Compare 2020 Toyota Corolla vs. Sentra

First introduced in 1966, the Toyota Corolla has since sold over 46 million cars. In comparison, Nissan introduced the Sentra 16 years later in 1982.

The base model 2020 Corolla L CVT has a starting MSRP of $19,600¹². The 2019 Nissan Sentra S Xtronic CVT has a marginally smaller starting MSRP of $18,580.

When you factor in Corolla's standard features, Sentra's price advantage shrinks.

One such feature is the Corolla's no-cost maintenance plan. Nissan's maintenance plan costs extra.

In this head to head comparison, we'll see who comes out on top in safety, performance, and price.

All 2020 Toyota Corollas have a standard suite of safety features called Toyota Safety Sense® 2.0 (TSS 2.0)²⁴.

While the 2019 Nissan has no comparable safety suite, the Sentra S Xtronic CVT does have some standard features. These are Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).

When it comes to airbags, both the 2020 Corolla L CVT and the Nissan Sentra S Xtronic CVT come standard with eight. However, there are a few differences between the two vehicles.

For instance, the Sentra doesn't have a driver knee airbag and passenger seat cushion airbag. But the Corolla has both. The Sentra does have roof-mounted curtain head airbags for front and rear passengers.

As we explore fuel economy and performance, the 2020 Corolla truly stands out. The Corolla L CVT has an EPA-estimated 30/38/33 MPG (city/hwy/comb)⁷⁵.

In comparison, the 2019 Nissan Sentra S Xtronic CVT has an EPA-estimated 29/37/32 MPG. Another edge the Corolla has is horsepower. The 2020 Corolla L CVT has 139 HP and 126 lb.-ft. tq. The 2019 Nissan Sentra S Xtronic CVT, however, has 124 HP and 125 lb.-ft. tq.

The 2020 Corolla L CVT has standard power-assisted ventilated 10.8-in. front disc brakes and solid 10.2-in. rear disc brakes with an electronically controlled braking (ECB) system.

The 2019 Nissan Sentra S Xtronic CVT also comes standard with 9.0-in. rear drum brakes and 11.0-in. vented front brakes.

Cost is an important part of car ownership. Beyond starting price, it's always best to factor in the maintenance costs as well. Price minded car buyers will be happy to know that Toyota's maintenance program comes standard.

ToyotaCare lasts for two years or 25,000 miles¹¹, whichever comes first. This no-cost maintenance program also includes roadside assistance³⁸ available 24 hours a day for 2 years and unlimited miles.

Even though Nissan does offer a no-cost emergency roadside assistance service (3 years/36,000 miles), their maintenance program costs extra. To learn more, talk to a Nissan dealer.

The 2019 Nissan Sentra S Xtronic CVT does start with an MSRP of $18,580 compared to the Corolla's MSRP of 19,600¹². But when you factor in the above programs, the price difference begins to close up.

The Corolla has sold over 46 million vehicles since its 1966 introduction. The Nissan Sentra entered the scene more than a decade later in 1982.

The MSRPs of both the 2020 Corolla L CVT and the 2019 Nissan Sentra S Xtronic CVT are close. But when you consider the Corolla's no-cost maintenance program, Toyota's true value becomes clear.

Adding to that value is Toyota Safety Sense ® 2.0 (TSS 2.0)²⁴, a suite of standard safety features for all 2020 Corollas. The 2019 Nissan Sentra Xtronic CVT's standard safety features are Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).

The Corolla line also offers a hybrid option with an EPA-estimated 53/52/52 mpg (city/hwy/comb)⁷⁵. The 2019 Nissan Sentra line does not offer a hybrid option. With all these factors and more, the winner is clear: the 2020 Corolla.