Sunday Drive: 2025 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SV – A compact sedan with big capabilities
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- Deanne with the new 2025 Nissan Sentra after we arrived at Sundance Mountain Resort for a break and a quick hot chocolate in the snow.
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- Inside the 2025 Nissan Sentra.
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- The 2025 Nissan Sentra.
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- Inside the 2025 Nissan Sentra.
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- The 2025 Nissan Sentra.
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- Inside the 2025 Nissan Sentra.
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- The 2025 Nissan Sentra.
There’s nothing quite like a winter drive up Provo Canyon, where the towering peaks of Mount Timpanogos and the crisp mountain air combine to create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable “Sunday Drive.” This week, we took the 2025 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SV up the winding roads to Sundance Mountain Resort, eager to see how this affordable, fuel-efficient compact sedan would handle real-world mountain driving conditions including a wet rain- and snow-filled experience.
While compact sedans aren’t typically the go-to choice for mountain adventures in the Beehive State, we were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable, capable and tech-packed the new Sentra was. After a full day of driving both highways and winding canyon roads in very different winter weather conditions, we came away impressed with the Nissan Sentra’s capabilities and efficiency.
Refreshed design with an upscale touch
Nissan has subtly updated the Sentra for 2025, and the changes enhanced its sporty character. The V-motion grille, paired with new LED headlights, gave the Sentra a modern, aggressive stance that sets it apart from other compact sedans. Our SV trim tester came in Scarlet Ember with Gun Metallic accents, making it look sleek and stylish against the snow-draped scenery of Sundance.
As we made our way up the canyon, we appreciated how solid and planted the Sentra felt, even on stretches of wet and slushy pavement. The added 17-inch alloy wheels (thank to the Premium Package upgrade) and well-tuned suspension provided a smooth and surprisingly composed ride, soaking up road imperfections while still maintaining responsive handling.
Interior comfort for the winter drive
Stepping inside, we immediately noticed how premium the Sentra’s cabin felt for a compact car. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, designed for long-distance comfort, provided excellent support on our hour-long drive to Sundance. These seats are some of the best in the segment, rivaling those found in more expensive sedans. The addition of quilted leather to them was also not lost on us, again coming from the well worth it Premium Package upgrade.
The dual-zone automatic climate control was another standout, keeping the cabin cozy despite the cool winter temperatures outside. Heated front seats were included with the SV Premium Package, which are a must for Utah winters.
The Sentra’s infotainment system was easy to use, featuring an 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We paired our phones seamlessly and enjoyed playing our favorite podcasts through the six-speaker audio system as we climbed toward Sundance.
On the road: Performance and handling in the canyon
Under the hood, the 2025 Sentra is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT, it’s designed for efficiency rather than speed — but we found it to be surprisingly capable on our mountain drive.
As we navigated the winding roads of Provo Canyon, we found that the Sentra handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and minimal body roll. While the naturally aspirated engine isn’t the most powerful in its class, it provided enough pep when we switched into Sport mode for added throttle response on steep inclines.
Where the Sentra really shines is fuel economy. We averaged 35 mpg for our weekly drive which is outstanding for a non-hybrid compact sedan in everyday and mountain driving. With an EPA rating of 30 city, 40 highway and 34 combined mpg, the Sentra is one of the most efficient cars in its segment, making it an excellent choice for commuters and road-trippers alike.
Although the Sentra is front-wheel drive only, it felt stable and surefooted on the wet, slushy roads leading up to the resort. While dedicated winter tires would improve traction in heavier snow conditions, the Sentra’s chassis and traction control system provided confident handling throughout our drive.
Safety features that shine in winter conditions
With icy patches and unpredictable mountain weather, having the right safety features makes all the difference. Fortunately, the Sentra comes standard with Nissan’s Safety Shield 360, which includes:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
- Blind-spot warning.
- Rear cross-traffic alert.
- Lane departure warning.
- Rear automatic braking.
- High beam assist.
The adaptive cruise control (available on SV trims and higher) made our highway drive stress free, adjusting our speed smoothly when approaching slower traffic.
One of the most useful features in a snowy parking lot was the Intelligent Around View Monitor, available with the SV Premium Package. This 360-degree camera system made maneuvering into tight spaces at the resort much easier, especially with snowbanks limiting visibility.
Sundance arrival: A compact sedan with big comfort
After our drive, we arrived at Sundance Mountain Resort, where we parked among a sea of larger SUVs and trucks. But despite its compact size, the Sentra’s trunk space was more than sufficient, offering 14.3 cubic feet of cargo room — enough for winter gear, duffel bags and extra layers.
While we didn’t hit the slopes this time, we took the opportunity to enjoy a hot chocolate at the Sundance lodge, appreciating the quiet, cozy atmosphere before heading back down the canyon.
On the return trip, we noticed how relaxing and refined the Sentra felt, with low road noise and a smooth ride, making it ideal for longer drives.
At the end of the week: A compact sedan that punches above its weight
The 2025 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SV proved that a compact sedan can be fuel-efficient, comfortable and stylish — without sacrificing capability. While SUVs dominate the market, the Sentra offers a compelling alternative for those who want a practical, well-equipped car that delivers excellent mpg.
Its refined interior, tech features and impressive fuel economy make it a great choice for daily driving and even weekend getaways to the mountains.
Whether you’re navigating city streets or heading up Provo Canyon for a scenic Sunday drive, the 2025 Sentra is a surprisingly capable companion — proving once again that good things really do come in small packages.
Base price: $22,200
Destination charge: $1,140
Price as driven: $28,038
