Shopping for a smart, reliable, compact sedan in 2025? Have you considered the Nissan Sentra? It's got name recognition, a solid reputation, and updated tech. But how does it compare to the ever-popular Honda Civic? Let’s dig into the details of the best compact sedans under $30k in 2025!
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Sentra starts at $22,730, undercutting the Civic’s base price pretty considerably. (Prices effective June 8, 2025.)
- The Sentra SV now includes NissanConnect with Wi-Fi and app integration.
- Both are fuel-efficient, but the Sentra offers similar mileage at a lower cost.
- There is a Civic hybrid, but for the purposes of this article, we’re only reviewing gas powered models.
Trim and Pricing Breakdown of the Nissan Sentra vs. Honda Civic
The Sentra gives you access to upper-trim features at Civic base-trim prices. That’s a huge win if you want comfort and tech without creeping into $30K territory. Here are the breakdowns for both:
- S: $22,730
- SV: $23,430
- SR: $25,730
- LX sedan: $25,400
- Sport sedan: $27,400
- Sport hatchback: $28,600
Nissan Sentra vs. Honda Civic Tech and Interior Creature Comforts
Sure, the Civic has a slick interior. But to get its 9.0-inch touchscreen, built-in nav, or 12-speaker Bose audio, you need to step all the way up to the Sport Touring trim, and that will cost more. It otherwise comes standard with a 7.0-inch touchscreen.
With the low-priced 2025 Sentra SV, you already get NissanConnect with a Wi-Fi hotspot, 8.0-inch touchscreen, and smartphone integration. If you’re more focused on function than flash, the Sentra’s layout is cleaner and simpler and gets you connected right away.
Nissan uses a blend of soft-touch and harder plastics throughout, but the areas you actually touch most often feel upscale—especially in models with quilted leather upholstery, which gives the cabin a more premium vibe than you'd expect at this price.
Up front, the Zero Gravity seats are a real highlight. They’re roomy, super supportive, and designed to keep you comfortable even on long drives. Add the available sunroof, and you’ll lose a bit of headroom, but there’s still plenty of space for adults in both rows. Storage is solid, too.
Performance and Efficiency in the Nissan Sentra vs. Honda Civic
The base Civic's 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivers 150 horses, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. It's just about identical to the Sentra’s 149 hp from its 2.0-liter engine.
Fuel economy? Also close. The Civic’s base trim comes in at 32 mpg city/41 mpg highway, while the Sentra matches that at 30/40 mpg in most trims. You’ll hardly notice a difference at the pump.
The Sentra Is the Smarter Buy
The gas-powered Civic is a great car—no one’s denying that. But unless you’re pushing hard for performance or brand loyalty, it doesn’t give you more value than the Sentra.
The 2025 Nissan Sentra delivers nearly identical power and mpg, easier access to key features, and a price tag that leaves room for insurance, gas, or a few weekend road trips. If you’re looking for the sedan that makes sense without sacrificing quality, the Sentra wins this round. Are you ready to get into one, because at Alan Jay Nissan, we're ready to show it to you!