Affordable and economical, the 2017 Nissan Sentra is a small sedan that offers eight trims. The 2017 Toyota Corolla is also a compact sedan that won't break your budget. Available with a turbocharged engine, the Sentra is more powerful than the Corolla. Additionally, the signature NissanConnect infotainment system offers more connectivity options than the Entune multimedia system.

But how do these two compact sedans compare in a detailed comparison? Keep reading to find out!

Comparing Performance

When equipped with the 1.8 L MRA8DE engine, the Nissan Sentra gets up to 130 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. The all-new 1.6 L MR16DDT engine produces a maximum of 188 hp. Powered by the Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) mechanism, this turbocharged engine has a peak output of 177 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 RPM. 

Both engines include the Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System, which manages the intake and exhaust of air. Although it's very economical, the Toyota Corolla's standard 1.8 L I-4 engine is only capable of generating 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. When equipped with the Valvematic technology, this four-cylinder engine has a peak output of 140 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque.

 Available with the Manual Shift Mode, the Sentra's Xtronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) simplifies gear shifting. The Corolla's Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and Shift Mode (CVTi-S) isn't as responsive as the Xtronic CVT. Both models also offer a manual transmission system with six speeds. 

Another high-performance feature in this compact Nissan is the Active Understeer Control. Compatible only with the Xtronic CVT, this sophisticated steering system improves handling on curved roads and intersections that require sharp turns.

Which Has the Best Tech?

You can access the signature NissanConnect suite via the Sentra's 5.8-inch color display. Combined with Google technology, the car's GPS navigation system delivers accurate directions. 

You also have access to a wealth of real-time information that's delivered by SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link. Entertainment options that are accessible in the NissanConnect portal include HD Radio, Pandora Internet Radio, iHeartRadio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. You may listen to your favorite music channels on the Bose audio system that comes with eight total speakers, including two subwoofers. 

Available with a 7-inch touch screen, the Toyota Corolla's Entune infotainment system doesn't offer as many features as the NissanConnect platform. Additionally, the car's six speakers don't match the acoustic capabilities of the Sentra's Bose speakers. Both models support Siri Eyes Free and wireless Bluetooth for seamless integration of smartphones. 

Additionally, this Nissan offers the Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant.

What About Safety?

With some leverage from the Nissan Sentra's Forward Emergency Braking, you may be fortunate enough to avoid a front crash. Similarly, the Toyota Corolla's Pre-Collision System applies the brakes when a forward collision is imminent. Offering the Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, the Sentra is unlikely to get into side or rear collisions. 

Such accident-avoidance features aren't available in the Corolla. If you get into an accident while riding in the Sentra, the Automatic Collision Notification will automatically connect you to a live operator by phone. This feature is part of the NissanConnect Services Package that includes the Emergency Calling and Alarm Notification. 

Unlike most Toyota models, the Corolla doesn't include the Safety Connect package, which offers assistance after accidents.