Nissan Sedan / Car Model Lineup Overview

If you're searching for a four-door car that offers exceptional driving dynamics, outstanding fuel efficiency, advanced safety, and eye-catching styling; there are plenty of excellent choices among the Nissan lineup. From the luxurious Maxima to the compact Versa Note, drivers continue to choose Nissan vehicles over the competition.
Nissan Versa vs Nissan Versa Note
Searching for practical versatility, nimble handling, and outstanding fuel efficiency? The Nissan Versa and Nissan Versa Note each have plenty to offer without sacrificing your budget. If you're still having trouble making up your mind, Big Nissan has assembled this helpful comparison to make choosing between the Versa and Versa Note easier. Let's see exactly how the Versa and Versa Note measure up against each other.
![]() |
![]() |
|
2018 Nissan Versa Sedan 1.6 S |
VS |
2018 Nissan Versa Note S Plus |
| $12,110 | Starting MSRP | $15,600 |
| 31 city / 39 hwy / 34 combined MPG | Max Fuel Economy | 31 city / 39 hwy / 34 combined MPG |
| Sedan | Body Style | Hatchback |
| 14.9 cubic feet | Max Cargo Volume | 38.3 cubic feet |
| 90 cubic feet | Passenger Volume | 94 cubic feet |
| 41.8 inches | Front Legroom | 41.3 inches |
| 37 inches | Rear Legroom | 38.3 inches |
Right from the start, the sedan holds a $3,490 price advantage when comparing base models. When equally equipped, the Versa and Versa note share identical EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings. The Versa Sedan 1.6 S comes standard with a manual transmission which results in decreased fuel economy ratings for that particular trim level.
Despite the higher starting MSRP for the Versa Note, it does offer a few advantages over the Versa sedan. Due to its versatile hatchback configuration, The Versa Note delivers greater maximum cargo volume and passenger volume than its sedan sibling. However, the Versa features slightly greater front legroom while the Versa note offers greater rear legroom.
No matter which vehicle you choose, each vehicle offers outstanding value and fuel economy ratings. Additional cargo and passenger space offered in the Versa Note is sure to be popular with those living active lifestyles. Both models have been a hit with critics, as the Nissan Versa and Versa Note have won awards for vehicle satisfaction and overall performance in the segment.

The Nissan Versa Note was selected as the 2017 Autobytel Buyer's Choice Award for the Hatchback segment.

Nissan Versa was named 2017 Best In Class Vehicle Satisfaction for the Economy Car segment in the 21st annual AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA).
Nissan Sentra vs the Competition
Add a dose of excitement to your commute with the bold styling found on the Nissan Sentra. A standard 1.8-liter engine paired with a virtually gearless CVT transmission helps maximize efficiency and increase performance while an aerodynamic exterior profile cuts through the air. Optional Nissan Intelligent Safety Shield Technologies offer you a suite of advanced systems that help you keep an eye out around you, watch the flow of traffic, and even think ahead.
Big Nissan has created this useful comparison that highlights the key advantages for the Sentra. Let's take a look at how the Nissan Sentra matches up against the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
2018 Nissan Sentra S |
VS |
2018 Honda Civic LX (CVT) |
2018 Toyota Corolla L |
| $16,990 | Starting MSRP | $19,640 | $18,550 |
| 39.4 inches | Front Head Room | 39.3 inches | 38.3 inches |
| 42.5 inches | Front Legroom | 42.3 inches | 42.3 inches |
| 17.4 cubic feet | Turning Radius | 17.9 feet | 17.8 feet |
| Variable Intermittent | Windshield Wipers | Fixed Interval | Fixed Interval |
| Available | Easy-Fill Tire Alert | Not Available | Not Available |
| Available | Bose® Audio System | Not Available | Not Available |
Taking a look at starting MSRP, the Nissan Sentra offers a distinct price advantage over the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla -- highlighting the exceptional value found in the Sentra. The Nissan Sentra provides nimble handling thanks to the smallest turning radius among these three competitors. While Civic and Corolla drivers have only fixed interval windshield wipers, Nissan Sentra drivers can stay safer in rainy conditions with variable intermittent wiper speeds.
Inside the Sentra drivers will be greeted with a spacious cabin to relax and unwind, offering greater front head room and legroom than both Toyota and Honda. While both the Civic and Corolla offer an optional upgraded stereo, only the Nissan Sentra can be equipped with Bose® Premium audio which allows you to hear your favorite music in a concert-like experience. The available Easy-Fill Tire Alert flashes the hazard lights of the Sentra as you add air and beeps the horn when correct pressure is reached. Unfortunately, the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla do not offer a similar feature.

Nissan Sentra IIHS 2017 Top Safety Pick Award
Safety has always remained a top priority on the Nissan Sentra. It's no wonder that the Sentra was named a 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick when equipped with Forward Emergency Braking. The advanced safety technologies and driver-assistive features found on the Sentra highlight the Nissan commitment to engineering the safest vehicles on the road.
View InventoryNissan Altima vs Nissan Maxima
Savvy sedan shoppers looking to bring efficiency and style to every drive should look no further than the Nissan Altima and Nissan Maxima. As Nissan's best selling car, the Altima focuses on efficiency with a standard 4-cylinder engine paired with an XTRONIC CVT transmission. The Maxima is the more muscular and luxurious sedan of the pair, offering an emphasis on performance and a premium interior. A standard 300-horsepower V6 and offers a Sport Mode Selector for thrilling driving experience.
Both of these sedans offer four doors with seating for up to five. If you're still having trouble choosing between the Altima and Maxima, Big Nissan has created this helpful comparison which highlights the key advantages for both models.
![]() |
![]() |
|
2018 Nissan Altima |
VS |
2018 Nissan Maxima |
| $23,260 | Starting MSRP | $33,270 |
| Standard: 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder Available: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 |
Engine | Standard: 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 |
| 4-Cylinder: 179 HP V6: 270 HP |
Horsepower | 300 HP |
| 4-Cylinder: 27 City / 38 Highway V6: 22 City / 32 Highway |
Fuel Economy | 21 City / 30 Highway |
| XTRONIC CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) | Transmission | XTRONIC CVT® (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Drive Mode Selector |
| Available | Drive Mode Selector | Standard |
| 16" x 7.0" Steel with bolt-on covers | Wheels | 18" x 8.0" machine-finished aluminum-alloy |
| Standard | Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Easy-Fill Tire Alert |
Standard |
Performance, Price, and Fuel Economy
Performance
If you're looking to add some excitement to your daily commute, the Maxima has a few advantages over the Altima. The standard 3.5L V6 300hp engine that provides exhilarating performance at every trim level on the Maxima. Each of these sedans offers an available SR trim that includes a sport-tuned suspension and steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, but if performance is a factor in your decision, the Maxima is your first choice.
Pricing
For those shopping on a budget, the Nissan Altima has been a dependable choice for shoppers looking to maximize value for decades. The Altima starts at just $23,600 MSRP, while the top-trim 3.5 SL tops out at just $33,630 MSRP.
Fuel Economy
Shoppers looking to stretch their fuel budget have several great choices among the Nissan sedan lineup. Once excellent option in particular is the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Nissan Altima. It gets 38 MPG on the highway and 27 MPG in the city, outperforming top competitors such as the 2018 Hyundai Sonata and 2018 Volkswagen Passat.
Both the Altima and Maxima have received awards highlighting their exceptional value and commitment to safety. The Nissan Altima and Nissan Maxima were each chosen as 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus award recipients. The 2017 Maxima was also named Best Resale Value in it's Class by Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.
*MSRP - All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, tax, title, license and options. Dealer sets actual price.
**2017 and 2018 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions - use for comparison only.




