Given the volatility of gasoline prices and the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels, fuel efficiency is one of the most critical qualities that many automotive consumers look for in a vehicle. If you're among today's growing fuel-conscious crowd, then the compact car segment offers you the best set of options on the market.
In this segment, the Nissan Sentra is consistently one of the best-selling models. The Sentra series has long held a reputation for being an affordable and practical everyday vehicle. The 2024 model year upholds that reputation while stirring up significant anticipation with a refreshed design and terrific fuel economy. See how the latest in the line perfectly represents Nissan's commitment to offering a balance of efficiency, performance, and value.
Fuel Economy
The estimated fuel economy of the 2024 Nissan Sentra varies slightly depending on the trim level you choose. The base-model S trim and the midrange SV both get 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway for a combined fuel economy of 34 mpg. That places it within the top 10 most fuel-efficient vehicles of 2024, according to Kelley Blue Book. The fuel economy takes a slight dip with the range-topping SR trim, but even that gets an excellent 30 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined.
Each of these fuel economy figures improves on the previous model year. Nissan attributes the improvements to the 2024 Sentra's new XTRONIC continuously variable transmission (CVT) and idle stop-start system. The XTRONIC CVT not only has a broader transmission ratio than most other automatic vehicles but is also lighter and more compact. Meanwhile, the idle stop-start system automatically turns the engine off and on in response to braking, which prevents excessive fuel consumption.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood of every 2024 Sentra is a 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine that pairs with a front-wheel drivetrain and the aforementioned XTRONIC CVT. With 149 hp, 146 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum engine speed of 6,400 rpm, you can expect a zero-to-60 time of about 9 seconds. The Sentra also decelerates quickly; it's capable of braking from 70 mph to a complete stop in 170 feet.
Eco-Friendly Features
Here are the principal mechanical and design elements that the 2024 Sentra incorporates for improved eco-friendliness.
XTRONIC CVT
Nissan's XTRONIC CVT is leaner than other automatic transmissions. Specifically, it weighs 13% less and is 10% smaller, which allows it to improve the Sentra's fuel efficiency by at least 10%.
Idle Stop-Start
The idle stop-start system automatically turns off your vehicle's engine when you come to a complete stop and turns it back on when you release your foot from the brake. This system ensures that you aren't using more fuel than you have to, effectively helping you save at the pump and reduce your carbon emissions in the long term.
Aerodynamic Design
An aerodynamic design contributes significantly to the refreshed look of the 2024 Sentra. The gist of it is that a more streamlined body leaves less physical area for the wind to catch and affect steering. Therefore, the more aerodynamic a vehicle's design, the more fuel-efficient the vehicle is likely to be.
Eco Mode
The 2024 Sentra features multiple drive modes, including Eco Mode, which is designed to maximize your vehicle's fuel economy.
You activate Eco Mode by pressing the designated switch on the instrument panel, located near the steering wheel. Doing so illuminates the associated ECO indicator light on the dash. When activated, Eco Mode regulates your vehicle's transmission, power delivery to the engine, and throttle sensitivity, ultimately reducing accelerator responsiveness to prevent bursts of speed. This keeps the vehicle from consuming excessive fuel.
Eco Mode is best suited for times when you can maintain a constant speed for long stretches of road, such as on the freeway. For ordinary stop-and-go driving, the normal driving mode is ideal.
The Driving Experience
The 2024 Sentra's fuel efficiency helps to offer you a dependable driving experience free of anxiety about gas mileage. In just its normal driving mode, you can complete long-distance road trips without breaking the bank at the pump. Say, for instance, you're traveling from Tracy, California, to Los Angeles — a distance of around 320 miles. With a combined fuel economy of 34 mpg and a fuel tank capacity of 12.4 gallons, the 2024 Sentra can cover that distance on a single tank with plenty of fuel to spare.
Competitors of the 2024 Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra has a lot of fuel-efficient competition in the compact car segment, yet it still holds up in its class. Here's how some of the 2024 Sentra's gas-powered competitors stack up against its 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway fuel economy:
- Mazda3: With the sedan body, the 2024 Mazda3 gets 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The hatchback model has lower fuel economy with 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
- Subaru Impreza: The 2024 Impreza sees a dip in fuel economy from the previous year, netting 26 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- Volkswagen Jetta: Three out of four trim levels of the 2024 Jetta get an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
Get Behind the Wheel of a 2024 Nissan Sentra in Tracy, California
It's tough to beat the Nissan Sentra in terms of everyday use and long-term practicality. Also, with a starting MSRP of just $20,790, the 2024 Sentra offers tremendous savings as soon as you roll off the lot.
If you're interested in a new Sentra or any of our other new Nissan models, feel free to get in touch with us at Tracy Nissan. You can also check out our new-vehicle specials and complete a financing application online. When you're ready to get behind the wheel, come and see us for a test drive at 3195 N. Naglee Road in Tracy, California.
