2027 Nissan Sentra vs 2027 Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 wins clearly, 100 to 71.1, on fuel & range.
2027 Nissan Sentra
The 2027 Nissan Sentra is sold in the U.S. as a gas midsize sedan with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sentra with Normal/Eco Modes,…
2027 Tesla Model 3
The 2027 Tesla Model 3 is sold in the U.S. as an electric midsize sedan. Its longest-range version, the Model 3 Performance AWD, is EPA-rated at 316 miles with …
2027 Tesla Model 3
Clear winThe Tesla Model 3 wins clearly, 100 to 71.1, on fuel & range.
| Category · weight | 2027 Tesla Model 3overall 100 | 2027 Nissan Sentraoverall 71.1 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 32.6 | |||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||
| Space & cargonot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Performancenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Tech & comfortnot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Overall | 100 | 71.1 | |||||||||
Safety-only comparison · 2 of 7 categories compared · specs not available for Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3: safety only (EPA and NHTSA record; specs not available) · Nissan Sentra: base trim S FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2027 Tesla Model 3 wins
- It is rated 111 combined against 33 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,350 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($700 against $2,050).
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 100.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
46 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Tesla Model 3 | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $22,890 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | — | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | — | 4 |
| Engine displacement | — | 1,997 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | — | 2.0L DOHC I4 MR20DD |
| Fuel injection system | — | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | — | DOHC |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | — | 149 hp |
| Torque | — | 146 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | — | 30 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | — | 33 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | — | 38 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | — | 5.25:1 |
| Transmission type | — | cvt |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | — | 4.7 in |
| Overall height | — | 57.1 in |
| Overall length | — | 183 in |
| Overall width | — | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | — | 107 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | — | 14.3 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | — | 110 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | — | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | — | 38.9 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 36.7 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | — | 44 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 34.8 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | — | 3,097 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | — | 3,097 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 4,079 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | — | Independent strut with coil springs |
| Rear suspension type | — | Multi-link independent |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | — | Dual pinion electric power-assisted |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 38.1 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 284 mm |
| Front brake type | — | Vented disc |
| Parking brake type | — | Electric with auto-hold |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 260 mm |
| Rear brake type | — | Vented disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | — | 16 in |
| Wheel material | — | steel |
| Wheel width | — | 6.5 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | — | 205/60R16 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | — | 12.4 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 87 |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | — | 56.2 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 54.6 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
73 features · differences first, then sharedSafety28 differ · 28 listed
| Feature | Tesla Model 3 | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection | — | std |
| Intelligent Forward Collision Warning | — | std |
| Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags | — | std |
| Lane Departure Warning with haptic steering wheel | — | std |
| Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor | — | std |
| Roof-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection | — | std |
| Rear passenger seat-mounted side-impact supplemental air bags | — | std |
| Anti-lock Braking System | — | std |
| Blind Spot Intervention | — | std |
| Blind Spot Warning | — | std |
| Brake Assist | — | std |
| Driver and front passenger knee supplemental air bags | — | std |
| Easy-Fill Tire Alert | — | std |
| Electronic Brake force Distribution | — | std |
| Haptic (steering wheel controls) | — | std |
| High Beam Assist | — | std |
| Hill Start Assist | — | std |
| Intelligent Cruise Control with steering wheel-mounted switches | — | std |
| Intelligent Driver Alertness | — | std |
| Lane Departure Prevention | — | std |
| Parking brake - Electric with auto-hold | — | std |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | std |
| Rear Door Alert | — | std |
| Traction Control System | — | std |
| Traffic Sign Recognition | — | std |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | — | std |
| Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System | — | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System – direct sensor type | — | std |
Infotainment11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Tesla Model 3 | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 1 rear, charge-only USB Type C port | — | std |
| 12.3-inch NissanConnect® touchscreen | — | std |
| 2 front USB Type C ports | — | std |
| 4 speakers | — | std |
| 7-inch multi-information display | — | std |
| AM/FM with RDS | — | std |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® | — | std |
| Google Assistant™ voice recognition | — | std |
| Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant | — | std |
| Siri® Eyes Free | — | std |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® and wireless Android Auto™ | — | std |
Convenience5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Tesla Model 3 | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Ignition / Nissan Intelligent Key® keyless entry | — | std |
| 12-volt DC power outlet | — | std |
| Power door locks with auto-locking feature | — | std |
| Power windows with driver-side one-touch auto up/down and auto reverse | — | std |
| Remote Keyless Entry system with Push Button Ignition | — | std |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Tesla Model 3 | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Manual air conditioning | — | std |
Seating5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Tesla Model 3 | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated (front seats) | — | opt |
| 6-way manual adjustable (driver seat) | — | std |
| Cloth (front seats) | — | std |
| Front passenger seat - 4-way manual | — | std |
| Rear seats 60/40-split fold-down | — | std |
Interior3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Tesla Model 3 | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Sun visors with vanity mirrors | — | std |
| Manual tilt and telescoping (steering wheel) | — | std |
| Carpeted Floor Mats | — | std |
Exterior14 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Tesla Model 3 | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED headlights (high/low beam) | — | std |
| 16-inch steel with cover, 16 x 6.5-inch wheels | — | std |
| 205/60R16 all-season tires | — | std |
| Body-color door handles | — | std |
| Center High-Mount Stop Light | — | std |
| Daytime running lights | — | std |
| Front grille, gloss black with chrome finisher | — | std |
| Gloss black power outside mirrors | — | std |
| Intelligent Auto Headlights | — | std |
| LED tail lights | — | std |
| Tire repair kit | — | std |
| Variable intermittent front wipers | — | std |
| Rear window defroster with timer | — | std |
| Tire repair kit | — | std |
Powertrain3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Tesla Model 3 | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front-engine / front-wheel drive | — | std |
| Idle Stop/Start | — | std |
| Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) | — | std |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Tesla Model 3 | Nissan SentraS FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ride Control | — | std |
| Intelligent Ride Control | — | std |
| Intelligent Trace Control | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPTesla Model 3
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Nissan Sentra
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Tesla Model 3 | Nissan SentraS FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | — | $22,890 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | — | $22,890 – $27,990 4 trims |
| Powertrains | BEV | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Model 3 Performance AWD | Sentra with Normal/Eco Modes |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 111 | 33 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $700 | $2,050 |
| EV range | 316 mi | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2027 Tesla Model 3 or the 2027 Nissan Sentra?
The Tesla Model 3 wins clearly, 100 to 71.1, on fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Tesla Model 3 scores 100 and the 2027 Nissan Sentra 71.1. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2027 Tesla Model 3 or the 2027 Nissan Sentra?
2027 Tesla Model 3: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2027 Nissan Sentra: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2027 Tesla Model 3 and the 2027 Nissan Sentra?
Where the 2027 Tesla Model 3 wins: it is rated 111 combined against 33 (EPA mpg or MPGe) and costs $1,350 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($700 against $2,050). What they share: a Safety Signal of 100.