2016 Nissan Sentra vs 2016 Nissan Altima

Judging by the pictures you’ve seen online, it can be a little difficult to tell the difference between the Nissan Sentra and the Nissan Altima. Up close and in person you’d be able to spot the differences but if you’re not to that part in your car-shopping journey and don’t plan on visiting the dealership quite yet, we’d be happy to talk similarities and differences between the 2016 Nissan Sentra vs 2016 Nissan Altima.

Right out of the starting gate, one of the most noticeable differences between the two vehicles is that the Nissan Sentra is smaller than the Altima. A ballpark estimate would say that the Sentra nearly is a foot shorter and narrower. As a compact car, the Sentra also is able to come down on price and therefore starts out with a lower manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

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2016 Nissan Sentra vs 2016 Nissan Altima
Compact Sedan Category Midsize
1.8L 4-cylinder Base Engine 2.5L 4-cylinder
Yes Standard Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System Yes
$16,780 MSRP $22,500

The Nissan Sentra or Altima. Which sedan will you choose?

The 2016 Nissan Sentra and Altima share more in common other than having four doors and four wheels. Both sedans are able to provide nearly the same amount of rear passenger space, which especially helps the Sentra to excel in its compact class. As for storage space though, the Altima is designed with a massive trunk that is both deep and wide enough to accommodate a wide variety of cargo. (Both vehicles have split-and-folding rear seats to provide more flexible storage space.)

Front seat passengers in the 2016 Nissan Sentra and Altima will also be able to enjoy the signature Zero Gravity stress-relieving seats in addition to the convenience of the Nissan Intelligent Key. Lock and unlock your Nissan all without ever having to remove the key fob from your pocket or purse. And to start the vehicle, just push the start button and get going; you’ll never have to think about turning the key in an ignition again.

As for what really makes the Nissan Sentra and Altima go--there is a bigger difference beneath the hood. The 2016 Nissan Sentra is powered by a smaller, 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that enables it to earn 30 city/ 40 hwy mpg when paired with the continuously variable transmission. Horsepower is able to climb to 130 hp, but the 2016 Nissan Altima is going to be the more powerful option of the two sedans. Beneath the hood of the 2016 Nissan Altima is a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that manages to earn 27 city/ 38 hwy mpg while firing up an impressive 182 horses. Drivers interested in even more power and performance might want to check out the upper level Altima SR and SL trim levels which swap in a 3.5L V6 that cranks up to 270 horsepower.

To learn more about the features, technology, and safety equipment included on the 2016 Nissan Sentra and Nissan Altima are encouraged to get in touch with a Glendale Nissan teammember. We also invite you to sign up for a test drive today and see us the next time that you’re in the area.

front view of 2016 nissan sentra
rear view of 2016 nissan sentra
v motion grille of nissan altima
rear spoiler of nissan altima