2016 Nissan Sentra Remains Affordable

CARS.COM — Updated for 2016, the Nissan Sentra remains pretty darn affordable. The compact sedan goes on sale today with a starting price of $17,615, including a destination fee. That’s up $250 versus the 2015 Sentra, and it gets you a six-speed-manual Sentra S. A continuously variable automatic transmission adds $850 to the S and is standard on the higher SV, SR and SL trims.

Related: 2016 Nissan Sentra: First Impressions

Sentra S ($17,615): Standard features include power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, cruise control, steering-wheel audio controls, automatic headlights, a USB port, and Bluetooth phone but not audio streaming.

The FE+ Package (which stands for fuel efficiency) is an additional $400 and adds low-rolling-resistance tires and a few aerodynamic enhancements that bump EPA-estimated combined gas mileage to 34 mpg, up 2 mpg versus other CVT-equipped Sentras. The manual Sentra is EPA-rated at 30 mpg combined.

Sentra SV ($19,385): The automatic-only SV adds a 5-inch stereo display with a backup camera and Bluetooth audio streaming — essential conveniences in any small car these days. With comparable features, a 2016 Toyota Corolla costs $19,500, and a 2016 Hyundai Elantra runs just shy of $20,000. The 2016 Honda Civic, 2016 Ford Focus and 2015 Chevrolet Cruze all exceed $20,000. (Chevrolet has yet to price out all features on the 2016 Cruze.) If value is crucial, the Sentra is a good bet.

The SV also gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless access with push-button start and Apple’s Siri Eyes Free voice recognition, but Nissan says Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are unavailable. Sixteen-inch alloy wheels are optional.

Sentra SR ($21,245): The SR adds heated side mirrors and heated cloth seats, both of which are optional on the SV. It also gets rear disc brakes versus the drums on the S and SV, plus a rear spoiler, some racier ground effects, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and LED low-beam headlights.

Sentra SL ($23,005): The SL loses the SR’s ground effects but adds heated leather upholstery, a power driver’s seat, a blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert and a larger (5.8-inch) stereo display with a navigation system and a few integrated apps. All of those features are optional on the SR, and some are available on the SV. Dual-zone automatic climate control is exclusive to the SL.

A moonroof is optional on all trim levels except the S, and Bose premium audio is optional on the SR and SL. Optional on the SR and SL, a Technology Package includes adaptive cruise control and a forward collision alert with automatic braking.

Loaded with factory options, the SL tops out around $26,000 — comparable to its factory-loaded rivals.