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Are you on the hunt for a reliable and fun-to-drive compact car? Two of the top choices for the compact car segment are the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra. See how they stack up in this 2022 Honda Civic vs. 2022 Nissan Sentra compact car death battle.

2022 Honda Civic vs. 2022 Nissan Sentra

Aegean Blue Metallic 2022 Honda Civic driving on a street at night
Aegean Blue Metallic 2022 Honda Civic | Honda

For this 2022 Honda Civic vs. 2022 Nissan Sentra comparison, we analyzed several different factors. This includes performance, efficiency, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, and price. The Sentra is only available in a sedan model, while the Civic offers sedan and hatchback versions. We note the differences when applicable.

Civic vs. Sentra: Performance

Aspen White TriCoat 2022 Nissan Sentra parked near a large building
Aspen White TriCoat 2022 Nissan Sentra | Nissan

Buyers of the standard 2022 Honda Civic have a choice of two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (158 hp) and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (180 hp). Also, the sporty Civic Si has another iteration of the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 200 hp.

If you desire an even more powerful driving experience, then you can get the Civic Type R model, which is available only in a hatchback. Honda has not yet announced the official specs of the 2022 Civic Type R, but its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will have a higher horsepower output than the 306-hp version in the 2021 Civic Type R.

In comparison, the 2022 Nissan Sentra only offers one powertrain option: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder four-cylinder engine (149 hp). Neither compact cars offer an all-wheel drive system. Only front-wheel drive is available.

Civic vs. Sentra: Efficiency 

On the efficiency front, the Civic has a slight advantage. It has an estimated fuel economy of up to 33 city/42 highway mpg, compared to 29 city/39 highway mpg for the Sentra. 

Civic vs. Sentra: Safety

The Civic also has the advantage for safety. Unlike the Sentra, it offers cross-traffic alert and lane-keeping assist driving assistance features.

Civic vs. Sentra: Passenger and cargo space

While both compact cars can seat up to five people, the Civic has more passenger space than the Sentra. The total passenger volume of the Civic is 99.0 cu-ft, compared to 96.0 cu-ft for the Sentra.

For storage space, the Civic Sedan has a cargo capacity of 14.8 cu-ft, and the Civic Hatchback has a capacity of 24.5 cu-ft. In comparison, the Sentra provides 14.3 cu-ft of storage space.

Civic vs. Sentra: Interior features and technology

For interior features and technologies, it’s an even match. The cabin of the Civic is a little more upscale with higher quality materials compared to the Sentra. Also, unlike the Sentra, the Civic offers HD Radio and a navigation system. However, only the Sentra offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and a heated steering wheel. 

Civic vs. Sentra: Warranty coverage

The Civic and Sentra have similar types of warranty coverage. Both compact cars are backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

Civic vs. Sentra: Price

Which compact car costs more: the 2022 Civic or 2022 Nissan Sentra? The starting prices of the standard 2022 Civic models range from $21,900 MSRP for the Civic Sedan LX trim up to $29,400 MSRP for the Civic Hatchback Sport Touring trim. Also, while Honda did not yet announce the price information for the 2022 Civic Type R, it will likely cost slightly more than the 2021 Civic Type R, which has a starting price of $37,895 MSRP.

In comparison, the starting prices for the 2022 Sentra range from $19,610 MSRP for the S trim up to $22,200 MSRP for the SR trim.

2022 Honda Civic vs. 2022 Nissan Sentra: Which compact car is better?

For this 2022 Honda Civic vs. 2022 Nissan Sentra compact car death battle, the Civic dominates the Sentra in many ways. This includes performance, efficiency, safety, and passenger and cargo space. For the 2022 Sentra, the only advantage is a more affordable price.

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