Once Nissan's smallest car in the US, the Sentra has had to make room for newer models like the Versa and Cube at the bottom of the lineup. The Sentra has bulked up in size and content, while cutting costs by equipping most models with drum brakes, steel wheels and a twist-beam rear suspension. All models are powered by a 1.8L four-cylinder rated at 130-bhp. When equipped with the CVT transmission, fuel economy is a 30 city/39 highway, which is near the top of the segment. With a MSRP under $20,000, the Sentra is competitive in value and style, but no longer offers the standout performance credentials of past models.

The Sentra is all-new for 2013 with larger dimensions and styling that follows that of the Altima which was also redesigned for 2013. Compared to the old model, the Sentra has grown by .6 in. in wheelbase and 2 in. in overall length. The new model is shorter and narrower than before. On the inside, the Sentra is smaller in passenger volume but offers more combined legroom and increased cargo volume. A 1.8l four-cylinder engine becomes the standard engine. The smaller engine is less powerful, but more fuel-efficient than the outgoing 2.0l engine.