The Nissan Sentra competes with compact sedans and hatchbacks that all seem to be getting larger and offered with more sport and style than their budget-car past.
The Honda Civic comes in basic and Type R trim—and there’s a more subtle, revamped version coming in 2022.
The Mazda 3 offers sporty handling and a more refined, upscale interior in sedan and hatchback form.
The VW Jetta does everything well, though there’s nothing particularly noteworthy about its performance.
The new Hyundai Elantra has expressive style and new hybrid models, along with an excellent warranty.
As a sedan, hatch, or hybrid, the Toyota Corolla is long on reliability and value, and the hatchback gives it a much-needed visual edge.
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 2021 Nissan Sentra#16 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2021 Honda CivicGet Your Price |  2021 Hyundai Elantra#6 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2021 Mazda MAZDA3#6 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2021 Toyota Corolla#6 in Compact Cars |  2021 Volkswagen Jetta#21 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2021 Nissan Sentra has a sleek shape and a more refined ride, which makes it a better value than in the past. |
The 2021 Honda Civic doesn’t let social responsibility get in the way of a good time. |
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has big style, big available tech, and big range from a hybrid powertrain. |
The 2021 Mazda 3 straddles the mainstream and upscale markets with a quality cabin, power that ranges from pedestrian to plentiful, and available all-wheel drive. |
With the 2021 Corolla, Toyota has almost excised all the bland from its diet. |
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta is a no-frills compact with good value. Saving money never goes out of style. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $19,510 | $21,250 | $19,650 | $20,650 | $20,025 | $18,995 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 28 MPG City / 39 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 52 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Midsize Cars | Large Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| S CVT | LX CVT | SE IVT SULEV *Ltd Avail* | 2.0 FWD | L CVT (SE) | S Manual |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Hatchback | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2021 Nissan Sentra vs. 2021 Honda Civic | 2021 Nissan Sentra vs. 2021 Hyundai Elantra | 2021 Nissan Sentra vs. 2021 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2021 Nissan Sentra vs. 2021 Toyota Corolla | 2021 Nissan Sentra vs. 2021 Volkswagen Jetta | |
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