2016 Nissan Sentra Refreshed, Looks More like Altima and Maxima

Rounding out Nissan's "Year of the Sedan."

Conner GoldenWriter

Nissan called 2015 "The Year of The Sedan," and it certainly adhered to that mantra, launching the all-new 2016 Nissan Maxima and refreshing the 2016 Altima. To round out the year of upgraded sedans, the 2016 Nissan Sentra bows at the 2015 Los Angeles with a new look inside and out.

The most significant changes to the 2016 Nissan Sentra are on the outside. A new front fascia, along with a fresh hood, front fenders, grille, redesigned "boomerang" headlights and taillights bring the Sentra visually inline with the Altima and Maxima. Step up to the SR and SL trim levels, and new LED low-beam headlights and accents are added, along with new 17-inch wheels. One color has been added as well, with Nissan's new Blue Pearl included as part of the ten-color exterior palette.

The Sentra's interior gets a boost as well. A new steering wheel inspired by the one in the 370Z sports car is fitted, along with a new optional six-way power drivers seat. Various other little tweaks were made as well, with an updated center console design, shifter knob, and revised center gauge cluster.

New for 2016 is also a LCD display in the gauge cluster, displaying key information and trip computers. The NissanConnect telematics system also makes its first appearance on a Sentra for 2016, and offers emergency services, alerts, remote access, and even the ability to set notifications if a driver exceeds a certain speed or location.

The 2016 Sentra also ramps up available safety technologies as well, with forward emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are now available as options.

All Sentra models are motivated by a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder, pushing out 130 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a standard CVT transmission in most models, although a six-speed manual transmission is available for the base Sentra S. The CVT was retuned for a "natural and crisper" shift feel under acceleration. Nissan also says it has revised the car's suspension tuning and electric power steering software, and fitted new tires to improve steering feel. Spring and damper rates are up 10 percent, and Nissan says the 2016 Sentra's body is stiffer than before.

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The 2016 Nissan Sentra S starts at $17,605 with a manual transmission, and although full pricing is not yet available, Nissan says that a midrange Sentra SV fitted with navigation, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert will ring in below $20,000. The 2016 Nissan Sentra goes on sale early in 2016.

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