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Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Nissan Altima and 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 Nissan Altima and the Nissan Sentra.

When comparing the Nissan Altima's and the Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Altima has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The Nissan Sentra has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Altima's and the Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the Nissan Sentra is a better car than the Nissan Altima.

Pricing: A used 2024 Nissan Altima ranges from $22,474 to $34,118 while a used 2024 Nissan Sentra is priced between $20,727 to $26,719. For a new model, the Nissan Altima's price is between $26,000 and $36,280, with the Nissan Sentra priced between $21,446 and $28,343.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Altima loses 46 percent of its value and the Nissan Sentra loses 38.2 percent of its value. This means the Nissan Sentra retains 7.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Altima.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Altima is 8.6 out of 10 while the Nissan Sentra's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Altima being ranked 5 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Nissan Sentra being ranked 20 out of 43 Best Small Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Altima is 8.3 out of 10. For the Nissan Sentra the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Altima a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Sentra.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Altima’s base engine makes 188 horsepower, and the Nissan Sentra base engine makes 149 horsepower. The Altima is rated to deliver an average of 32 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 632 miles. The Sentra is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 496 miles.This gives the Nissan Sentra the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Nissan Altima the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Nissan Sentra, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more and front leg room. The Nissan Altima, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Nissan Altima has higher safety ratings than the Nissan Sentra, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.55 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Nissan Altima
Nissan Sentra

2024 Nissan Altima
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Nissan Altima for Sale

2024 Nissan Sentra
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Nissan Sentra for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$26,000 - $36,280

Starting MSRP:

$26,000

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)

$26,143

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)

$24,700 - $27,895

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$21,446 - $28,343

Starting MSRP:

$21,180

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

$26,555

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

$17,795 - $45,665

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$27,616

Price Range:

$22,474 - $34,118

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)

$29,305

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)

$25,951 - $31,688

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

2,130

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

18,237

# Good or Great Deals:

362

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$23,259

Price Range:

$20,727 - $26,719

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

$28,855

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

$19,171 - $47,673

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,939

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

13,308

# Good or Great Deals:

213

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$11,882

Depreciation %:

45.7%

Resale Value $:

$14,118

Residual Value %:

54.3%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize Cars)

37.2%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize Cars)

32.1% - 45.7%

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$8,190

Depreciation %:

38.7%

Resale Value $:

$12,990

Residual Value %:

61.3%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)

31.6%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)

24.4% - 40.1%

Nissan Altima Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.6 / 10

Reliability:

8.3 / 10

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 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 Nissan Altima

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)

10.1

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)

9.5 - 13

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

13.7%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Nissan Sentra

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.1

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)

11.2

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)

10.1 - 13.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

3.7%



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)

3.3

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)

1.7 - 15.5

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

5

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2 - 18.8

Nissan Altima Rankings

Best Family Midsize Cars

2 / 13

Best Gas Mileage Midsize Cars

3 / 13

Most Reliable Midsize Cars

3 / 13

Best Midsize Cars Under $30k

3 / 6

Safest Midsize Cars

4 / 13

Best Midsize Cars for the Money

4 / 6

Best Midsize Cars

5 / 13

Most Comfortable Midsize Cars

5 / 13

Most Affordable Midsize Cars

5 / 9

Best Midsize Cars for Tall People

7 / 13

Midsize Cars with the Most Horsepower

11 / 13

Midsize Cars with the Most Legroom

11 / 13

Midsize Cars with Best Resale Value

13 / 13

Nissan Sentra Rankings

Most Comfortable Small Cars

6 / 43

Best Small Cars for the Money

6 / 13

Most Affordable Small Cars

9 / 24

Best Small Cars Under $25k

9 / 13

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

11 / 43

Most Reliable Small Cars

15 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

19 / 43

Best Small Cars

20 / 43

Best Small Cars for Tall People

20 / 43

Safest Small Cars

21 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

28 / 43

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

40 / 43

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Nissan Altima Trim Levels

2.0 SR, 2.5 S, 2.5 SL, 2.5 SR, 2.5 SV

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:

3 years / 36000 miles

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:

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):

4.55 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

Not yet available

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:

188 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

180 foot-lbs @ 3600 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.058 hp per pound

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

149 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

146 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.049 hp per pound

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


27 / 39 / 32

Range (city/hwy):

437 / 632 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):


30 / 40 / 34

Range (city/hwy):

372 / 496 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

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

Android Auto:

Available

Apple CarPlay:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wifi:

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

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

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

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

N/A

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wifi:

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

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

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:

Available

Lane Keeping Assist:

Available

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

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.2 inches

Front Leg Room:

43.8 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

58.2 inches

Rear Head Room:

36.9 inches

Rear Leg Room:

35.2 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

57.1 inches

Cargo Space:

15.4 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

100.6 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:

34.9 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

54.5 inches

Cargo Space:

14.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

110.4 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3253 lbs

Width:

72.9 inches

Height:

56.7 inches

Length:

192.9 inches

Wheelbase:

111.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

Not yet available

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

3036 lbs

Width:

71.5 inches

Height:

56.9 inches

Length:

182.9 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:

P215/60R16

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

16.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

P205/60R16

Exterior Colors

Black

Super Black

Blue

Deep Blue Pearl

Gray

Gun Metallic

Silver

Brilliant Silver Metallic

White

Glacier White

Exterior Colors

Black

Super Black

Blue

Not available

Gray

Gun Metallic

Silver

Not available

White

Fresh Powder

Interior Colors

Black

Charcoal

Interior Colors

Black

Charcoal

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