Nissan has been making compact sedans for well over 50 years, and it shows. One of the most enjoyable drives I’ve had lately was the 2025 Nissan Sentra SR. The basic Sentra was redesigned for the 2020 model year, so it’s due for a refresh, but overall this is still an amazing value for the price.

The price of a new Sentra starts at $22,730 with required fees, but for that price you get a comfortable, attractive sedan with seating for five passengers and up to 40 MPG in highway fuel economy. The 2.0-liter engine doesn’t lay down big horsepower numbers, but you won’t notice any lack of power in ordinary driving. In addition, even the least expensive Sentra offers Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 advanced safety tech, and full Apple/Android phone integration with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The Sentra we had for testing was the sporty SR trim, which doesn’t net you any special engine or driveline, but you do get LED headlights and another inch of touchscreen size. You can add an optional 360-degree around-view camera, but basic driver assistance like blind spot monitoring comes on all trims.

As mentioned, the engine is a 2.0-liter unit, rated at 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Power is passed to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission, and this is where the Sentra translates modest engine power into decent performance. The CVT can allow the engine to run at its most efficient range, and still deliver the best possible acceleration.

Inside, the Sentra is quiet and comfortable. Most trims offer cloth seating surfaces, which is cool in summer and warm in winter. The SR trim offers standard heated front seats, which is even better. Those are optional on the mid-grade SV trim as well.

Another feature worth mentioning is the optional dual camera drive recorder. You can have your Sentra made with this camera that records what’s happening in front of the car and inside the car as well. This is handy in the event of a collision and also protects against break-ins when you’re not with your car.

On the road, the Sentra is pleasant to drive, offering easy access to front and back seats, and a quiet ride even on the Northwest’s comparatively rough roads. There’s enough engine power to feel sporty, but you’re still enjoying that great fuel economy. Visibility is excellent and parking is a snap.

Trim levels start at the basic S, mid-grade SV, sporty SR, and the top SR Midnight Edition. Even the Midnight Edition carries a basic sticker price of $25,285, so your top price with a good selection of options is still well under $30,000. That makes any Sentra a great deal, but the top trims especially good value for your money.

2025 Nissan Sentra SR

Base price: $21,590

Price as tested: $25,730

Type: Compact sedan

Engine: 2.0-liter four cylinder (149 hp, 146 lbs-ft)

Transmission:  Continuously Variable Transmission

EPA estimated mileage: 30/38

Overall length: 182.9 inches

Curb weight: 3,084 pounds

Final assembly: Aguascalientes, Mexico