The 2021 Nissan Sentra SR is the sporty trim of the redesigned Sentra, with 18 inch wheels and sportier styling. It makes 149 hp, starts around $22,800 with destination in the US, and it is sold with a CVT only. A six speed manual SR was added in Canada for 2021, but it never reached the US. Here is what the SR offers and whether it is the right Sentra to buy.
Manual or CVT: what you can buy
United States: the SR comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) only. The base S trim was the only US Sentra that offered a manual.
Canada: Nissan added a six speed manual to the SR for 2021, after buyers asked for a manual on the sporty trim. It cost about C$1,300 less than the CVT version. Owners who drove it liked the added involvement, but described the shift action as a bit vague and the clutch as touchy. It is also not as sharp as the gearbox in the Honda Civic Si.
2021 Nissan Sentra SR specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0 liter four cylinder |
| Horsepower | 149 hp at 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | 146 lb ft at 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT (US), CVT or six speed manual (Canada) |
| Drive | Front wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (US, CVT) | 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, 32 mpg combined |
| Tires and wheels | P215/45R18 on 18 inch alloys |
| Fuel tank | About 12 gallons |
| Cargo space | About 14 cubic feet |
| Curb weight | About 3,100 lb |
| Ground clearance | About 4.9 inches |
All 2021 Sentras share the same 149 hp engine. The SR is not quicker than the S or SV, and its fuel economy is slightly lower because of the larger wheels.
2021 Nissan Sentra SR price
The US SR started at $21,850 plus $975 destination, so around $22,825. The SR Premium Package added about $2,270 and brought:
- Leatherette upholstery
- A six way power driver seat
- Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel
- An eight speaker Bose audio system
- A 360 degree camera system
A fully optioned SR can reach about $26,000, so compare it with the SV and rivals before you decide.
What the SR adds over the SV
The SR brings sportier styling, 18 inch wheels, a rear spoiler and sport cloth seats. It does not add any more power. Safety and driver assistance technology is shared across the lineup, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and lane departure warning.
How it drives
The 2.0 liter engine is adequate for commuting and highway driving, but it is noisy under hard acceleration and not especially refined. The CVT keeps the engine in a good range for efficiency. Ride quality is comfortable for the class, and the Sentra’s handling is more confident than the previous generation. The SR’s larger wheels add some road noise, but the car stays composed.
Interior and comfort
The cabin is a strong point for the price. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats are comfortable for long drives, and the dashboard design looks modern. The 8 inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were added across more trims for 2021. Rear seat room is average for the class.
Rivals
The SR competes with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Jetta. The Civic and Mazda3 are more fun to drive, and the Corolla and Elantra are strong on fuel economy. The Sentra’s advantages are its comfortable seats, its feature content and its price.
Which Sentra should you buy?
If you want the best value, the SV with the Premium Package gives you most of the features at a lower price. Choose the SR if you prefer the look of the 18 inch wheels and the sportier trim. Choose the Canadian manual SR if you live there and want a stick shift. Do not expect more performance from any SR.
Buying a used 2021 Sentra SR
- Ask for service records, including CVT fluid service.
- Test drive for CVT hesitation, shudder or whining.
- Check tires, since 18 inch tires cost more to replace.
- Test the touchscreen, CarPlay and Android Auto, and all driver assistance features.
- Look for accident repairs and check the VIN for open recalls.
FAQ
How much horsepower does the 2021 Nissan Sentra SR have?
149 hp and 146 lb ft of torque.
Does the 2021 Sentra SR come in a manual?
Only in Canada. The US SR is CVT only.
How much is a 2021 Nissan Sentra SR?
The US SR started at $21,850 plus destination. The Premium Package added about $2,270.
What are the SR’s mpg figures?
28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined.
What tire size does the SR use?
P215/45R18 on 18 inch wheels.