2021 Nissan Sentra vs. 2021 Subaru Impreza
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Nissan Sentra and 2021 Subaru Impreza 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 Nissan Sentra and the 2021 Subaru Impreza.
When we compare the 2021 Nissan Sentra's and the 2021 Subaru Impreza's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Nissan Sentra has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. The 2021 Subaru Impreza has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Nissan Sentra's and the 2021 Subaru Impreza's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Subaru Impreza is a better car than the 2021 Nissan Sentra.
Pricing: A used 2021 Nissan Sentra ranges from $15,900 to $22,993 while a used 2021 Subaru Impreza is priced between $17,495 to $24,000.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Nissan Sentra loses 38.2 percent of its value and the 2021 Subaru Impreza loses 29.7 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Subaru Impreza retains 8.5 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 Nissan Sentra is 8.4 out of 10 while the Subaru Impreza's quality rating is 8.9 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Sentra being ranked 20 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Subaru Impreza being ranked 6 out of 43.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Sentra is 7.9 out of 10. For the Subaru Impreza the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Impreza a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Sentra.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Nissan Sentra’s base engine makes 149 horsepower, and the 2021 Subaru Impreza base engine makes 152 horsepower. The Sentra is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 484 miles. The Impreza is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 409 miles. This gives the 2021 Nissan Sentra the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Subaru Impreza. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2021 Subaru Impreza has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The 2021 Nissan Sentra has the advantage in the areas of front leg room, rear leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Subaru Impreza 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:
$19,510
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:
$18,795
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:
$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:
1,694
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
53,557
# Good or Great Deals:
791
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,766
Price Range:
$17,495 - $24,000
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$21,394
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$13,751 - $30,996
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
102
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
44,769
# Good or Great Deals:
31
Nissan Sentra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.1 / 10
Subaru Impreza Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.9 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.7 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
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%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Subaru Impreza
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.5
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:
2.3%
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
8.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.3 - 16.8
Nissan 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 / 43Subaru Impreza Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 43Ranking
3 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 43Ranking
6 out of / 24Ranking
7 out of / 43Ranking
10 out of / 43Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
15 out of / 43Ranking
27 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan, Wagon
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Nissan Sentra Trim Levels
S, SR, SV
2021 Subaru Impreza Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.55 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
145 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 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):
29 / 39 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
360 / 484 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 31 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
304 / 409 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wifi:
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
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
12.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
99.8 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2976 lbs
Width:
79.4 inches
Height:
57.3 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/55R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Gray
Gun Metallic
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Fresh Powder
Blue
Not available
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Blue
Dark Blue Pearl / Ocean Blue Pearl
Red
Crimson Red Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Ivory