2017 Nissan Sentra: A Comprehensive Review

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2017 Nissan Sentra, a compact sedan that has been a popular choice for many drivers. We're going to break down everything from its performance and features to its pros and cons, helping you decide if this car is the right fit for you. This review aims to provide a comprehensive look at the 2017 Sentra, covering key aspects like its engine options, fuel efficiency, interior comfort, technology, and safety features. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of what makes this car tick and whether it aligns with your needs and preferences. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Performance and Driving Experience of the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Alright, let's kick things off by talking about how the 2017 Nissan Sentra actually drives. The Sentra offers a few different engine options, each with its own personality. The base engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that's pretty common in this class, producing a decent amount of power for everyday driving. You won't be winning any races with it, but it gets the job done for commuting and running errands. Nissan also offered a more powerful engine in the SR Turbo and NISMO trims, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine gives the Sentra a significant boost in performance, making it much more fun to drive, with quicker acceleration and more responsive handling. However, the SR Turbo and NISMO models are not as common as the base models.

Speaking of driving experience, the Sentra's suspension is tuned more for comfort than sportiness. This means it soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road pretty well, making for a smooth ride. The steering is light and easy, which is great for maneuvering in tight city streets. However, it might not provide as much feedback as some other cars in its class. In terms of transmission, the Sentra comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in most trims. The CVT aims to maximize fuel efficiency by keeping the engine running at its most efficient speed. While CVTs can feel a bit different from traditional automatic transmissions, they've become quite common in modern cars, and the Sentra's CVT does a good job of providing smooth and seamless shifts. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is a perfectly acceptable car to drive, especially if you prioritize comfort and fuel economy over thrilling performance. The ride is comfortable, the handling is predictable, and the engine choices cater to various needs and preferences, though the base engine might feel a bit underpowered for some drivers.

Interior Comfort and Features of the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Let's move inside and explore the interior of the 2017 Nissan Sentra. Nissan has always been pretty good at creating comfortable cabins, and the Sentra is no exception. The front seats are generally supportive and offer plenty of headroom and legroom, even for taller drivers and passengers. The rear seats are also surprisingly spacious for a compact sedan, making it a good choice for small families or anyone who regularly carries passengers. One of the standout features of the Sentra's interior is its generous use of soft-touch materials, especially in the higher trims. This gives the cabin a more premium feel than some of its competitors. However, the base trims might have more hard plastics, which can make the interior feel a bit less upscale. The 2017 Sentra comes with a decent set of features, depending on the trim level you choose. Even the base models include features like a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. Higher trims add features like leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The infotainment system is pretty straightforward and easy to use. It features a touchscreen display, which you can use to control the audio system, navigation (if equipped), and other vehicle functions. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which lets you seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. This means you can use your favorite apps, make phone calls, and send text messages directly from the car's screen. Overall, the interior of the 2017 Nissan Sentra offers a comfortable and well-equipped space for both the driver and passengers. The spacious cabin, comfortable seats, and available features make it a great choice for daily commutes and longer road trips. The generous use of soft-touch materials in the higher trims adds a touch of luxury, while the user-friendly infotainment system keeps you connected and entertained on the go. The Sentra’s interior really is a selling point!

Technology and Safety in the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Okay, let's talk about the tech and safety features you'll find in the 2017 Nissan Sentra. Regarding technology, the Sentra offers a decent array of features, though it might not be as tech-forward as some of its competitors. As we mentioned, the base models come with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. These features are pretty standard in today's cars, and they add a level of convenience and safety to your driving experience. The higher trims come with more advanced features, such as a larger touchscreen display, navigation, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features allow you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system, giving you access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation tools. The Sentra also offers a premium audio system in some trims, which will please audiophiles, and provide a richer and more immersive listening experience.

On the safety front, the 2017 Sentra performs reasonably well. It comes standard with a range of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The higher trims offer more advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. These features can help prevent accidents and protect you and your passengers on the road. The Sentra also received good safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These ratings indicate that the Sentra provides a good level of protection in the event of a crash. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra offers a decent level of technology and safety features. While it might not be the most tech-savvy car in its class, it provides a user-friendly infotainment system and a good array of safety features to help keep you safe on the road. The availability of advanced safety features in the higher trims adds an extra layer of protection, making the Sentra a safe and reliable choice for drivers.

Trim Levels and Options of the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Now, let's break down the trim levels and options available for the 2017 Nissan Sentra. Nissan offers a variety of trims, each with its own set of features and pricing. This lets you choose the Sentra that best suits your needs and budget. The base model, known as the S trim, comes with standard features like a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. It's a great option if you're looking for a basic, reliable car at an affordable price. Moving up the ladder, you'll find the SV trim, which adds features like upgraded cloth upholstery, a keyless entry system, and a more advanced infotainment system. This trim is a good balance of features and value, offering a more comfortable and convenient driving experience.

The SR trim is where things start to get a bit more sporty. It features a sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior styling elements, and available features like a sunroof and premium audio system. If you're looking for a Sentra with a more dynamic driving experience, this is the trim to consider. Finally, we have the SR Turbo and NISMO trims. These are the most performance-oriented Sentras, with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension, and unique exterior and interior styling. These trims are for drivers who want a Sentra with a lot more power and a sportier feel. In addition to these trim levels, Nissan also offers various option packages that allow you to customize your Sentra even further. These packages can add features like advanced safety technologies, leather upholstery, and a sunroof. So, whether you're looking for a basic commuter car or a sporty and well-equipped sedan, the 2017 Nissan Sentra has a trim level and option package that will fit the bill. The variety of choices makes it easy to find a Sentra that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Pros and Cons of the 2017 Nissan Sentra

Alright, time for the moment of truth! Let's sum up the pros and cons of the 2017 Nissan Sentra to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

• Fuel Efficiency: The Sentra is known for its good fuel economy, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commuting and long drives. This is especially true for the models with the CVT, which is designed to optimize fuel efficiency.
• Comfortable Interior: The Sentra offers a comfortable and spacious interior, with supportive seats and a generous amount of legroom and headroom, especially in the front seats. The use of soft-touch materials in the higher trims adds to the overall comfort and premium feel.
• User-Friendly Infotainment System: The Sentra's infotainment system is straightforward and easy to use, with a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Available Safety Features: The Sentra offers a good array of safety features, including standard features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The higher trims also offer advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.
• Variety of Trim Levels: The Sentra is available in a variety of trim levels, offering a range of features and pricing options to suit different needs and budgets.

Cons:

• Base Engine Performance: The base 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine might feel a bit underpowered for some drivers, especially when accelerating or merging onto the highway.
• CVT Transmission: While the CVT transmission helps with fuel efficiency, some drivers might find its performance to be less engaging than that of a traditional automatic transmission.
• Interior Materials in Base Trims: The base trims might have more hard plastics, which can make the interior feel less upscale compared to the higher trims.
• Steering Feel: The steering is light and easy, but it might not provide as much feedback as some other cars in its class, which could be a drawback for those seeking a more engaging driving experience.
• Not as Tech-Forward: Compared to some of its competitors, the Sentra's technology features might not be as cutting-edge or extensive.

Conclusion: Is the 2017 Nissan Sentra Right for You?

So, after all of that, is the 2017 Nissan Sentra the right car for you, guys? The Sentra is a solid choice for anyone looking for a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and reliable compact sedan. It offers a spacious interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a good array of safety features. The availability of various trim levels and option packages makes it easy to find a Sentra that fits your needs and budget.

However, it's not perfect. The base engine might feel underpowered for some, and the CVT transmission might not be everyone's cup of tea. If you prioritize performance and a more engaging driving experience, you might want to consider the SR Turbo or NISMO trims, or explore other options in the compact sedan class. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2017 Nissan Sentra is right for you is to take one for a test drive. Experience the car firsthand, see how it feels on the road, and make sure it meets your needs and preferences. If you're looking for a comfortable and practical car that's easy on the wallet, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is definitely worth considering. Thanks for hanging out with me today. Hope this helped! Peace out!