Nissan Versa Vs. Nissan Sentra: Which Compact Sedan Is Better?
If you are looking for an affordable compact sedan that packs in a lot of modern style and features, it's only natural to consider a Nissan Versa vs. Sentra comparison. For a small car that offers impressive fuel efficiency and a fun drive, along with smooth handling and ample space inside, both of these Nissan models are top picks. So, how do you decide between them?
Compare the new Nissan Versa vs. Sentra here, where you can get a detailed review of similarities and differences in specs and features. When you're ready to slide behind the wheel, come by DARCARS Nissan of Rockville.
Nissan Versa vs. Sentra at a Glance
- The Versa and Sentra are two affordable and small Nissan sedans, with the main difference being that the exterior 2025 Nissan Versa dimensions are more compact than the Sentra
- The 2025 Nissan Sentra makes more power, but the 2025 Nissan Versa is a more efficient vehicle and can also be equipped with a manual transmission
- Nissan Versa vs. Sentra features are fairly equal, but the affordable Versa does come standard with fewer amenities than the Sentra
- Both are available in multiple trim levels and ready for you to test-drive at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville
2025 Nissan Versa vs. 2025 Nissan Sentra Dimensions
| Specification | Versa | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 177 in | 182.9 in |
| Width | 68.5 in | 71.5 in |
| Height | 57.5 - 57.7 in | 56.9 - 57 in |
| Turning Circle Diameter | 34.8 ft | 35.5 ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom (Front / Rear) | 39.5 / 36.3 in | 37.5 - 38.9 / 36.7 in |
| Legroom (Front / Rear) | 44.5 / 31 in | 43.8 / 34.9 in |
| Trunk Space | 14.7 - 15 cu ft | 14.3 cu ft |
Nissan Versa vs. Sentra Performance
When comparing Nissan Sentra vs. Nissan Versa specs, you will find that both cars offer ample power and efficiency for your everyday commuting and errand running. However, performance differs in a few key ways.
For starters, the Nissan Versa sedan's 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is slightly less powerful than the Nissan Sentra car's 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This isn't all bad, as it means the Versa has the edge in fuel efficiency. Additionally, the Versa offers a manual transmission option, whereas the Sentra does not.
Explore the maximum horsepower, torque, and fuel ratings for the 2025 Nissan Versa and 2025 Nissan Sentra below.
2025 Nissan Versa Engine
- Horsepower: 122
- Torque: 114 pound-feet
- EPA-Estimated MPG: 32/40/35 (City/Highway/Combined)1
2025 Nissan Sentra Engine
- Horsepower: 149
- Torque: 146 pound-feet
- EPA-Estimated MPG: 30/40/34 (City/Highway/Combined)1
Nissan Versa vs. Nissan Sentra Trim Options
The Nissan Versa and Nissan Sentra provide a great selection of trims to check out. The Sentra has four trims available, and the Versa features three trims.
2025 Nissan Versa Trim Levels
- Versa S
- Versa SV
- Versa SR
2025 Nissan Sentra Trim Levels
- Sentra S
- Sentra SV
- Sentra SR
- Sentra SR Midnight Edition
Nissan Versa vs. Sentra Features
You will find many standard and available features for each Nissan model, some of which are shared between the cars. When comparing Nissan Versa vs. Sentra amenities, you see these models both come standard with Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, cloth seat trim, a six-way manual driver's seat, a 7-inch touchscreen, four speakers, and more.
The Sentra, however, has a higher starting price. With this comes more impressive standard features, including Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Meanwhile, the Versa offers Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as optional in its base trim, and its 60/40-split function is equipped in the second trim level.
As for upgrades, the Sentra boasts a power sliding glass moonroof as an option, and it offers features like heated power seats, a Bose® sound system, an 8-inch touchscreen, and quilted leather upholstery in higher trims. The Versa has heated front seats and an 8-inch touchscreen, but it lacks options like Bose® audio, leather seats, and a moonroof.
Conversely, the Versa boasts a fun five-speed manual transmission option, while the Sentra is only equipped with a CVT. It is also the only car in this comparison to offer an available wireless charging pad.

Nissan Versa vs. Sentra Exterior Colors
Take a look at the 12 Sentra colors and eight Versa colors available below.
2025 Nissan Sentra Colors
- Fresh Powder
- Aspen White TriCoat
- Atlantic Gray Metallic
- Gun Metallic
- Scarlet Ember Tintcoat
- Rosewood Metallic
- Electric Blue Metallic
- Super Black
- Two-tone Aspen White TriCoat and Super Black
- Two-tone Atlantic Gray Metallic and Super Black
- Two-tone Monarch Orange Metallic and Super Black
- Two-tone Electric Blue Metallic and Super Black
2025 Nissan Versa Colors
- Fresh Powder
- Aspen White TriCoat
- Brilliant Silver Metallic
- Gun Metallic
- Gray Sky Pearl
- Scarlet Ember Tintcoat
- Arctic Ice Blue Metallic
- Super Black

Shop for a Nissan Versa or Nissan Sentra at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville
Overall, you can't go wrong with the Nissan Versa or Nissan Sentra in Rockville, MD. What you will gravitate toward will depend on your wants and needs. For more room, power, and standard features, consider the Sentra over the Versa. If fuel efficiency or agility are more important, or if you desire a manual transmission, check out the Versa.
We invite you to explore financing and leasing opportunities for your top pick today. We look forward to serving you soon and answering any further questions about Nissan Versa vs. Sentra reliability, exterior features, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Nissan Versa or Sentra?
One Nissan car isn't better than the other; however, one may be more suitable for your lifestyle depending on what you want and need in a vehicle. For instance, the Nissan Sentra offers more power and standard features, while the Nissan Versa provides greater cargo room and a higher fuel rating. Plus, the new Versa has a lower starting MSRP than the Sentra.
Is the Nissan Versa bigger than the Sentra?
The Nissan Versa is not as long or as wide as the Sentra; it is 177 inches long and 68.5 inches wide, while the Sentra is 182.9 and 71.5 inches, respectively. However, you will find slightly more legroom in the front row of the Versa, along with a larger maximum cargo capacity of 15 cubic feet compared to the Sentra and its 14.3 cubic feet.
Is a Versa or Sentra more affordable?
Both cars are great if you're looking for an affordable new sedan, but the Nissan Versa offers a lower starting price than the Nissan Sentra. With that said, this does result in the Versa offering fewer standard features. For example, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility is an available upgrade, rather than a standard amenity as seen in the Sentra. Contact us for more details today.
Do the Versa and Sentra have the same transmission?
The Nissan Sentra comes standard with an Xtronic CVT in every trim. The Nissan Versa offers the choice of a five-speed manual and an Xtronic CVT in its base trim; all remaining variants are standard with the Xtronic CVT. Both sedans are exclusively configured with FWD and have one engine option, with the Sentra delivering more horsepower and torque than the Versa. The Versa, however, earns greater MPG.