Used 2021 Nissan Sentra for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Nissan Sentra cost?

Prices have softened 6.70% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,832 listings available, which suggests you have room to compare prices and condition across the market.

If you find a listing below $15,035.88, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Sentra earns a 4.83/5 user rating and a 7.17/10 expert rating, which points to broad appeal on both ownership and editorial evaluation.

The model scores 8/10 across Cost effectiveness and Safety.

Owners consistently praise its stylish interior, safety features, and fuel efficiency. The overall feedback also points to a car that feels reliable and dependable for everyday use, with long-term satisfaction showing up in owner comments.

The trade-offs are familiar: the cabin can be noisy, and some owners wish for more trunk space. The expert review also notes that performance is adequate rather than exciting, so this is more about easy commuting than spirited driving.

For you, that means the Sentra makes the most sense if you want a compact sedan that feels more polished than basic, especially for commuting, first-car duty, or value-focused shopping.

With 25.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s a meaningful amount of attractive inventory to shop.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra reliable?

Owners rate it 4.83/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback repeatedly points to reliability, dependability, and a car you can count on, especially for everyday use. The expert review also describes it as reliable and a strong value choice, which reinforces the sense that it is built for steady ownership rather than short-term novelty.

The cost-effectiveness review also frames it as a car that can serve you well for years, which is exactly the kind of language used when a model is expected to age reasonably well.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright fragility and more about buying a neglected example, so condition and maintenance history matter a lot.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Nissan Sentra?

At 69.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a careful inspection of body panels, paint consistency, and signs of prior repair. It also makes sense to focus on cabin condition, tire wear, and how the car drives at low speeds and on the highway.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The S trim is the base model, while SV adds some tech, rear disc brakes, and nicer interior materials; SR has the nicest interior appointment and exclusive options.
• Powertrain: All models use a 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder with 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT. Fuel economy is 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for SR models.
• Safety package: Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard and includes intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear-view camera, rear sonar, high-beam assist, and intelligent driver alertness. SV and SR add intelligent cruise control, and SR can be upgraded with a 360-degree camera system.
• Infotainment: The S gets a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR get an 8-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and wireless phone integration is not mentioned.
• Fuel efficiency: The Sentra returns 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined in S and SV trims, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined in SR trim.

Which 2021 Nissan Sentra trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Sentra is offered in 3 trim levels: S, SV, SR.

Here's the short version:

• S: This is the value play if you want the lowest entry price and still want standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It is the simplest trim, but it still covers the essentials well.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds nicer interior materials, rear disc brakes, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and intelligent cruise control. If you want the most balanced mix of price, comfort, and equipment, this is the one to target.
• SR: This is the most upscale version, with the nicest interior appointment, 18-inch alloy wheels, and access to exclusive options like NissanConnect and the around-view monitor. It makes sense if you want the most features and the most polished feel.

Safety Shield 360 is standard across the lineup, while intelligent cruise control is limited to SV and SR, and the 360-degree camera is available only on SR.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Nissan Sentra?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but should move quickly on strong examples.

• Deal availability: 25.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,832 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.70% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 69.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $15,035.88, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Nissan Sentra's resale value?

The current average of $15,564 sits slightly below last year's $16,682.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a better entry point today. For a future seller, that also means resale value will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how well the car has been maintained.

Because the Sentra is still viewed as a strong value proposition, a clean, well-kept example should remain easier to move than a neglected one. The current market also shows that buyers are still willing to consider it when the price is right.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.83/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Nissan Sentra safe?

The 2021 Nissan Sentra received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and it includes intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear-view camera, rear sonar, high-beam assist, and intelligent driver alertness.

Base S models get standard cruise control, while SV and SR models add intelligent cruise control. SR models can also be upgraded with a 360-degree camera system.

Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Sentra or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 25.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 69.8% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.70% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.83/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 Sentra combines a polished redesign with strong safety, value, and efficiency.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $14,932, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $15,564 average.
• It delivers major style, tech, and driving-dynamics upgrades over the older Sentra.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $17,134, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $15,564 average.
• It stays easy to live with, comfortable, and stylish for daily use.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and everyday polish, the 2021 is the smart default. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money while keeping much of the same appeal. If you’re willing to spend more for a newer model-year alternative, the 2022 remains a sensible step up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.