2027 Nissan Sentra vs 2027 Honda Civic: Which Fits Your Drive?

The Sentra and the Civic are two of the most common answers to the same question: a car for a daily commute down the 15, errands around Victorville, Hesperia, and Apple Valley, and the occasional trip to Big Bear. This guide sets Nissan’s and Honda’s own published 2027 figures side by side so you can see where each one stands, then tells you what to look for on a test drive.

• Close on power: Nissan lists 149 hp for the Sentra, and Honda lists 150 hp for the non-hybrid Civic.
• Tech that comes standard: a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every 2027 Sentra trim.
• A hybrid only on one side: the Civic offers a hybrid with 200 total system hp, and the Sentra does not.

The 2027 Sentra and Civic side by side

Based on EPA mileage ratings for the model year shown. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions, and other factors. Figures come from Nissan’s and Honda’s own published 2027 materials and can change by trim.

Power and the drive

On paper the gas models are nearly even: 149 hp for the Sentra against 150 hp for the Civic. Nissan pairs the Sentra’s 2.0-liter engine with an Xtronic CVT that it describes as freshly tuned for 2027, aimed at smoother, more linear acceleration. Nissan also lists Sport mode on the SV, SR, and SL. If a CVT is on your mind, read our answer in Has Nissan fixed its Xtronic CVT issues? and judge it on your own test drive, including a merge onto the 15.

Fuel economy

For gas models the numbers are close, with Honda listing 36 combined mpg on the Civic LX and Nissan listing 33 combined on three Sentra trims. The bigger gap is the Civic Hybrid at 49 combined mpg. If you drive a lot of freeway miles, that is worth weighing against what the Sentra offers elsewhere. Our 2027 Honda Civic Sedan guide covers the Civic lineup in more detail.

Technology and driver assistance

• Screens: Nissan lists a 12.3-inch touchscreen on every Sentra, plus a 12.3-inch enhanced instrument display on the SV, SR, and SL (the S has a 7-inch display).
• Smartphone connection: wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are standard on every 2027 Sentra.
• Safety features: every Sentra has Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, Lane Departure Prevention, High Beam Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Intelligent Cruise Control.
• ProPILOT Assist: standard on the SL and optional on the SR.

ProPILOT Assist and other driver aids do not replace attentive driving.

Trims and styling

The 2027 Sentra comes in S, SV, SR, and SL, with 16-inch wheels on the S and SV, 17-inch on the SL, and 18-inch on the SR. The SR also offers a Midnight Edition package with a two-tone Super Black roof, black exterior trim and badging, and black 18-inch wheels. Ask us which trims are on the lot.

Which fits your drive

• Daily commute and a big screen: the Sentra puts a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless phone connection on every trim.
• Maximum fuel economy: the Civic Hybrid is the one to look at, since the Sentra has no hybrid.
• Cargo for weekend trips: both seat five, and Nissan and Honda list 14.3 and up to 14.8 cubic feet, so bring your gear and check the trunk yourself.
• Not sure yet: drive both back to back on the same route.

Where another vehicle might fit better

• The Sentra is front-wheel drive only. If you want all-wheel drive, look at the Rogue or Kicks in our Nissan SUV lineup guide.
• Both cars are sedans, so Stoddard Valley and Johnson Valley trails are best left to a truck or SUV.
• If you want a hybrid, the Civic Hybrid has no Sentra counterpart. We can still show you Nissan’s other models.
• Model years and trims differ across stock, so confirm the exact one you want before you make the drive. Availability changes quickly.

Common Questions

Which is more fuel efficient, the Nissan Sentra or the Honda Civic?

Nissan lists EPA-estimated ratings of 33 combined mpg on the 2027 Sentra S, SV, and SL and 32 combined on the SR. Honda lists 36 combined mpg on the 2027 Civic Sedan LX and 49 combined on the Civic Hybrid. The Sentra has no hybrid version, so the Civic Hybrid has the higher rating.

Which has more horsepower, the Sentra or the Civic?

The two are close. Nissan lists 149 hp for the 2027 Sentra’s 2.0-liter engine, and Honda lists 150 hp for the non-hybrid 2027 Civic. Honda lists 200 total system hp for the Civic Hybrid.

Does the Nissan Sentra come with a touchscreen and wireless smartphone connection?

Yes. Nissan lists a 12.3-inch touchscreen on every 2027 Sentra trim, with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto standard on all trims.

Which has more cargo space, the Sentra or the Civic Sedan?

Nissan lists 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space for the 2027 Sentra, and Honda lists up to 14.8 cubic feet for the 2027 Civic Sedan. Both seat five.

Does the 2027 Nissan Sentra have all-wheel drive or a hybrid option?

No. Nissan lists the 2027 Sentra as front-wheel drive with a 2.0-liter engine and an Xtronic CVT, and there is no hybrid version. If you want a hybrid, ask us about Nissan’s other models.

Can I test drive a Sentra at Valley Hi Nissan?

Yes. Call us at (760) 241-1700 or visit us at 15722 Valley Park Ln, Victorville, CA 92394. Sales hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 9 PM.

See the Sentra in Person

Visit us at 15722 Valley Park Ln, Victorville, CA 92394, call us at (760) 241-1700, or browse our new inventory. Sales hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 9 PM.