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Nissan Sentra vs. Volkswagen Jetta

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

When we compare the Nissan Sentra's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, 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 interior volume. The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. The Nissan Sentra and Volkswagen Jetta have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Nissan Sentra's and the Volkswagen Jetta's specifications and ratings, the Volkswagen Jetta is a better car than the Nissan Sentra.

Pricing: A used 2024 Nissan Sentra ranges from $20,727 to $26,719 while a used 2024 Volkswagen Jetta is priced between $21,495 to $29,945. For a new model, the Nissan Sentra's price is between $21,446 and $28,343, with the Volkswagen Jetta priced between $23,088 and $30,451.

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 Volkswagen Jetta loses 36 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Jetta retains 2.2 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 Volkswagen Jetta's quality rating is 8.8 out of 10. This results in the Nissan Sentra being ranked 20 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Volkswagen Jetta being ranked 13 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Nissan Sentra is 7.9 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Jetta the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta base engine makes 158 horsepower. Both the Sentra and the Jetta are rated to deliver an average of 34 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 496 and 554 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the Nissan Sentra has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Volkswagen Jetta has the advantage in the areas of rear head room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Jetta 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 Sentra
Volkswagen Jetta

2024 Nissan Sentra
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Nissan Sentra for Sale

2024 Volkswagen Jetta
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Volkswagen Jetta for Sale

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

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

$23,088 - $30,451

Starting MSRP:

$21,435

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:

$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:

3,746

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

2,333

# Good or Great Deals:

335

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

$25,029

Price Range:

$21,495 - $29,945

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

$28,855

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

$19,171 - $47,673

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

1,166

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

3,570

# Good or Great Deals:

209

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%

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

$7,817

Depreciation %:

36.5%

Resale Value $:

$13,618

Residual Value %:

63.5%

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)

31.6%

Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)

24.4% - 40.1%

Nissan Sentra Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.4 / 10

Reliability:

7.9 / 10

Retained Value:

8.1 / 10

Safety:

9.1 / 10

Volkswagen Jetta Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.8 / 10

Reliability:

8.1 / 10

Retained Value:

8.3 / 10

Safety:

10.0 / 10



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%

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Jetta

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

10.3

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:

9%



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

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2 - 18.8

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

Volkswagen Jetta Rankings

Best Family Small Cars

3 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

6 / 43

Most Affordable Small Cars

8 / 24

Best Small Cars Under $25k

8 / 13

Best Small Cars for the Money

9 / 13

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

10 / 43

Safest Small Cars

11 / 43

Most Reliable Small Cars

11 / 43

Best Small Cars

13 / 43

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

24 / 43

Best Small Cars for Tall People

30 / 43

Most Comfortable Small Cars

34 / 43

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

37 / 43

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Nissan Sentra Trim Levels

S, SR, SV

Volkswagen Jetta Trim Levels

SEL, Sport, S, SE

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:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

4 years / 50000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

3 years / 36000 miles

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:

Not yet available

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):

5 out of 5 Stars

2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 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:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

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

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

158 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

184 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm

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

0.055 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 / 40 / 34

Range (city/hwy):

372 / 496 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

1.5 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Manual

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

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


29 / 42 / 34

Range (city/hwy):

383 / 554 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

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

Navigation System:

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:

N/A

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Heated Seats

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Wifi:

Standard

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Captain's seat:

N/A

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

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

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

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

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

38.5 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.1 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

55.9 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.2 inches

Rear Leg Room:

37.4 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

54 inches

Cargo Space:

14.1 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

94.7 cubic feet

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

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2895 lbs

Width:

80.2 inches

Height:

57.7 inches

Length:

186.5 inches

Wheelbase:

105.7 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.5 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

16.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

P205/60R16

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

16.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy with painted accents

Tire Size:

P205/60R16

Exterior Colors

Black

Super Black

Gray

Gun Metallic

White

Fresh Powder

Blue

Not available

Silver

Not available

Exterior Colors

Black

Deep Black Pearl

Gray

Platinum Gray Metallic

White

Pure White

Blue

Rising Blue Metallic

Silver

Pyrite Silver Metallic

Interior Colors

Black

Charcoal

Gray

Not available

Interior Colors

Black

Titan Black

Gray

Storm Gray

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