2012 Nissan Sentra

Basic Specs

Base Price $16,060
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 2906
City (MPG) 24
Hwy (MPG) 31
Horsepower 140@5100
Torque (lb-ft) 147@4800
Wheelbase 105.7
Length (in.) 179.8
Width (in.) 70.5
Height (in.) 59.5

The Sentra is Nissan 's entry in the increasingly crowded and competitive compact sedan segment. The current generation Sentra (along with the more powerful Sentra SE-R is a bit long in the tooth but still a reasonable value for those seeking small, reliable transportation.

All Sentra’s except the performance oriented SE-R (which gets its own car page - you can find it by navigating with the list on the left) are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. With 140 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque, power is class-competitive. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) helps the engine return 27 miles per gallon in the city and 34 on the highway, though a six-speed manual drops those figures to 24/31 mpg; some of the Sentra’s competitors can eke out 40 mpg on the highway.

Outside, the Sentra overall look is designed to mirror its big brother, the Altima, while the cabin is simple and functional. The car utilizes an independent strut front suspension and a rear torsion beam, both with stabilizer bars, resulting in safe and predictable handling.

The Sentra protects its occupants with dual front, side and side curtain airbags, while ABS, traction and stability control systems are fitted as standard along with an Electric Brake Force distribution system.

The Trim Level Breakdown
The Sentra can be had in four specific trim levels: 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR and 2.0 SL.

The price-leader 2.0 features basic amenities like power windows and locks, air conditioning and a four-speaker stereo with an auxiliary input jack. The 2.0 is the only trim level that offers the six-speed manual transmission, while the CVT is optional.

Stepping up to the 2.0 S nets the higher-efficiency CVT, 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps (the 2.0 has 15-inchers), a trip computer, keyless entry and two extra speakers for the stereo.

The SR is the sportiest Sentra besides the SE-R. It features a sporty exterior with a unique grille, more aggressive fascias, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, smoked head- and tail-lights and a chrome exhaust tip. Other upgrades include steering-wheel mounted audio controls and an iPod interface system.

The range-topping SL doesn’t offer the SR’s cosmetic upgrades (save the the aluminum alloy wheels), but it does add a premium audio system with a 4.3-inch color display, Bluetooth phone integration, a leather wrapped steering wheel, cruise control and metallic or imitation wood trim based on interior color.

Decisions, Decisions: The Optional Features
The Sentra offers a wide array of options. Leather seating and heated front seats are bundled together in the leather package, while a navigation system with five-inch touchscreen, power moonroof and eight-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system are also available.

The Special Edition package combines the navigation system, sunroof along with a backup camera for a lower price than buying them all separately.

New for the latest model year, the Technology Package includes the navigation system and a USB port.

Key Competitors
Those considering the Sentra would be well-served to check out more modern small cars like the Honda Civic Sedan , the Volkswagen Jetta and the Mitsubishi Lancer .

    • General
    • Body Style: Sedan
    • Size: Midsize
    • Market Segment: Standard
    • Weight: 2906 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 179.8 in.
    • Width: 70.5 in.
    • Height: 59.5 in.
    • Wheelbase: 105.7 in.
    • Ground Clearance: 5.6 in.
    • Front Track: 59.8 in.
    • Rear Track: 60.8 in.
    • Weight Distribution: 61/39
    • Drag Coefficient: 0.35
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 5
    • Passenger Volume: 97.4 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 13.1 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 42.4 in.
    • Head Room: 40.6 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 56.9 in.
    • Hip Room: 54.1 in.
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: TBD
    • Leg Room: 34.5 in.
    • Head Room: 37.3 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 55.1 in.
    • Hip Room: 53.0 in.
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 2.0L I4
    • Power: 140 hp @ 5100 rpm
    • Torque: 147 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 31 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 24 mpg
    • Forced Induction: None
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Front Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Torsion-Beam
    • Wheels
    • Front: 15" Steel
    • Front Tires: P205/60HR15
    • Rear: 15" Steel
    • Rear Tires: P205/60HR15
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload:
    • Tongue Weight: TBD
  • $0

    Step 1 - Trim

    Style

    • Close

      2.0


      • 140-hp 2.0-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
      • 24/31 city/hwy mpg
      • 6-speed manual

      Info
    • Close

      2.0 S


      • 140-hp 2.0-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
      • 27/34 city/hwy mpg
      • Xtronic CVT

      Info
    • Close

      2.0 SR


      • 140-hp 2.0-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
      • 27/34 city/hwy mpg
      • Xtronic CVT
      • 16” aluminum-alloy wheels

      Info
    • Close

      2.0 SL


      • 140-hp 2.0-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
      • 27/34 city/hwy mpg
      • Xtronic CVT
      • XM Satellite Radio

      Info

    Transmission

    Next
    Total Price:
  • $0

    Step 2 - Options

    $0

    Exterior Accessories

    • Close

      Splash Guards


      • Save your Sentra from an unwelcome mud bath.
      • Add value and style while helping protect your resale value
      • Contoured to match wheel openings, Splash Guards help prevent dirt and debris from nicking and scratching the finish

      Info
    • Close

      Body Side Moldings


      • Arm your Sentra against parking lot dings, dents and scratches.
      • Pre-painted to match vehicle color
      • Easy to install

      Info
    • Close

      Rear Decklid Spoiler


      • Heighten the style of your Sentra with an aerodynamic spoiler
      • Comes prepainted in factory-matched colors
      • Custom designed to help enhance vehicle aerodynamic appearance

      Info
    • Close

      Nose Mask


      • Help keep your Sentra looking like new with a premium leather-grain vinyl Nose Mask.
      • 2-piece design lets you open the hood without removal
      • Soft-felt polyester-lined to prevent abrasion

      Info
    • Close

      License Plate Frames


      • Show your Nissan pride
      • Choice of several finishes, with or without logos
      • Stainless steel construction

      Info
    • Close

      Nissan Valve Stem Caps (4-piece set)


      • Show your Nissan pride.
      • Rigorously tested to resist salt spray and corrosion
      • Designed to be hand-tightened only
      • Inert ABS plastic material helps caps screw on and off with ease
      • No interference with Tire Pressure Monitoring System

      Info
    • Close

      Nissan Chrome License Plate Frame & Valve Stem Caps Package


      • Show your Nissan pride.
      • Valve Stem Caps screw on and off with ease
      • License Plate Frame features stainless steel construction and chrome finish
      • Valve Stem Caps do not interfere with TPMS and are designed to be hand tightened only

      Info
    • Close

      Vehicle Cover


      • Custom vehicle cover designed to fit like a glove
      • Constructed of strong, durable material to repel water and resist mold and mildew
      • Optional security cable with lock available for additional cost
      • Helps protect against UV rays, acid rain, and other airborne contaminants
      • Machine Washable
      • Available in two models: Silverguard Plus and Triguard

      Info
    • Close

      Vehicle Cover - Cable Lock


      • Keeps your vehicle cover secure
      • Includes black plastic-coated steel cable lock and three keys
      • Easy to Install

      Info

    $0

    Interior Accessories

    • Close

      Carpeted Floor Mats


      • All Nissan carpeted floor mats are made of high quality material and are custom fit
      • Floor mat backing is designed to help position the mat in place
      • Driver’s mat secures with a grommet hole/positioning hook system

      Info
    • Close

      Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror


      • Don't let bright headlights get in your way
      • The brighter the glare the darker the mirror becomes
      • Detects head light glare at night and automatically dims

      Info
    • Close

      Interior Accent Lighting


      • LED lights with 20 pre-programmed color options light up the front footwells and cup holders.
      • Works with the vehicle's interior lighting when the door is opened.
      • Easily control light color and on/off function through a single knob.

      Info
    • Close

      All-season Floor Mats


      • Stepping in from the rain or snow? You need a set of All-Season Floor Mats
      • Drivers Mat secures with a grommet hole/positioning hook system
      • Custom made of durable and long wearing material
      • Floor Mat backing is designed to help position the Mat in place

      Info
    • Close

      Nissan VTRS (Vehicle Tracking and Recovery System)


      • Nissan VTRS can provide the security consumers are looking for in today’s vehicles.
      • Nationwide coverage
      • 24/7/365 call center support
      • Allows real-time GPS tracking of your vehicle
      • Police notification
      • No monthly service charges with included Basic Service Plan

      Info
    • Close

      Carpeted Trunk Mat


      • Being a trunk isn't easy. Help protect it against wear and tear
      • Non-slip, moisture-resistant backing
      • Durable, high-density nylon carpet

      Info
    • Close

      Carbon Fiber Kick Plates


      • Nicks and scratches don't have a fighting chance. Protect your sills with Carbon Fiber Kick Plates
      • Easy installation
      • Choice of chrome or red stripe lettering
      • 4-piece set includes front and rear kick plates

      Info
    • Close

      Air Bag Anti-Theft Bolts


      • Your safety equipment helps keep you safe, so why shouldn't you return the favor?
      • Unique keyed design provides added security

      Info
    • Close

      Emergency Road Kit


      • Everything you need for life's little uncertainties
      • Basic roadside emergency supplies in a zippered nylon bag
      • Contents include: heavy-duty jumper cables, emergency reflective triangle, flashlight with batteries and hands-free stand, duct tape, two screwdrivers, battery terminal cleaner, and compact thermal blanket

      Info
    • Close

      First Aid Kit


      • Play it safe with a First-aid Kit with Velcro backing so it can secure to any carpeted surface
      • Basic first aid supplies contained in a convenient, durable zippered vinyl pouch
      • Contents include: Latex-free gloves, adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, sterile gauze, elastic bandage, cleansing towelettes, large-grip super scissors, First-aid cream, tweezers/magnifier and a First-aid instruction booklet.

      Info
    • Close

      Seat Belt Extender


      • Need a little extra breathing room? Seat Belt Extender adds up to 8 inches of length
      • May be used for either the driver or front-passenger seating position

      Info
    • Close

      Illuminated Ash Cup


      • An ash cup that is hard to miss – especially in the dark
      • White LED light automatically comes on when the lid is open

      Info
  • Step 3 - Get a Local Quote

    Now that you have determined the standard retail price of your ideal Dodge Challenger R/T, use our Dealer Price Quote tool to see if you can get a better deal!

    • Zip Code
    • First Name
    • Last Name
    • Address
    • Phone
    • Email
    • Contact Me
    • Select

    This is a free service and you are under no obligation. Simply select your vehicle, provide basic contact information and you will receive your no hassle price quote from a trusted local dealer.

    Your information is not shared with third parties