointed seating surfaces, a nine-speaker Bose® audio system, and a 12.3-inch touch screen. For more power within the Altima line, get into the range-topping Altima SR VC-Turbo, powered by a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Nissan Sentra vs. Altima: Performance & Specs
The smaller Sentra sedan is big on fun and fuel efficiency, thanks to its agile handling and standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This compact car's 149-horsepower 2.0-liter engine is paired with an Xtronic CVT, a continuously variable transmission engineered to enhance efficiency.
For a more powerful new Nissan sedan, look to the Altima lineup and its standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Altima sedan's standard 188-horsepower powertrain comes coupled with front-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive is available. Like the Sentra, the larger Altima sedan comes equipped with an Xtronic CVT.
Want even more power and performance than the Altima sedan's 2.5-liter engine and its 180 pound-feet of torque offer? The new Altima lineup also offers the 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine found beneath the hood of the SR VC-Turbo trim, which generates a thrilling 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
| 2024 Nissan Altima S | 2024 Nissan Sentra S | |
| Engine | 2.5L 4-Cylinder | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 188 | 149 |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy) | 27/391 | 30/402 |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.19 gal | 12.42 gal |
| Length | 192.9 in | 182.9 in |
| Width | 72.9 in | 71.5 in |
| Height | 56.7 in | 56.9 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity | 15.4 cu ft | 14.3 cu ft |
Nissan Sentra vs. Altima Comparison: MPG
If you're seeking fuel-efficient performance in a new Nissan sedan, you have two great options in the Sentra and Altima. The midsize Altima earns up to an EPA-estimated 27/39 MPG (City/Highway)1 with its standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
When you shop our new Nissan Sentra inventory, you'll find a compact sedan that offers up to an EPA-estimated 30/40 MPG (City/Highway),2 thanks to its fuel-sipping 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and FWD configuration.
Nissan Sentra vs. Altima: Interior Tech & Features
Compare the interiors of these two sedans, and you'll discover that the Nissan Sentra and Altima differences aren't so large in many aspects. For instance, the Altima second-row legroom is only slightly more generous, at 35.2 inches, compared to 34.9 inches in the Sentra. Both models feature 43.8 inches of front-row legroom.
The Altima gives you 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk to work with, while the Sentra compact car features a little less, at 14.3 cubic feet. Still, both models have split-folding rear seating to expand the cargo capacity into the cabin when needed.
Looking at the interior tech in these Nissan sedans brings several differences. For instance, while both models come standard with a 7-inch touch screen, the Altima offers an available 12.3-inch screen, which is larger than the Sentra sedan's available 8-inch display.
However, regarding advanced safety technologies, both of these new Nissan cars come loaded with the automaker's latest driver-assistance features and safety systems.
Get into any edition of either the new Nissan Sentra or Altima sedans for sale, and you'll find the following Nissan Safety Shield 360 technologies on board:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Automatic Braking
- High Beam Assist
These intelligent Nissan safety features help ensure you stay alert while on the road. Ask your Nissan dealer about ProPILOT Assist, an available technology when you lease a new Nissan Altima.
Tour & Test Drive the 2024 Nissan Sentra & Altima
We've covered many of the Nissan Sentra and Altima differences, but there's still much more to explore about these fantastic and fuel-efficient Nissan cars for sale. Now that you know more about how the Nissan Sentra and Altima sedans compare, why not book a test drive of one or both models?
Your local Nissan dealer is the place to turn to for an excellent selection of these sedans. You can also start searching for new Nissan Sentra lease specials or Nissan Altima offers as soon as right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Nissan car offers more powerful engine options, the Altima or Sentra?
The Nissan Altima offers more powerful engine options. The new Altima comes standard with a 188-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, which is more powerful than the Sentra sedan's 149-horsepower 2.0-liter unit. But that's not all. Opt for the new Nissan Altima SR VC-Turbo model, and you'll get a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.
Are both the Nissan Altima and Sentra equipped with advanced driver-assistance features?
Yes, both the new Nissan Altima and Sentra sedans for sale are equipped with advanced driver-assistance features, courtesy of the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite that includes the following technologies:
- Lane Departure Warning with Pedestrian Detection
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear Automatic Braking
- High Beam Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Blind Spot Warning
Experience the Nissan Altima and Sentra safety and driver-assistance features at your Nissan dealership.
How does gas mileage compare between the Nissan Altima and Nissan Sentra?
The difference in gas mileage between the 2024 Nissan Altima and Nissan Sentra is minimal, as both sedans offer highly efficient performance. Still, the Nissan Sentra compact car is more fuel-efficient, as it returns up to an EPA-estimated 30/40 MPG (City/Highway).2 The Altima achieves up to an EPA-estimated 27/39 MPG (City/Highway)1 rating.
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12024 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 27 City MPG / 39 Highway MPG / 32 Combined MPG for Altima® S, SV FWD. 27 City MPG / 37 Highway MPG / 31 Combined MPG for Altima® SR, SL FWD. 26 City MPG / 36 Highway MPG / 30 Combined MPG for Altima® SV, SR, SL AWD. 25 City MPG / 34 Highway MPG / 29 Combined MPG for Altima® SR FWD VC-Turbo. Fuel economy estimates based on 87-octane fuel. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
22024 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 30 City MPG / 40 Highway MPG / 34 Combined MPG for Sentra® S, SV; 30 City MPG / 38 Highway MPG / 33 Combined MPG for Sentra SR. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.