If you’re looking for an affordable compact car with visual appeal, the 2022 Nissan Sentra has a lot to offer. The Sentra features an impressive list of standard active safety features and a cabin that provides excellent comfort and convenience. You won’t find a turbocharged engine in its lineup, but for the price, it’s stylish and well-equipped. So, what does the 2022 Nissan Sentra cost when fully loaded with all the bells and whistles? Additionally, is it worth it?

How much is a fully loaded 2022 Nissan Sentra?

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offers three trim levels (or grades) according to Car and Driver: S, SV, and SR. All trims get the same powertrain with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), and front-wheel drive. It has a power output of 149 horsepower, which doesn’t offer a lot of excitement.

The base S model does have a long list of driver-assist features and tech. With a starting MSRP of $20,485, you get a 7-inch touch screen for the infotainment system along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s also a four-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. 

It has Blind-Spot Monitoring, Forward-Collision Warning, Forward and Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning features that enhance the Sentra’s safety. You also get Automatic High-Beam Headlights, a Driver Attention Monitor, Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and a rearview camera.

The mid-range SV models have an MSRP of $21,545. With this model, you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a larger 8-inch touch screen, and a 7-inch digital driver display. There’s upgraded cloth upholstery, a six-speaker stereo system, two additional USB ports, and a passenger seatback pocket. You also get Adaptive Cruise Control, alloy wheels, Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Proximity Keyless Entry, remote start, and satellite radio. 

The top trim is the SR which has a starting MSRP of $23,075. This model gets cloth seats with orange stitching, a dark chrome V-motion grille, fog lights, a chrome-tipped exhaust, and a rear spoiler. 

Would the Nissan Altima be a better choice?

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a stylish midsize sedan that starts at $25,525, according to Car and Driver. For that price, the base model features cloth upholstery, a Push-Button Start, Proximity Keyless Entry, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. It also has a 7-inch touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, satellite radio, voice recognition, and six speakers.

The Altima base model offers a rearview camera, Driver Drowsiness Monitoring, Forward Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Detection, and Lane Departure Warning. For $475 more, you can add the Driver Assist package, which adds a 360-degree parking camera system, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and rear parking sensors. Lastly, you can get a turbocharged engine for a more dynamic ride, but not with the base model. You’d have to upgrade to the SR trim, starting at $26,250. You can also get all-wheel drive but not with the base model S.

Which 2022 Nissan Sentra trim level should you buy? 

The best trim for the money would be the SV. You can also add the SV Premium package, which gives you a larger 8-inch touch screen, Adaptive Cruise control, and Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control. It also adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, heated front seats, a leather shift knob, quilted leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a sunroof.

However, if a thrilling driving experience is essential to you, you may want to upgrade to the Altima’s turbocharged engine option.