Nissan's Two Cheapest Cars: Sentra vs. Kicks - Which One Fits Your Life?
Shopping for a new car under $25,000 feels almost impossible these days. With the average new car price hovering above $50,000, the list of affordable options has shrunk dramatically. But here’s some rare good news: Nissan still offers two solid choices under that magic number, including destination fees.
The 2024 Kicks and Sentra both start below $24,000, giving buyers a real choice between a practical SUV and a sleek sedan. We spent time driving both to help you decide which one deserves your driveway.
Let’s start with the basics. The Sentra is slightly cheaper at $23,845 (including destination), while the Kicks comes in at $23,975, a difference of just $130. 3-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring are all standard. The Sentra adds active lane-keeping and heated mirrors, while the Kicks offers rear parking sensors and more base color options.
If you need all-wheel drive, the Kicks is your only choice here.
Where these two really diverge is in how they drive. The Kicks feels lighter and more playful, with firmer suspension tuning that keeps its tall body from leaning too much in corners. Its CVT responds quickly and mimics a traditional automatic nicely, making the most of its 141 horsepower.
The Sentra, with 149 horsepower and a more sophisticated rear suspension, prioritizes comfort. Its ride is softer and quieter, and it delivers better fuel economy, up to 38 mpg on the highway versus the Kicks’ 35 mpg. 3-cubic-foot trunk.
So which one wins? If you value driving engagement, versatility, and the option of all-wheel drive, the Kicks is the easy pick. It’s more fun to toss around, more practical for hauling, and doesn’t sacrifice too much in fuel economy. If your priority is maximum comfort, highway mileage, or a traditional sedan silhouette, the Sentra delivers a quieter, smoother ride.
Either way, Nissan has proven that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a genuinely enjoyable new car.
Source: CarBuzz
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