Does the 2020 Nissan Sentra Have Automatic Braking?

The question of whether a specific vehicle offers automatic braking is a crucial one for modern car buyers, especially those prioritising safety. For those considering the 2020 Nissan Sentra, the good news is that this model comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic braking. This marks a significant improvement over previous generations, which were often criticised for lacking advanced safety technologies, particularly on lower trim levels.

The redesigned 2020 Sentra represents a substantial leap forward for Nissan's compact sedan. Gone are the days of a subpar driving experience, awkward styling, and a deficit in safety features. The new Sentra aims not just to be improved, but to be genuinely good, and its standard safety equipment is a major contributor to this elevated status.

A New Platform and a Refined Driving Experience

The 2020 Sentra is built on a new platform and features a revised 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower. While this powertrain is adequate for daily driving, the real star of the show is the chassis. The ride quality is exceptional, gliding smoothly over imperfections in the road. Nissan has also upgraded the rear suspension from a torsion beam to a multilink independent setup, a change that significantly enhances handling and stability, especially through corners. Body roll is well-controlled, and the steering offers good feedback, communicating clearly what the front wheels are doing. This transformation from the previous generation's uninspiring dynamics is truly remarkable.

However, the powertrain, while updated, has a slight drawback. The naturally aspirated engine doesn't hit its stride until around 3,500 rpm, and the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) can be slow to respond and reluctant to hold higher revs. This can lead to moments of frustration when more immediate power is needed, such as exiting a corner. While an 'eco' mode is present, it doesn't offer the sharper throttle mapping or transmission behaviour that would better complement the car's capable chassis. Nissan has not yet confirmed if a more potent turbocharged engine or a NISMO variant will be offered, but the current Sentra's balanced handling would certainly benefit from more power.

Interior Enhancements and Technology

The interior of the 2020 Sentra has also seen significant improvements. The SV and SR trim levels, especially when equipped with their respective Premium packages, offer a refined and competitive cabin. The SV model tested featured tan, quilted leather seats, while the SR boasted imitation leather with orange accents. The perceived quality gap between these top trims was minimal, suggesting a good level of refinement across the board. However, some desirable features, such as heated front seats and a powered driver's seat, are not standard on all models and are absent entirely on some configurations (like a powered front passenger seat).

All Sentra models come with a 7-inch touchscreen as standard. The SV and SR trims upgrade to an 8-inch touchscreen that includes crucial Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. These smartphone integration systems are highly recommended, as the native Nissan multimedia system, while simple, can be somewhat unintuitive. A USB-C port is also included on the front of the SV and SR trims for enhanced futureproofing.

While the new Sentra is wider than its predecessor, it is also lower, which can slightly impact rear headroom. For occupants around 5'11", legroom is generally sufficient, but headroom can be tight for taller passengers or those who sit upright.

Standard Safety Features: A Key Selling Point

Perhaps the most significant upgrade for the 2020 Sentra is the standardisation of its safety technology. Nissan equips all Sentra models with Safety Shield 360. This comprehensive package includes:

• Forward Automatic Braking
• Reverse Automatic Braking
• Blind Spot Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Automatic High Beams

The inclusion of Reverse Automatic Braking as a standard feature is particularly noteworthy, as it's a segment differentiator not commonly found as standard equipment in competitors. These systems work to prevent or mitigate collisions in various scenarios, significantly enhancing driver confidence and overall vehicle safety.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Beyond the standard Safety Shield 360, the SV and SR trims offer adaptive cruise control. This system can maintain a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, and it can operate down to a complete stop. However, it's important to note that once the car stops, the system releases the brakes, meaning it's not a true low-speed or traffic-jam assist system that will creep forward. Additionally, while the Sentra provides lane departure warnings, it does not offer lane keep assist, meaning the driver is responsible for all steering inputs to remain within the lane.

For those opting for the SR trim with the Premium Package, a 360-degree camera system is also available, further aiding in manoeuvring and parking.

Competitive Pricing and Value Proposition

The 2020 Nissan Sentra is offered in three main trim levels: S, SV, and SR, with two optional packages. The pricing is as follows (including destination charges):

These prices position the Sentra competitively within the compact sedan segment, going head-to-head with rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. At its higher trim levels, especially the SR with the Premium Package, the Sentra offers a strong value proposition, often coming in at a lower price point than similarly equipped competitors. While those competitors might offer more engine and transmission choices and a more engaging driving experience, the Sentra's comprehensive standard safety features and refined ride quality make it a compelling option, particularly for budget-conscious buyers prioritising safety and comfort.

Conclusion: A Return to Form

The 2020 Nissan Sentra marks a significant resurgence for the model, addressing past shortcomings with a new platform, improved driving dynamics, a more upscale interior, and, crucially, a robust suite of standard safety features, including automatic braking. Nissan's commitment to making advanced safety accessible across its lineup is evident in the Sentra's standard Safety Shield 360. While the powertrain could be more spirited, the overall package offers excellent value and a comfortable, safe driving experience, solidifying the Sentra's place as a strong contender in the competitive compact sedan market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does every 2020 Nissan Sentra have automatic braking?
Yes, all 2020 Nissan Sentra models come standard with Safety Shield 360, which includes both Forward Automatic Braking and Reverse Automatic Braking.

Q2: What other safety features are standard on the 2020 Sentra?
Standard safety features include Blind Spot Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Automatic High Beams.

Q3: Does the Sentra have adaptive cruise control?
Adaptive cruise control is available on the SV and SR trims, typically as part of an optional package.

Q4: Does the 2020 Sentra have lane keep assist?
No, the 2020 Sentra does not offer lane keep assist. It provides lane departure warnings but requires the driver to manage steering.

Q5: How does the 2020 Sentra compare to its predecessor in terms of safety?
The 2020 Sentra is significantly superior to the previous generation, with the introduction of a comprehensive suite of standard safety technologies, including automatic braking, which were largely absent or optional on earlier models.

If you want to read more articles similar to Nissan Sentra: Automatic Braking & Safety Features, you can visit the Cars category.