2021 Toyota Corolla vs. 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Toyota Corolla is available with two efficient and spirited engine platforms. Buyers interested in the L, LE or XLE models will have the standard naturally aspirated 1.8-liter, four-cylinder power plant under the hood that is attached to a continuously variable transmission. It will make 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. All three trim grades using this powertrain will be able to achieve about 30 miles per gallon in the city and around 38 miles per gallon on the highway.  

However, if this isn’t enough performance, Lexington Toyota customers can choose among the SE, XSE, Nightshade or Apex models. These four versions of the 2021 Toyota Corolla will use a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine which can be attached to a CVT or six-speed manual transmission. Drivers can expect any of the four models with the upgraded powertrain to produce 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The more powerful engine will record very similar fuel economy scores to the entry-level equipment. 

Each 2020 Nissan Sentra uses a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that will make 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Owners of the current Sentra will be able to record less than 30 mpg in the city and about 39 mpg on the highway. 

Every 2021 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a smartphone-compatible infotainment system with easy access to both the Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ suites of applications. Compatibility with the Amazon Alexa digital home assistant is also standard. The 2020 Sentra does offer similar technology, but it is only available on the compact sedan’s upper trim grades.