Nissan Sentra 2017: Reviews, Ratings, And More!
Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a Nissan Sentra 2017? You've come to the right place! We're diving deep into everything you need to know about this ride, from reliability to fuel economy, and everything in between. Let's get started!
Overview of the 2017 Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra 2017 is a compact sedan that offers a comfortable ride, spacious interior, and a good selection of features for its price point. It's known for its practicality, making it a popular choice for daily commuters and small families. The 2017 model year falls within the seventh generation of the Sentra, and it brought some updates in terms of styling and technology.
What's new for 2017? The 2017 Sentra received a mild refresh, including updated front and rear fascias, new wheel designs, and some interior enhancements. Nissan also added more available safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. These updates helped keep the Sentra competitive in the crowded compact sedan market. It's essential to consider these updates when comparing it to previous model years.
The Sentra is available in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and options. The base S trim is a good starting point, while higher trims like the SV, SR, and SL add more comfort and convenience features. For those looking for a sportier experience, the SR Turbo offers a more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension. Understanding the differences between these trims is crucial when making your decision.
Under the hood, the standard engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 130 horsepower (124 hp in California emissions states). While it's not the most powerful engine in its class, it provides adequate acceleration for most driving situations. The SR Turbo trim, however, gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that bumps the power up to 188 horsepower. This engine delivers a much more engaging driving experience. The Sentra offers a choice between a six-speed manual transmission (on the S trim) and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) on most trims. The CVT is designed to maximize fuel economy, but some drivers may find it less engaging than a traditional automatic transmission. Overall, the Nissan Sentra 2017 aims to offer a blend of practicality, affordability, and comfort.
Interior and Comfort
When you slide into the Nissan Sentra 2017, you'll probably notice the surprisingly spacious interior. Seriously, for a compact car, it feels roomy! Let's break down the comfort and design elements.
The design and layout are pretty straightforward and functional. The dashboard is well-organized, and the controls are easy to reach. While it might not win any awards for groundbreaking design, it's practical and user-friendly. The materials used are decent for the price point; you'll find a mix of hard plastics and some soft-touch surfaces in higher trims. It's not super luxurious, but it's also not cheap-feeling. The seats are generally comfortable, especially on longer drives. They offer adequate support, and the higher trims come with features like power adjustments and lumbar support. Rear passengers will appreciate the generous legroom, which is among the best in the compact car class. This makes the Sentra a good choice for families or anyone who frequently carries passengers in the back. One potential downside is that the rear seatbacks don't fold completely flat, which can limit cargo-carrying versatility.
Features and Technology: The base Sentra S comes with a basic set of features, including air conditioning, a four-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth connectivity. As you move up the trim levels, you get more goodies like a larger touchscreen display, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a rearview camera, and a premium Bose audio system. The infotainment system is relatively easy to use, but it's not the most modern or feature-rich system on the market. Some reviewers have noted that the touchscreen can be slow to respond at times. However, the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a big plus, as it allows you to use your smartphone's apps for navigation, music, and more. Other available tech features include dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and ignition, and a sunroof.
Cargo Space: The Sentra boasts a sizable trunk for its class, offering 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space. This is enough room for groceries, luggage, or a stroller. The trunk opening is also wide, making it easy to load and unload bulky items. However, as mentioned earlier, the rear seatbacks don't fold completely flat, which can make it challenging to carry longer items. Overall, the interior of the 2017 Nissan Sentra is a comfortable and practical space that offers good value for the money. It may not be the most luxurious or stylish interior in its class, but it's well-designed and functional, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Okay, let's talk about how the Nissan Sentra 2017 actually drives. It's not a sports car, but it's designed to be a reliable and efficient daily driver. Here’s what you need to know.
Engine Options and Performance: The standard engine in most 2017 Sentra models is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 130 horsepower (124 hp in California emissions states). This engine provides adequate acceleration for city driving and merging onto the highway, but it's not particularly sporty. If you're looking for more power, the SR Turbo trim is the way to go. It comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that cranks out 188 horsepower. This engine makes the Sentra feel much more responsive and fun to drive. The standard transmission is a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is designed to maximize fuel economy. However, some drivers may find the CVT to be a bit noisy and less engaging than a traditional automatic transmission. The base S trim is available with a six-speed manual transmission, which is a good option for those who prefer a more hands-on driving experience.
Ride and Handling: The Sentra prioritizes comfort over sporty handling. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and provide a smooth ride, making it a good choice for commuting and long trips. The steering is light and easy, but it doesn't offer a lot of feedback. This can make the Sentra feel a bit disconnected from the road. However, the SR Turbo trim gets a sport-tuned suspension that improves handling and reduces body roll. Overall, the Sentra is a comfortable and easy-to-drive car, but it's not the most exciting choice for enthusiasts.
Fuel Economy: One of the Sentra's strong points is its fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the standard 1.8-liter engine with the CVT gets around 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. These are respectable numbers for a compact sedan. The SR Turbo trim gets slightly lower fuel economy, with an EPA estimate of 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Real-world fuel economy may vary depending on driving conditions and habits. Overall, the Nissan Sentra 2017 offers a good balance of performance and fuel economy, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Reliability and Safety
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of Nissan Sentra 2017 reliability and safety. These are super important factors when you're choosing a car, so pay attention!
Reliability Ratings: The 2017 Nissan Sentra generally receives average to above-average reliability ratings from reputable sources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. While it may not be the most reliable car in its class, it's generally considered to be a dependable vehicle. Some common issues reported by owners include problems with the CVT transmission, electrical issues, and minor engine problems. However, these issues are not widespread, and many owners report having trouble-free experiences with their Sentras. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are essential to keep your Sentra running smoothly. It's also a good idea to check for any recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) related to your vehicle.
Safety Ratings and Features: The 2017 Sentra performs well in safety tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It earns a four-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash test. The IIHS gives the Sentra a