Sentra vs WRX
Rivals in the compact car class rarely match spec for spec, and the Sentra and the WRX are no exception. The scorecard favors the Sentra, which leads in 2 of 4 areas. Its strongest showing is in the fuel economy & range category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance WRX wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Sentra wins
- Space & Practicality Sentra wins
- Off-road & Towing WRX wins
- Engine & Performance0.4
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Engine & Performance7.3
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- Space & Practicality4.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The WRX has 122 hp more power
Big gap, real consequences. The WRX’s 271 hp versus the Sentra’s 149 hp changes how the two compare in daily use. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Sentra has better fuel economy
The WRX is clearly behind on fuel economy (combined) (22 mpg against 34 mpg), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The WRX has 112 lb-ft more torque
On this line of the spec sheet, the WRX is in a different league: 258 lb-ft, next to 146 lb-ft for the Sentra. The WRX’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Sentra has 14% more cargo space
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Sentra (14.3 cu ft versus 12.5 cu ft). Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The Sentra has better city fuel economy
For fuel economy (city), the Sentra leads by a wide margin: 30 mpg versus 19 mpg. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Sentra has the better rating here.
Design & Size
- Sentra 182.9 in × 71.5 in × 56.9 in
- WRX 183.8 in × 71.9 in × 57.8 in
On overall dimensions, the Sentra and the WRX are separated by very little.
Dimensions
| Spec | Sentra | WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.9 in | 183.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.5 in | 71.9 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 57.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.6 in | 105.4 in |
| Curb weight (from) | 3,036 lb | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
WRX leads
On engine & performance, the gap between these two is wide, and it favors the WRX. The WRX steps ahead thanks to 122 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. On engine & performance alone, the WRX gets the nod.
Total system output
Sentra: 149 hp WRX: 271 hp The WRX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Sentra: 146 lb-ft WRX: 258 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Sentra leads
For fuel economy & range, the verdict is easy: the Sentra leads, and not by a little. The Sentra scores with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Prioritize fuel economy & range, and the Sentra is where you should land.
Fuel economy (combined)
Sentra: 34 mpg WRX: 22 mpg The Sentra uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Sentra: 30 mpg WRX: 19 mpg In town, driving style has a big effect, but the Sentra starts from a better baseline.
Space & Practicality
Sentra leads
On space & practicality, the Sentra comes out slightly ahead. Choose the Sentra and you get 14% more cargo space. The Sentra’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. That makes the Sentra the natural choice for buyers focused on space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Sentra: 14.3 cu ft WRX: 12.5 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
WRX leads
The Sentra comes close on off-road & towing, but the WRX does just enough to lead. The WRX stands out with available all-wheel drive. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces. So if off-road & towing tops your list, lean toward the WRX.
AWD / 4WD available
Sentra: no WRX: yes All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
Nothing to tally in the safety & tech section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the Sentra and the WRX each use.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Sentra | WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 2.4L turbo flat-4 |
| Total system output | 149 hp | 271 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | CVT (Xtronic) | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Sentra | WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 34 mpg (winner) | 22 mpg Thirstiest in class |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 19 mpg Thirstiest in the city |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 40 mpg (winner) | 26 mpg Thirstiest on the highway |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Sentra | WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 14.3 cu ft (winner) | 12.5 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
| Rear legroom | 34.90 in | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Sentra | WRX |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Sentra | WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Nissan Safety Shield 360 | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Sentra | WRX |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.9 in | 183.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.5 in | 71.9 in |
| Height | 56.9 in | 57.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.6 in | 105.4 in |
| Curb weight (from) | 3,036 lb | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Sentra if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (34 mpg vs 22 mpg combined)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (14.3 cu ft vs 12.5 cu ft)
- you mostly drive in town (30 mpg vs 19 mpg in the city)
- you want better highway fuel economy (40 mpg vs 26 mpg)
Choose the WRX if…
- you want more power (271 hp vs 149 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (258 lb-ft vs 146 lb-ft of torque)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Sentra or the WRX?
The Sentra makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if what you want most is 122 hp more power.
Is the Sentra bigger than the WRX?
The Sentra and the WRX are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Sentra and the WRX chase the same buyer. In the details, Nissan and Subaru made different calls. Honestly, better fuel economy on the Sentra does a lot of the persuading for me. I also like that the Sentra brings 14% more cargo space. The WRX’s strongest argument is 122 hp more power.
Put simply, the Sentra suits people who care about fuel economy & range, while the WRX suits people who put engine & performance first.
My pick: the Sentra is the sensible default. Only one thing changes that: if you’d trade the rest for 122 hp more power.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.