2017 Nissan Sentra: Specs, Features & Why You'll Love It

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 57 views

2017 Nissan Sentra: Unveiling the Specs, Features, and Why It's Still a Great Choice

Hey guys! Ever wondered what made the 2017 Nissan Sentra a popular choice back in the day? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into its specifications, features, and why this car continues to hold its own. This article is your ultimate guide, packed with details to help you decide if the 2017 Sentra is the right car for you. We'll explore everything from its engine options and fuel efficiency to its interior features and safety ratings. Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or just starting your car-buying journey, this comprehensive overview is designed to give you all the information you need. We'll break down the nitty-gritty details, comparing different trims and highlighting the Sentra's strengths. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let's explore the world of the 2017 Nissan Sentra! Let's get started!

Engine and Performance: What's Under the Hood?

Okay, let's talk about what really makes a car tick: the engine. The 2017 Nissan Sentra offered a couple of engine choices, depending on the trim level you went for. The standard engine was a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, which was a pretty common choice for its class. This engine delivered a solid performance, perfect for daily commutes and running errands. It wasn't designed to be a speed demon, but it provided a smooth and reliable driving experience. For those wanting a bit more pep in their step, the SR Turbo and NISMO trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. This turbo engine significantly upped the ante, providing more horsepower and torque, making for a much more spirited drive. This made the Sentra a surprisingly fun car to drive, especially in the SR Turbo and NISMO versions! The 2017 Nissan Sentra wasn't just about the engine; it also came with a choice of transmissions. Most trims came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is known for its fuel efficiency and smooth shifts. The CVT is designed to keep the engine operating at its most efficient speed, helping to maximize fuel economy. However, if you preferred more control, you could find a six-speed manual transmission on some trims, offering a more engaging driving experience, especially for those who enjoy shifting gears.

Fuel Efficiency: Keeping Your Wallet Happy

Now, let's talk about something everyone cares about: fuel economy. The 2017 Nissan Sentra was pretty good when it came to sipping fuel. The 1.8-liter engine with the CVT transmission delivered excellent gas mileage, making it a great option for those looking to save money at the pump. The EPA estimated that this combination could achieve around 29 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. That's some impressive numbers! The turbocharged engines, although more powerful, were still relatively efficient. While they didn't quite match the fuel economy of the base engine, they still offered respectable numbers for their performance. When you're buying a car, it is important to think about the engine. Think about where you drive. Are you mostly in the city or on the highway? Think about how much you want to spend on fuel. If fuel economy is a top priority, the standard 1.8-liter engine with the CVT is a clear winner. If you're okay with sacrificing a bit of fuel economy for more power and a more exciting driving experience, the turbocharged engine is a solid choice. Either way, the 2017 Nissan Sentra provides a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

Interior and Features: Comfort and Tech on the Inside

Alright, let's peek inside the 2017 Nissan Sentra and see what it has to offer. The interior was designed with comfort and practicality in mind. You'll find a spacious cabin that can comfortably seat five adults, making it a great option for families or those who frequently carpool. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, and even on long drives, you should feel pretty good. The Sentra offered a range of features, depending on the trim level. Even the base models came with a decent set of features, including air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic infotainment system. As you moved up the trim levels, you'd find more luxurious features. Higher trims might include things like a touchscreen infotainment system, a premium sound system, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. The infotainment system offered in the Sentra was a definite highlight. It provided an easy-to-use interface, with features like Bluetooth connectivity, which allowed you to stream music and make hands-free calls. Some models included a navigation system, making it easy to find your way around. The interior design of the 2017 Nissan Sentra was simple and clean. The dashboard was well-organized, with all the controls within easy reach. The materials used were of good quality, giving the interior a comfortable and inviting feel. If you're looking for a car that offers a comfortable and well-equipped interior, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is definitely worth considering. It provides a nice balance of comfort, practicality, and technology, making it a great place to spend your time. It’s a great car to drive around.

Trim Levels and Packages: Finding Your Perfect Sentra

The 2017 Nissan Sentra offered a variety of trim levels, each with its own set of features and options. This allowed you to choose a Sentra that perfectly matched your needs and budget. The base model, often referred to as the S trim, provided a solid foundation, including essential features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a basic audio system. Moving up the ladder, the SV trim added more features, like a touchscreen infotainment system and upgraded upholstery. The SR trim, and SR Turbo, brought a sportier look and feel, with features like unique wheels, a rear spoiler, and the option of a more powerful turbocharged engine. The top-of-the-line SL trim offered the most luxurious experience, with features like leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and advanced safety features. Additionally, there were often various packages available, which allowed you to customize your Sentra even further. These packages could include features like a sunroof, advanced driver-assistance systems, and upgraded audio systems. The availability of different trim levels and packages meant that you could truly tailor the 2017 Nissan Sentra to your individual needs and preferences. Whether you were looking for a basic, fuel-efficient commuter car or a more luxurious and sporty ride, there was a Sentra configuration for you.

Safety Features: Keeping You Safe on the Road

When it comes to safety, the 2017 Nissan Sentra had you covered with a comprehensive suite of safety features. This car was designed to protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision, and it also included features designed to help prevent accidents in the first place. Standard safety features included things like airbags throughout the cabin, including front, side, and curtain airbags. These airbags were strategically placed to help protect occupants in various types of collisions. Other standard features included anti-lock brakes (ABS), which help to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, and electronic stability control (ESC), which helps to maintain vehicle stability in challenging driving conditions. As you moved up the trim levels, you'd find even more advanced safety features. These could include things like blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you to the presence of vehicles in your blind spots, and rear cross-traffic alert, which helps you to avoid collisions when backing up. Some models also offered advanced driver-assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front, and lane departure warning, which alerts you if you drift out of your lane. The 2017 Nissan Sentra received good safety ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA, which are the two leading organizations that evaluate vehicle safety. These ratings are a testament to the Sentra's commitment to safety, and they can provide peace of mind for you and your passengers. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra was a safe and reliable car, equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect you on the road. It provides a good balance between active and passive safety features, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing safety.

Driving Experience: What's it like Behind the Wheel?

So, what's it actually like to drive the 2017 Nissan Sentra? Overall, the driving experience is smooth and comfortable, making it a great choice for daily commutes and long road trips. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, even over rough roads. The standard 1.8-liter engine provides adequate power for most driving situations. It's not going to win any races, but it offers a smooth and refined driving experience. The CVT transmission works well with the engine, providing seamless shifts and contributing to the car's fuel efficiency. If you're looking for a more spirited driving experience, the SR Turbo and NISMO trims are the way to go. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivers a noticeable boost in power, providing quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. These trims also come with sport-tuned suspension, which enhances handling and provides a more connected feel to the road. The interior of the Sentra is well-designed and comfortable. The seats are supportive and provide good comfort, even on long drives. The cabin is quiet, with minimal road and wind noise, making for a relaxing driving experience. The infotainment system is easy to use, with a touchscreen display and features like Bluetooth connectivity. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra offers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience. It's a comfortable and practical car that's easy to drive, making it a great choice for a wide range of drivers. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on a road trip, the Sentra is up to the task.

Pros and Cons: Weighing Your Options

Before you make a decision, let's take a look at the pros and cons of the 2017 Nissan Sentra. This will help you make an informed decision about whether it's the right car for you.

Pros:

Fuel Efficiency: The 2017 Nissan Sentra offers excellent fuel economy, especially with the 1.8-liter engine and CVT transmission, making it a great choice for those looking to save money at the pump.
Comfortable Ride: The Sentra is known for its smooth and comfortable ride, making it a pleasant car to drive on both city streets and highways.
Spacious Interior: The interior of the Sentra is surprisingly spacious for its class, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
User-Friendly Features: The infotainment system is easy to use, and many models come with a variety of convenient features, like Bluetooth connectivity and a rearview camera.
Good Safety Ratings: The Sentra received good safety ratings from both the IIHS and the NHTSA, providing peace of mind.

Cons:

Base Engine Performance: While the 1.8-liter engine is fuel-efficient, some drivers may find it to be underpowered, especially when accelerating onto the highway.
CVT Transmission Feel: The CVT transmission, while efficient, may not appeal to all drivers, as it can feel a bit sluggish compared to a traditional automatic transmission.
Interior Materials: Some of the interior materials may feel a bit cheap, particularly in the base models.
Not the Sportiest Handling: While the Sentra handles well, it's not the sportiest car in its class, and it may not appeal to drivers looking for a more engaging driving experience. Weighing these pros and cons will help you decide if the 2017 Nissan Sentra is the right car for your needs. It's a great car overall, but considering its strengths and weaknesses will ensure you make the best decision.

Conclusion: Is the 2017 Nissan Sentra Right for You?

So, guys, after exploring the 2017 Nissan Sentra in detail, what's the verdict? Is it the right car for you? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and practical compact sedan, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is definitely worth considering. It offers a spacious interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and good safety ratings. It's a great choice for daily commutes, running errands, and even long road trips. However, if you're looking for a car with a more powerful engine or a sportier driving experience, you might want to consider the SR Turbo or NISMO trims, or look at other options in the compact car class. The Sentra might not be the best choice for you. Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2017 Nissan Sentra is right for you is to test drive it and see how it feels. Visit a local dealership, take a spin, and experience it for yourself. This will give you a better sense of whether it meets your needs and preferences. Overall, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is a solid choice in the compact car class, offering a good balance of comfort, practicality, and value. With its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and user-friendly features, it's a great option for many drivers. So, go out there, do your research, and happy car hunting! I hope this deep dive into the 2017 Nissan Sentra has been helpful, and good luck with your car search!