The 8th-generation Sentra lives large, reigning 2.4 inches wider and 2.2 inches lower than the previous model. That girth gain underscores an agile ride and handling disposition, making a week-long test drive of this compact sedan extremely pleasurable. The 2020 Sentra debuts an all- new platform, which isn’t shared (yet) with any other Nissan vehicle. That platform features an independent, multi-link rear suspension, a change from the car’s prior torsion beam rear axle. Sentra gets Nissan’s NASA-inspired Zero Gravity seats. Driver and front passenger sit in a highly comfortable, supportive body position that eliminates that “tired-thigh” feeling during long rides.

Powering the 2020 Sentra is a new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 149 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 146 pounds-feet of torque at 4400 rpm. That’s a 20 percent horsepower jump and 17 percent torque increase versus the prior 1.8-liter 4 cylinder engine. The new engine mates to the Xtronic continuously variable transmission. Sentra now sports a dual pinion rack electric power steering system versus an electric power assisted steering set-up. Front wheel drive Sentra (available in S, SV, and SR trims) has ample trunk space at 14.3 cubic feet. The tested 106.8-inch wheelbase Sentra SR Premium carries a base MSRP of $21,430 and collects estimated mpg of 28 city/37 highway.