2020 Nissan Sentra — Full Specifications
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The 2020 Nissan Sentra is a saloon/sedan powered by a 2L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. It returns around 40 mpg (UK) / 33 mpg (US EPA) combined. Owners often keep a Nissan Sentra workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2019 Nissan Sentra: Fuel economy improves from 38 to 40 mpg (UK) combined on the most efficient configuration. EPA lists new engine options for 2020: 2L 4-cyl. No longer listed: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl. The overall NHTSA rating moves from 4★ to 5★.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 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) | 14 cu ft (396 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 40 combined / 35 urban / 47 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 33 combined / 29 city / 39 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 167 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,050 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 1 configuration for the 2020 Nissan Sentra, all with the 2L 4-cyl engine. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 40 | 33 (29/39) | 167 | $2,050 |
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 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2020 Nissan Sentra
Running Costs: 2020 Nissan Sentra
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2020 Nissan Sentra at 40 mpg combined, expect roughly 909 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,050 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.
2020 Nissan Sentra Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2020 Nissan Sentra (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Steering (2), Back over prevention (1), Exterior lighting (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Back over prevention — campaign 23V628000, reported 8 September 2023. Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Steering — campaign 23V581000, reported 15 August 2023. Risk: A bent tie rod can break and cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Exterior lighting — campaign 22V244000, reported 13 April 2022. Risk: An improperly aimed headlight may reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Steering — campaign 21V461000, reported 17 June 2021. Risk: A bent tie rod can break, causing a loss of steering control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 206 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The most-reported areas are Forward collision avoidance (60), Steering (55), Unspecified (47). Complaints include 8 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 180 complaints across the 17 Nissan Sentra model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2020 Nissan Sentra
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Steering (2 recall campaigns · 55 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Driver-assist sensors (60 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
- Electrical system (45 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 2020 Nissan Sentra's 40 mpg is 11 mpg above that make average. Its 167 g/km CO₂ figure is 73 g/km lower than the 240 g/km Nissan average.
Of the 17 Nissan Sentra model years we cover, the 2020 ranks 3rd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (40 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 2020 Nissan Sentra
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2020 Nissan Sentra have?
It's fitted with a 2L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Nissan Sentra?
The most efficient configuration returns around 40 mpg (UK) combined, or 33 mpg on the US EPA cycle.
How much does the 2020 Nissan Sentra cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,050 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 2020 Nissan Sentra have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2020 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2020 Nissan Sentra (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Steering (2), Back over prevention (1), Exterior lighting (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 2020 Nissan Sentra?
Among the 206 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Forward collision avoidance (60 complaints), Steering (55 complaints), Unspecified (47 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 2020 Nissan Sentra have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.