Ford Focus vs Nissan Sentra
This page compares the Ford Focus and the Nissan Sentra across the 9 model years both appear in our data (2010–2018). Both are classed as Saloon/Sedan on this site. On its most efficient configuration the Ford Focus averages about 38 mpg (UK) against 37 mpg for the Nissan Sentra. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Nissan Sentra (3.3 against 7.6), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2010–2018
| Measure | Ford Focus | Nissan Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 38 | 37 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 176 | 177 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,144 | $2,156 |
| Average passenger volume (cu ft, EPA) | 91 | 96 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 6 of 7 | 0 of 8 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 7.6 | 3.3 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 1445 | 280 |
| Engine options across these years | 4 | 4 |
Year by Year
| Year | Ford Focus MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Nissan Sentra MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 34 | — | 0 | 287 | 35 | — | 3 | 144 |
| 2011 | 35 | — | 0 | 113 | 35 | 4★ | 2 | 142 |
| 2012 | 37 | 4★ | 8 | 3,802 | 35 | 4★ | 0 | 180 |
| 2013 | 36 | 5★ | 12 | 2,181 | 40 | 4★ | 6 | 638 |
| 2014 | 36 | 5★ | 12 | 2,657 | 40 | 4★ | 5 | 380 |
| 2015 | 38 | 5★ | 9 | 1,032 | 38 | 4★ | 3 | 351 |
| 2016 | 41 | 5★ | 10 | 1,192 | 38 | 4★ | 6 | 270 |
| 2017 | 41 | 5★ | 10 | 904 | 38 | 4★ | 3 | 230 |
| 2018 | 41 | 5★ | 7 | 835 | 38 | 4★ | 2 | 185 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Ford Focus · Nissan Sentra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Ford Focus or the Nissan Sentra?
On its most efficient configuration the Ford Focus averages about 38 mpg (UK) against 37 mpg for the Nissan Sentra. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Ford Focus has 6 of 7 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Nissan Sentra has 0 of 8. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Ford Focus averages 7.6 recall campaigns and 1445 owner complaints; the Nissan Sentra averages 3.3 and 280. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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