2016 Nissan Sentra SR

• Intermediate (ICAR)
• Seats 5, rear seat folds down (60/40)
• Driver's seat adjusts 6-ways manually (inc. height adjustment)
• Smart key with push-button ignition
• Bluetooth phone & audio
• 29/37 city/highway MPG

I first saw the Sentra in SR trim on the Emerald Aisle at HNL, but got to drive one when I got assigned one on an ICAR reservation at Enterprise in Las Vegas.


This one, a 2016 model, had almost 24,000 miles on it, but it still looked remarkably good in the Deep Blue Pearl paint and 17" aluminum wheels. With the exception of a few door dings, it looked like it just rolled off the delivery truck -- amazing, given that the Las Vegas sun and all those rental miles can take a toll on any car.

The SR trim is primarily an appearance upgrade over the SV trim. It includes 17" aluminum wheels, rear disc brakes, LED headlights, turn signal repeaters on the mirrors, lower sill extensions, and a rear spoiler. Inside, there are upgraded sport cloth seats and seat heaters. The 5" infotainment display, smart key, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are shared with the SV.

Also carried over from the SV is the 124 HP 4-cylinder engine mated to Nissan's Xtronic CVT. Acceleration was OK with 4 adults on board, but most of my driving was on the crowded Vegas strip, so definitely not a full test of its abilities.

Last time I was in Vegas, I got a 2017 Corolla SE, which is also the "sport" model with nicer wheels and an upgraded interior. One major advantage of the Corolla over the Sentra, however, is the array of standard safety features such as forward collision avoidance. These features are available on the Sentra SR in an optional package -- which National does not purchase. The only option in this Sentra was the $200 floor mats and trunk mat package.