Nissan Altima Vs. Nissan Sentra: Specs, Trims & Features
Trying to choose between the Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra for your next sedan purchase? You're in the right place! In this comprehensive guide from Peltier Nissan, we cover the similarities and differences between the compact Sentra and midsize Altima to help you make an informed decision.
Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra at a Glance
- The Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan, while the Sentra is a compact sedan
- The Altima has a more powerful engine than the Sentra, but the Sentra has better fuel efficiency
- Both seat five people and have competitive exterior and interior measurements, though the Altima is larger overall
- In terms of trims, the Sentra offers four, and the Altima boasts five
Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra Specs
Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra performance specs are a straightforward comparison: the Altima is more powerful, and the Sentra is more fuel-efficient.
Specifically, the Sentra has a 149-horsepower four-cylinder engine across all configurations, delivering up to an EPA-estimated 30/40/34 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 In the Altima, a four-cylinder engine worth 188 horsepower at peak outout is standard and earns a maximum EPA-estimated 27/39/32 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1 The Altima has a slightly larger fuel tank capacity.
A noteworthy difference between the Altima and the Sentra is that the new Nissan Sentra is only offered with FWD. The Altima provides standard FWD, but in the SV, SR, and SL trims, it can be optioned with AWD. Both the Nissan Altima and Sentra have a CVT.
Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra Dimensions and Interior Space
When you schedule a test drive for both the Altima and Sentra sedans, the most noticeable difference between them will be their size. This is evident in their classifications, too, as the Sentra is a compact sedan, and the Altima is a midsize sedan. However, neither model makes you compromise on interior space, and despite being smaller, the Sentra has the same 43.8-inch front legroom measurement as the Altima and nearly identical rear legroom.
Whether you choose a new or used Nissan Sentra, it combines its versatile interior with an agile exterior that is better suited to tight streets than the Altima. In contrast, the Altima provides more overall cabin space and a larger trunk that can accommodate additional cargo. See the details surrounding the 2025 Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra dimensions and capacities in the chart below.
Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra Comparison Chart: Specs
Check out a brief review of the performance and dimensions of the Altima and Sentra below.
| 2025 Nissan Sentra | 2025 Nissan Altima | |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 149 | 182 - 188 |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 178 - 180 lb-ft |
| Max EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 30 / 40 / 341 | 27 / 39 / 321 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal | 16.2 gal |
| Length / Width / Height | 182.9 / 71.5 / 56.9 - 57 in | 192.9 / 72.9 / 56.7 - 57.4 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Space (Trunk) | 14.3 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 43.8 / 34.9 in | 43.8 / 35.2 in |
| Headroom (Front / Rear) | 37.5 - 38.9 / 36.7 in | 38 - 39.1 / 36.7 - 36.9 in |
Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra Trims
When it comes to trim levels, both offer similar lineups and a unique top trim level. Let's take a look at the variants for each car.
Nissan Altima S vs. Nissan Sentra S
The new Nissan Altima S comes with 16-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, a remote engine start system, cloth seating, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, a six-speaker audio system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. An 8-inch touchscreen and a 5-inch meter display are also standard.
The Nissan Sentra S also has 16-inch steel wheels, cloth seating, and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. Some differences include its standard halogen headlamps, 7-inch touchscreen display, 4.2-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, and four-speaker audio system. Similar to the Altima S, Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard equipment.
Nissan Altima SV vs. Nissan Sentra SV
Moving up to the SV trims, the Altima SV features 17-inch wheels, a 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, Nissan Intelligent Key, two rear USB ports, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. An SV Special Edition trim is also available, offering items like a Virtual Personal Assistant, Nissan door-to-door navigation, and a moonroof, much of which is equipped in the top SL trim.
The Nissan Sentra SV upgrades to an 8-inch touchscreen display and a 7-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display, but it keeps the 16-inch wheels and switches to aluminum alloy. It also has six speakers instead of the standard four, and similar to the Altima SV, it adds the Nissan Intelligent Key feature.
Nissan Altima SR vs. Nissan Sentra SR
The SR trim for the Altima lineup ups the ante with 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, Active Ride Control, sport cloth seat trim, and a leather-wrapped shift knob. On the outside, it boasts dual chrome exhaust finishers.
In the Sentra, the SR trim comes with 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and sport cloth seating, along with LED headlights and remote engine start. It lacks the sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters that the Altima SR possesses, but makes up for it with side sill extensions, a rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust finisher.
Nissan Altima SL vs. Nissan Sentra SR Midnight Edition
The Nissan Altima SL trim is the top of the lineup, and standard equipment includes a moonroof, leather-appointed seats, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless smartphone integration, a nine-speaker Bose® audio system, and ProPILOT Assist.
The SR Midnight Edition of the Sentra features most of the same equipment as the SR trim. The main upgrades include black wheels, a black front grille, black side sills, a black rear spoiler, and unique badging.
Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra Comparison Chart: Trims and Amenities
Get a comprehensive overview of the three trims these sedans have in common below.
| Model and Trim Level | Wheel Size and Type | Standard Seating Material | Key Standard Features |
| Sentra S | 16-in steel | Cloth |
|
| Altima S | 16-in steel | Cloth |
|
| Sentra SV | 16-in aluminum alloy | Premium cloth |
|
| Altima SV | 17-in aluminum alloy | Cloth |
|
| Sentra SR | 18-in aluminum alloy | Sport cloth |
|
| Altima SR | 19-in aluminum alloy | Sport cloth |
|
Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra Reliability and Features
Both the Nissan Altima and Nissan Sentra are well-equipped sedans. When it comes to reliability and safety, they come standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver-assistance features. This suite includes these six technologies:
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- High Beam Assist
- Lane Departure Warning
- Blind Spot Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Automatic Braking
It utilizes a combination of camera, sonar, and radar technology to detect potential issues and help your vehicle respond quickly in the event of an emergency. Of course, this is just the beginning of what you can expect, as both sedans offer additional systems like standard Intelligent Driver Alertness and the available Intelligent Around View Monitor. However, only the Altima boasts available ProPILOT Assist.
To boot, the 2025 Nissan Altima and 2025 Nissan Sentra earn a Reliability Rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 from RepairPal,2,3 which is in the "above average" range.
2025 Altima vs. 2025 Sentra: Settle the Debate at Peltier Nissan
Is a more spacious and powerful new or used Nissan Altima calling your name? Or, does the agile and efficient Sentra seem better for your driving needs? Whether you require help settling the score or finding finance or lease deals on your favorite model, we have you covered. Visit our Nissan dealership in Tyler, TX, today to explore both Nissan sedans in-depth and take a test drive of your top pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nissan Altima or Sentra bigger?
The Nissan Altima is bigger than the Nissan Sentra. Performing a Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra size comparison reveals that the Altima is 10 inches longer and 1.4 inches wider than the Sentra. The Altima also has more trunk space than the Sentra and more passenger volume, coming in at a maximum of 100.6 cubic feet; the Sentra contains up to 96.1 cubic feet of passenger room.
How much does a Nissan Altima cost?
The Nissan Altima is an exciting midsize sedan that offers high-level features and performance for a competitive price. Specific pricing will vary depending on the trim and configuration, as well as factors like applicable specials, your credit background, and more. The Sentra is more affordable than the Altima, but both sedans possess attractive specs and equipment for a value-packed price.
Does the 2025 Nissan Altima have Apple CarPlay®?
Yes, the 2025 Nissan Altima has standard wired Apple CarPlay® that allows you to use your favorite apps and media on the go. The top trim boasts wireless integration. This same trend applies to Android Auto™ as well. For comparison, the 2025 Nissan Sentra features wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ in every variant. Find out more about these applications today.
1EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions—use for comparison only.
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/altima.
3Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/sentra.