2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO: A Sporty Compact Sedan

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 49 views

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO – a car that aimed to inject some serious fun into the compact sedan segment. If you're looking for a practical, fuel-efficient daily driver with a sporty edge, the Sentra NISMO might have caught your eye. Let's break down everything you need to know about this car, from its performance and features to its overall appeal. The 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO review is what we will do, so keep reading, guys!

Performance and Handling

Let's kick things off with the heart of the matter: performance. The 2017 Sentra NISMO is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine cranks out 188 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers aren't mind-blowing, they represent a significant step up from the standard Sentra's engine. The NISMO version feels noticeably peppier, especially when accelerating from a stop or during passing maneuvers. The car comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, which is fantastic news for driving enthusiasts. The manual gearbox lets you have complete control over the engine and adds a ton of engagement to the driving experience. Nissan also offered a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as an option. While the CVT does improve fuel economy, it tends to sap some of the sporty feel. If you are looking for that sporty feeling, guys, go for the manual transmission!

Handling is where the NISMO really shines. Nissan gave it a sport-tuned suspension, stiffer springs, and performance dampers. These upgrades result in a much more composed and controlled ride than the regular Sentra. The car feels planted through corners, with minimal body roll. The steering is also sharper and more responsive, giving you a better connection to the road. The NISMO also gets unique 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance tires, which further enhance grip and handling. The tires make a big difference, so take note, guys! These tires provide a lot of grip, but they can also generate a bit more road noise. The brakes are also upgraded, offering stronger stopping power. Overall, the Sentra NISMO delivers a fun and engaging driving experience. It's not a track-day weapon, but it's a blast to drive on twisty roads or even just commuting. If you're a car enthusiast, you will appreciate how much of a difference the NISMO trim makes. You'll definitely notice how well this car handles compared to the base Sentra. The 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO review highlights that you can have fun on any type of road!

Interior and Features

Moving inside, the 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO offers a sporty and well-appointed cabin. The NISMO treatment includes unique sport seats with red stitching and NISMO badging. These seats provide excellent support and hold you firmly in place during spirited driving. The red stitching is a nice touch, giving the interior a more upscale feel. The dashboard features carbon-fiber-look trim, which adds to the sporty aesthetic. You'll also find a flat-bottom steering wheel, which adds to the sporty feel. Other interior features include a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera, and push-button start. The infotainment system is user-friendly and easy to navigate. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming. Higher trim levels may have upgraded features like navigation, a premium audio system, and leather upholstery.

In terms of practicality, the Sentra NISMO offers a decent amount of space for both passengers and cargo. The rear seats offer plenty of legroom, making it comfortable for adults to ride in the back. The trunk is also spacious, with a capacity of 13.1 cubic feet, which is competitive in the compact sedan class. The Sentra NISMO is a comfortable and practical car that can also be fun to drive, making it a great choice for a daily driver. The interior is well-designed and features high-quality materials, so the cabin does not feel cheap. Nissan has always been good at building cars that are practical, so you'll have no issues with storage in this car. The 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO review shows how the interior adds to the overall value of the car.

Exterior Design

Let's talk about how the 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO looks. The NISMO version boasts a more aggressive and sporty exterior design compared to the standard Sentra. It features a unique front fascia with a more prominent front splitter, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. These elements give the car a more athletic stance and improve its aerodynamics. The NISMO also has distinctive red accents on the front splitter, side skirts, and rear bumper, which further enhance its sporty appearance. The 18-inch alloy wheels are another key element of the NISMO's exterior design. They give the car a more aggressive look and complement its sporty character. Overall, the Sentra NISMO has a head-turning design that sets it apart from the crowd. If you are looking for a car that looks good, the NISMO is an excellent choice. The car has all the key design elements that make a car stand out, so it will get you many compliments. The exterior design adds a lot of value to the car and perfectly matches the performance upgrades. The 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO review would be incomplete without mentioning the exterior.

Key Features and Technology

When we are talking about features and technology, the 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO comes with a pretty decent set of features for its price point. It includes a 5.8-inch touchscreen display that controls the infotainment system. This system offers features such as Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to stream music from your smartphone, and a rearview camera, which is a big help when parking. Other key features include push-button start, automatic headlights, and a sport-tuned suspension. The sport-tuned suspension significantly improves handling and makes the car a lot of fun to drive. Higher trim levels might include additional features like navigation, a premium audio system, and advanced safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sentra NISMO also offers a decent array of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. These features help keep you safe on the road. The 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO review makes it clear that the car has enough features to make it a great choice.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is an important factor for many car buyers, and the 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO performs well in this area. With the manual transmission, you can expect to get around 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. If you choose the CVT, those numbers increase slightly to 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. These are respectable fuel economy figures for a compact sedan with a sporty engine. Keep in mind that your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving habits and the type of roads you typically drive on. Overall, the Sentra NISMO offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for everyday driving. If you are looking for a car that is good on gas, the Sentra NISMO is not a bad choice.

Pros and Cons

Let's wrap things up with a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO:

Pros:

Sporty handling and performance
Eye-catching exterior design
Comfortable and well-appointed interior
Good fuel economy
Available with a manual transmission

Cons:

Engine could use more power
CVT transmission can dull the driving experience
Some may find the interior design a bit dated

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO is a compelling choice for anyone looking for a sporty compact sedan. It offers a fun driving experience, a stylish design, and a comfortable interior. While the engine might not be the most powerful in its class, the NISMO's handling and overall package make it a joy to drive. If you are in the market for a practical car that also puts a smile on your face, the Sentra NISMO is definitely worth considering. The 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO review shows that this car delivers a great balance of sportiness, practicality, and value. So, there you have it, guys. This is the 2017 Nissan Sentra NISMO.