2018 Nissan Sentra — Full Specifications
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The 2018 Nissan Sentra is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) / 32 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 34–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Nissan Sentra workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2017 Nissan Sentra: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 38 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.8L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 1.8L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Length | 4565 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 96 cu ft (2,718 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 38 combined / 35 urban / 44 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 32 combined / 29 city / 37 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 173 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2018 Nissan Sentra across 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 28 to 32 mpg (US), or 34 to 38 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (27/33) | 191 | $2,850 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (26/32) | 198 | $2,950 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/37) | 173 | $2,100 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (27/35) | 185 | $2,250 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Nissan Sentra
Running Costs: 2018 Nissan Sentra
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Nissan Sentra at 38 mpg combined, expect roughly 957 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2018 Nissan Sentra Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Nissan Sentra (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Exterior lighting (1), Back over prevention (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 21V135000, reported 3 March 2021. Risk: The brake lights may not illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Back over prevention — campaign 19V654000, reported 12 September 2019. Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 185 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Nissan Sentra. The most-reported areas are Power train (46), Unspecified (38), Service brakes (38). Complaints include 17 reported crashes, 3 reported fires, 11 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is close to the median of 180 complaints across the 17 Nissan Sentra model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 Nissan Sentra
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (46 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Brakes (38 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Electrical system (32 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Lighting (1 recall campaign) — Check every exterior light works and look for moisture inside the lamp housings.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Nissan models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2018 Nissan Sentra's 38 mpg is 9 mpg above that make average. Its 173 g/km CO₂ figure is 67 g/km lower than the 240 g/km Nissan average.
Of the 17 Nissan Sentra model years we cover, the 2018 ranks 10th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (38 mpg UK combined, against a high of 41 mpg). See every Nissan Sentra year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2018 Nissan Sentra
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Nissan Sentra have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2018 Nissan Sentra: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.8L 4-cyl with a automatic (variable gear ratios).
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Nissan Sentra?
The most efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, or 32 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 34 to 38 mpg.
How much does the 2018 Nissan Sentra cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2018 Nissan Sentra have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2018 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2018 Nissan Sentra (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Exterior lighting (1), Back over prevention (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2018 Nissan Sentra?
Among the 185 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (46 complaints), Unspecified (38 complaints), Service brakes (38 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2018 Nissan Sentra have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.