2010 Nissan Sentra Overview Change Vehicle

This 2010 Nissan Sentra overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2010 Sentra, and includes Nissan Sentra safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

Last year was all about what’s under the hood and fuel economy improvements for the Nissan Sentra. For 2010, the most important development is the addition of stability and traction control as standard or optional depending on model. Beyond that, Nissan Sentras get new headlights and taillights and most 2.0 models are equipped with a new grille and front bumper. New wheel designs and several new colors also debut. The impact of the exterior changes is minimal, but noticeable enough that you can’t help but applaud Nissan for trying.

Inside, the Sentra has revised cloth upholstery and upgraded trim. All 2.0 models get a new audio display screen while the 2.0 SL and SE-R trims have standard iPod connections and Bluetooth capability for 2010. A navigation system with real-time traffic reports and a rear-backup camera is also optional on select models for 2010. Additionally, the 2.0 SL gains standard cloth upholstery but leather seats are now optional. You win some, you lose some.

Finally, it appears that Nissan has realized how silly it is to add FE+ to the Sentra’s already convoluted naming structures, and has wisely halted this practice.

The 2010 Nissan Sentra is offered in six different trim levels – 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, 2.0 SL, SE-R and SE-R Spec V. All models except the 2.0 and the SE-R Spec V come standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. If you want to shift your own gears, you’ve gotta go basic or with the highest-performing model in the lineup.

The entry-level Sentra 2.0 is sparsely equipped but does include power windows, power locks, air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, and a four-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio input jack. Skinny 15-inch wheels with plastic wheel covers are standard on this model, but it does get Nissan’s revised suede-like upholstery. The only option is a package containing antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, and stability control. We strongly recommend it.

Most Sentra buyers will want the Sentra 2.0 S, which adds several desirable features as standard equipment. Antilock brakes and larger 16-inch wheels are included with this model, along with remote keyless entry, power side mirrors, cruise control, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a richer-sounding audio system with iPod connection, visor vanity mirrors, front map lights, and a security system. Options with this model include stability control, Bluetooth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and Nissan’s Intelligent Key keyless entry and ignition system.

The Sentra 2.0 SR is essentially identical to the 2.0 S, but is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a rear spoiler, and an SE-R-like body kit. It is priced exactly the same as the 2.0 S, and is offered with the same options.

The 2.0 SL is the most luxurious Sentra, equipped with traction and stability control, alloy wheels, fog lights, Bluetooth, a 4.3-inch color display for the stereo, a USB port, satellite radio, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power trunk release, and Nissan Intelligent Key. The SL model is also available with a greater variety of options, such as a power moonroof, leather seats (heated in front), a navigation system with real-time traffic reports, a reversing camera, a Rockford Fosgate audio system, and…wait for it…illuminated visor vanity mirrors.

Switching gears, the next model on the roster is the sporty SE-R. Based on the 2.0 SL, this model drops features like Nissan Intelligent Key, but gains 17-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and distinctive styling. Inside, sport-bolstered front seats and aluminum-trimmed pedals add to the go-faster look, and the SE-R comes with oil pressure and G-force gauges. We continue to be confounded by the fact that the only transmission available is a CVT. No manual. On a sport sedan. Really.

For a manual gearbox, there’s the sportiest Sentra of the bunch, the SE-R Spec V. This model is also equipped with a more powerful engine, a firmer and lowered suspension, sticky summer performance tires, and even bigger brakes.

Each of the SE-R models can be outfitted with a navigation system and an Upgrade Package containing a power moonroof, Rockford Fosgate audio, satellite radio, and a reversing camera. Additionally, the SE-R can be equipped with Nissan Intelligent Key, while the SE-R Spec V is exclusively offered with a helical limited-slip differential.

All 2010 Nissan Sentras are front-wheel drive. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 140 horsepower is installed in any model wearing a 2.0 badge. The basic 2.0 model is offered with a standard manual transmission, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) optional. Other Sentra 2.0 models have the CVT. Fuel economy is best with the CVT at 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The manual returns 24-mpg city/31-mpg highway. Don’t bother with it.

The SE-R and SE-R Spec V have a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine. In the SE-R, this engine produces 177 horsepower and is equipped solely with a CVT. In the high-output SE-R Spec V, the engine puts 200 horsepower to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. If you like going fast, it’s worth noting that the Spec V does zero to 60 in a quick 6.7 seconds. Again, the CVT does a better job of extracting miles from each gallon of gas at 24-mpg city/30-mpg highway. The SE-R also runs on regular unleaded. The SE-R Spec V requires premium, and sucks it down at the rate of 21 city/28 highway.

Finally, Nissan adds stability control to the Sentra’s safety arsenal. It comes standard on the 2.0 SL, SE-R and SE-R Spec V models, and is optional on the 2.0, 2.0 S and 2.0 SR. Other than that, the features that you’d expect from a car with high safety ratings are present, including six airbags. Antilock brakes (ABS) are standard on all but the entry-level Sentra 2.0, where it is optional.

The Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2010 Nissan Sentra its top Good rating for performance in frontal- and side-impact crash tests. In a shift from previous years, the Sentra gets an Average rating for rear-crash injury protection, down from a Good rating since the last time the car was redesigned. The IIHS has not performed roof strength tests on the Sentra.

In National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, the 2010 Sentra receives the highest 5-Star rating for frontal-crash protection for both the driver and passenger. In side-impact tests, the NHTSA gives the Sentra 5 Stars for front seat protection and 4 Stars for rear passenger protection. The Sentra also gets 4 Stars for its resistance to rollover.

Consumer Reports predicts that the 2010 Nissan Sentra will deliver better than average reliability. J.D. Power and Associates estimates that long-term dependability for the 2010 Sentra will be average.

The small changes on the 2010 Sentra’s exterior make a difference. It was in need of a fresher look, and the addition of a few new features like stability control, iPod hookups, Bluetooth and a navigation system augment the 2010 Sentra’s efforts at modernism. We recommend taking a look at this wallflower of a sedan because the 2010 Nissan Sentra is roomy, comfortable, affordable, safe, fuel efficient, and dependable. And in SE-R trim, it’s even fun to drive.

By Courtney Messenbaugh