It’s not easy to sell a plethora of buyers on small compact sedans in the SUV age, but there are still plenty from which to choose. The Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3, Kia Forte, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra all have strong points. Among those, the Sentra isn’t the cheapest, fastest, or most economical, technological or pragmatic. However, I recently tested the 2024 Nissan Sentra SV to review, and found it was a mostly pleasurable experience. It may not lead the pack among compact sedans, but it’s certainly worth considering.

Overall comfort is where the Sentra shines. Ride quality is supple around town. You won’t confuse it for a luxury-badged sedan, but it has no issue soaking up road imperfections. Passenger space up front is solid, and the seats are comfortable and supportive. Surprisingly in the compact class, those attributes apply to the rear seats. Average adults won’t feel cramped or uncomfortable in the rear on longer journeys.

Interior storage space is decent enough for most, and the 14.3-cubic-foot trunk is more than the Corolla or Mazda3 offer.

The Sentra’s standard 7-inch or optional 8-inch touchscreen isn’t the most attractive system on the market. In fact, it looks a bit outdated. However, the system, along with plenty of traditional buttons and knobs, makes using it a sinch.

The base models comes fairly well equipped with remote keyless entry/push-button start and a suite of driver’s aids. The midgrade SV model adds adaptive cruise control, additional USB ports, rear disc brakes, two more audio speakers and more.

The 2024 Sentra’s starting price of just over $22,000 MSRP makes it among the lowest priced in the class. Its standard features gives it solid value prospects.

Overall then, the Sentra is generally good. But some of its little touches add up to improve its standing.

The Sentra’s bodywork, for one. It’s stylish all over without being garish. I was staggered by the pleasant “thump” of the doors closing. It’s not sarcasm to say it’s the kind of solid, well-built feel and noise luxury automakers strive for. Nissan has also dismissed piano black trim for a texture print, which I appreciate. Opt for the $2,520 SV Premium Package (which was fitted to my tester) and there’s tan upholstery and quilted seats. It also nets buyers a sunroof, 17-inch alloys, a power-adjustable driver’s seat and Bose audio. The circular air vents in the dash add a bit more of an upmarket flash. They look like they’ve come from a Mercedes-Benz.

The Sentra’s acceleration quickly erases that façade, however.

Unquestionably the Sentra’s biggest drawback is its woeful grunt. My right foot is rather heavy, but even those who are typically gentle with the throttle will be mashing the Sentra’s to the floor. Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, which is about what you get in the Forte and a bit less than the Corolla, paired with a CVT. However, the Sentra’s acceleration is like a an overweight, out-of-shape guy trying to run. A guy like me, that is. I can “get off the line” quick enough, but I quickly run out of steam. It’s the same in the Sentra.

The setup doesn’t deliver stellar fuel economy either. Its 33 combined mpg rating is about average for the class.

Still, the Sentra doesn’t disappoint overall. If you want a compact sedan with pep, have the Mazda3. Prioritizing a complete package will land you in a Civic, but you’ll be paying thousands more than the Nissan. The Forte is a bit cheaper, but more pragmatic and just as lethargic under acceleration. The Corolla is solid all around, but lacks the small things the Sentra does well. The Elantra is a champion of value, but not all appreciate its styling.

To review, the 2024 Sentra, remains a good overall choice for those shopping its segment. It doesn’t lead in any major category, but as a package, it hits the mark.