2021 Honda Civic vs. 2021 Nissan Sentra
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Honda Civic and 2021 Nissan Sentra contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Honda Civic and the 2021 Nissan Sentra.
When we compare the 2021 Honda Civic's and the 2021 Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda Civic has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Nissan Sentra has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. The 2021 Honda Civic and 2021 Nissan Sentra have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Honda Civic's and the 2021 Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Honda Civic is a better car than the 2021 Nissan Sentra.
Pricing: A used 2021 Honda Civic ranges from $18,584 to $24,999 while a used 2021 Nissan Sentra is priced between $15,900 to $22,993.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Honda Civic loses 23.5 percent of its value and the 2021 Nissan Sentra loses 38.2 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Honda Civic retains 14.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Nissan Sentra.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Civic is 9.0 out of 10 while the Nissan Sentra's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Honda Civic being ranked 5 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Nissan Sentra being ranked 20 out of 43.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Civic is 8.8 out of 10. For the Nissan Sentra the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Honda Civic a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Sentra.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Honda Civic’s base engine makes 158 horsepower, and the 2021 Nissan Sentra base engine makes 149 horsepower. Both the Civic and the Sentra are rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 471 and 484 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2021 Honda Civic has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 Nissan Sentra has the advantage in the area of front leg room. The 2021 Honda Civic and 2021 Nissan Sentra are comparable in regards to rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Honda Civic has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Nissan Sentra, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.55 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$21,250
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$21,197
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$15,295 - $28,695
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$19,510
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$21,197
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$15,295 - $28,695
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,806
Price Range:
$18,584 - $24,999
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$21,394
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$13,751 - $30,996
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,159
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
44,037
# Good or Great Deals:
399
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$19,220
Price Range:
$15,900 - $22,993
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$21,394
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$13,751 - $30,996
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,636
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
51,637
# Good or Great Deals:
685
Honda Civic Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
9.0 / 10
Reliability:
8.8 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Nissan Sentra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.1 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Honda Civic
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
7.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
7.1 - 10.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
41.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Nissan Sentra
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
7.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
7.1 - 10.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
3.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
16.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.3 - 16.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.3 - 16.8
Honda Civic Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 43Ranking
3 out of / 43Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
3 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 43Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
6 out of / 43Ranking
7 out of / 43Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
14 out of / 24Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
23 out of / 43Nissan Sentra Rankings
Ranking
6 out of / 43Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 24Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
15 out of / 43Ranking
19 out of / 43Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
28 out of / 43Ranking
40 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Hatchback, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Honda Civic Trim Levels
Not yet available
2021 Nissan Sentra Trim Levels
S, SR, SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.55 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
158 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
138 foot-lbs @ 4200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
149 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
146 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
30 / 38 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
372 / 471 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 39 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
360 / 484 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55 inches
Cargo Space:
15.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
44 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.5 inches
Cargo Space:
14.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2771 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
55.7 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3036 lbs
Width:
71.5 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Aegean Blue Metallic / Cosmic Blue Metallic
Gray
Modern Steel Metallic
Orange
Molten Lava Pearl
Red
Rallye Red
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gun Metallic
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Fresh Powder
Interior Colors
Beige
Ivory
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Not available
