Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
9 comments 
The Japanese Sedan That Rivals Corolla and Civic Appears in the Used Car Market with 2.0 Engine, CVT Transmission, and 503 Liters Trunk for Compact Price.
The Brazilian used car market is experiencing a curious phenomenon: while some traditional models are appreciating, others that are technically superior are plummeting in price and becoming true “hidden gems.” Few cases exemplify this dynamic as well as the Nissan Sentra SL 2019, a Japanese sedan that, despite competing with giants like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, became forgotten by the general public — but highly valued by those who know cars.
The model, which emerged as a more refined and quieter alternative to direct competitors, combines 2.0 engine with 140 hp, CVT Xtronic transmission, spacious interior, and 503 liters of trunk space, delivering characteristics that many consumers seek in 2025, but without the high price of new sedans on the market. In a scenario where 1.0 turbo compacts are reaching ever higher prices, the 2019 Sentra has become sought after as the “forgotten premium sedan” — one that offers a lot and costs little.
The 2019 version marked the peak of the B17 generation, known for three pillars: above-average comfort, mechanical durability, and honest maintenance, typical of the old guard Japanese cars.
-
The car stored for 38 years: when opening the barn door, what appears is breathtaking and looks like a scene from a movie!
-
Fiat works miracles in the Brazilian market, lowers the price of its 0 km hatch to R$ 69,990, reestablishes the model as the cheapest car in the country, and reignites the battle against Kwid and C3.
-
Chevette with cooking gas: How the gas cylinder ends up being used in cars clandestinely and why this makeshift solution can result in leaks, explosions, damaged engines, and seized vehicles.
-
Fiat launches the new 2027 Toro hybrid with 48V, 176 hp, an electric motor of 15.5 hp, a 0.85 kWh battery, up to 7% fuel savings, 8% fewer emissions, and possible exemption from IPVA.
Silent Rivalry: Why the Sentra Should Be at the Top of the Sedan List?
While Corolla and Civic dominated popular imagination, the Sentra ran in the background but, in many objective aspects, delivers more than its rivals.
Internal Space Worthy of a Large Sedan
One of the model’s strengths is its extremely spacious cabin, especially in the back, where even three adults can travel comfortably. The generous wheelbase allows for an experience closer to larger sedans, something rare among current midsize cars.
Colossal 503 Liters Trunk
The number is impressive and easily surpasses:
- Corolla 2019: 470 liters
- Civic 2019: 519 liters
- Virtus 2019: 521 liters
Although the Civic has similar numbers, in practice the height and depth of the Sentra make it one of the most functional trunks in the category.
Absolute Silence Onboard
Nissan has always prioritized sound insulation, and in the Sentra, this is evident. Even when driving on rough surfaces, the internal noise level remains low, reinforcing the sedan feel for those who value comfort.
Reliable and Economical Engine: The Known 2.0 MR20DE
Under the hood, the Sentra brings the robust MR20DE, a 2.0 Japanese engine that became famous for:
- delivering 140 hp without straining
- having a smooth torque curve
- easily running over 250,000 km with simple maintenance
- working in harmony with the CVT Xtronic transmission
The combination is ideal for urban use, road trips, and even rideshare services — to the extent that there are reports of units exceeding 400,000 km with only preventative maintenance.
Real Consumption
Numbers vary by city, but practical tests point to:
- 11 km/l in the city
- 14–15.5 km/l on the highway
The CVT helps significantly to maintain low RPM and stable consumption.
SL 2019 Version Equipment: Complete Package
The SL version, the top of the line, was one of the most complete in its category at launch. Among the main items are:
- leather seats
- keyless entry with push-button start
- six airbags
- cruise control
- larger multimedia center with integration
- dual zone digital air conditioning
- traction and stability control
- 17-inch alloy wheels
Compared to the Corolla XEi and the Civic EXL from the same year, the Sentra offered more equipment for the same price, and now, in the used car market, it provides even more advantages.
Attractive Price: The Major Differential in 2025
The strong depreciation of the Sentra has turned it into an extremely competitive car:
- The 2019 model now appears for prices similar to used 1.0 turbo compacts or even basic 1.6 models.
- With the inflation of new popular cars, many consumers have discovered that it is possible to have a complete midsize sedan for the same price one would pay for a smaller, less comfortable car.
This change in behavior has made the Sentra stand out as a “premium sedan disguised as a compact price”.
Why Did It Drop So Much in Price?
Three main reasons:
End of Production in Brazil
The Sentra left the national market, and out-of-line sedans tend to depreciate more.
Absolute Domination of Corolla and Civic
Popular imagination has always favored the two brands, pushing the Sentra into smaller niches.
Growth of Compact SUVs
The public has migrated to SUVs, reducing the demand for midsize sedans.
But Is It Worth Buying a 2019 Sentra Today?
For those seeking:
- comfort
- silence
- stability
- large trunk
- predictable maintenance
- reliable CVT
- robust engine
Yes, it is one of the best deals on the market.
The Sentra offers a large sedan experience for the price of a small car. And that makes it one of the biggest “hidden gems” among used Japanese cars.
Cruze da um banho nos 3 sedan listados . Fora a experiência de dirigir um carro turbo. Tenho um 2018 e tive também um Civic. Até hoje o melhor que tive
Já estou no meu 2° Sentra, agora 2020 e muito satisfeito pelo conforto, espaço e o melhor não estou casado com a oficina, kkkkk. Sou muito cuidadoso e faço todo ano revisão e procuro sempre solucionar algo estranho assim que percebo. Realmente pouco valorizado em relação ao Civic e Corolla e o painel mais top. E quando puder troco pelo mais novo, Nissan é confiável.
O carro é acima da média, mas o problema é o mesmo de qualquer carro, o brasileiro usa, usa e só faz algo quando quebra e sai falando mal, mas se fizer as preventivas como diz em qualquer manual vai ter um carro por muito tempo. Já tive dois versas, excelente carro, mas Sentra é outro mundo. Cuidar de carro é pra poucos, mas esses sim são felizes