Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Yaris

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

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

Pricing: A used 2020 Nissan Sentra ranges from $14,994 to $21,992 while a used 2020 Toyota Yaris is priced between $12,804 to $20,726.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Nissan Sentra loses 38.2 percent of its value and the Toyota Yaris loses 24.2 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Yaris retains 14 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Nissan Sentra.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Nissan Sentra is 8.4 out of 10 while the Toyota Yaris' quality rating is 9.2 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Sentra being ranked 20 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Toyota Yaris being ranked 3 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Sentra is 7.9 out of 10. For the Toyota Yaris the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Toyota Yaris a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Sentra.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Nissan Sentra’s base engine makes 149 horsepower, and the Toyota Yaris base engine makes 106 horsepower. The Sentra is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 484 miles. The Yaris is rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 452 miles.This gives the Toyota Yaris the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Nissan Sentra 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 front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Toyota Yaris, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the area of rear head room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Toyota Yaris 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.