The 2021 Nissan Sentra marks a significant redesign for the model, and with it comes a fresh look at its safety performance. As a content creator for cardiagnosticnearme.com and an automotive repair expert, I’ve analyzed the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash test reports for the 2021 Sentra to provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of its safety ratings. This detailed analysis will delve into each test category, offering insights into how the 2021 Sentra performs in various crash scenarios, ensuring you have all the information you need when considering vehicle safety.
2021 Sentra Driver-Side Small Overlap Frontal Test
The small overlap frontal test simulates a collision where only a small portion of the vehicle’s front end, on the driver’s side, impacts an object. For the 2021 Sentra, this test was conducted by Nissan, and the IIHS has assigned ratings based on their data. The 2021 Nissan Sentra achieved a Good rating in the driver-side small overlap front test, the highest possible rating.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures: | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and kinematics | G |
The technical measurements from this test provide a deeper look into the structural performance and potential driver injuries.
Technical Measurements: Driver-Side Small Overlap Frontal Test
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | ||
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 12 |
| Footrest (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 18 |
| Left toepan (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 7 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 6 |
| Parking brake (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 11 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 2 |
| Steering column (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 0 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 4 |
| Upper dash (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 7 |
| Lower instrument panel (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 8 |
| Driver Injury Measures | ||
| Head HIC-15 | Head | 89 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | Head | No Contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | Neck | 1.2 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | Neck | 9 |
| Maximum Nij | Neck | 0.23 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | Chest | 37 |
| Femur Force – Left (kN) | Femur | 1.5 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | Femur | 0.7 |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | Knee | 1 |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | Knee | 2 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Left | Knee-thigh-hip | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Right | Knee-thigh-hip | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | Tibia | 0.60 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | Tibia | 0.35 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | Tibia | 2.9 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | Tibia | 1.2 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | Foot | 59 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | Foot | 59 |
Alt text: 2021 Nissan Sentra driver-side small overlap crash test results, highlighting good safety performance.
2021 Sentra Passenger-Side Small Overlap Frontal Test
The passenger-side small overlap test mirrors the driver-side test but evaluates the safety performance on the passenger side of the vehicle. Like the driver-side test, the rating for the 2021 Sentra is based on a test conducted by Nissan. The 2021 Nissan Sentra also earned a Good overall rating in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G |
| Structure and safety cage | A |
| Passenger injury measures: | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Passenger restraints and kinematics | G |
| Driver injury measures: | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Chest | G |
| Hip/thigh | G |
| Lower leg/foot | G |
| Driver restraints and kinematics | G |
While the overall rating is ‘Good’, the ‘Acceptable’ rating for the structure and safety cage indicates a slightly lower performance compared to the driver side in this specific area.
Technical Measurements: Passenger-Side Small Overlap Frontal Test
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Passenger Side) | ||
| Lower hinge pillar max (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 17 |
| Footrest (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 13 |
| Right toepan (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 9 |
| Center toepan (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 5 |
| Rocker panel lateral average (cm) | Lower Occupant Compartment | 0 |
| Center dash (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 7 |
| Upper hinge pillar max (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 7 |
| Upper dash (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 10 |
| Right lower dash (cm) | Upper Occupant Compartment | 9 |
| Passenger Injury Measures | ||
| Head HIC-15 | Head | 282 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | Head | No Contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | Neck | 1.4 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | Neck | 31 |
| Maximum Nij | Neck | 0.39 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | Chest | 18 |
| Femur Force – Left (kN) | Femur | 1.4 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | Femur | 2.4 |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | Knee | 4 |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | Knee | 7 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Left | Knee-thigh-hip | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Right | Knee-thigh-hip | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | Tibia | 0.60 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | Tibia | 0.46 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | Tibia | 1.8 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | Tibia | 1.4 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | Foot | 43 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | Foot | 40 |
| Driver Injury Measures | ||
| Head HIC-15 | Head | 97 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | Head | No Contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | Neck | 1.0 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | Neck | 11 |
| Maximum Nij | Neck | 0.22 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | Chest | 32 |
| Femur Force – Left (kN) | Femur | 0.4 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | Femur | 0.7 |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | Knee | 0 |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | Knee | 1 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Left | Knee-thigh-hip | 0 |
| Knee-thigh-hip injury risk (%) – Right | Knee-thigh-hip | 0 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | Tibia | 0.21 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | Tibia | 0.33 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | Tibia | 1.5 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | Tibia | 0.6 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | Foot | 30 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | Foot | 38 |
Alt text: 2021 Nissan Sentra passenger-side small overlap test, showing good overall safety but acceptable structural performance.
2021 Sentra Moderate Overlap Frontal Test (Original)
In the moderate overlap frontal test, a larger portion of the vehicle’s front end impacts a deformable barrier. The 2021 Sentra achieved a Good overall rating in this original moderate overlap front test.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures: | |
| Head/neck | A |
| Chest | G |
| Leg/foot, left | G |
| Leg/foot, right | G |
| Driver restraints and kinematics | G |
The driver injury measures are primarily ‘Good’, with ‘Acceptable’ for head/neck protection, suggesting room for improvement in this area.
Technical Measurements: Moderate Overlap Frontal Test (Original)
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Occupant Compartment Intrusion (Driver Side) | ||
| Footrest (cm) | Footwell Intrusion | 3 |
| Left (cm) | Footwell Intrusion | 9 |
| Center (cm) | Footwell Intrusion | 6 |
| Right (cm) | Footwell Intrusion | 4 |
| Brake pedal (cm) | Footwell Intrusion | 3 |
| Left (cm) | Instrument Panel Rearward Movement | 2 |
| Right (cm) | Instrument Panel Rearward Movement | 3 |
| Upward (cm) | Steering Column Movement | 1 |
| Rearward (cm) | Steering Column Movement | -2 |
| A-pillar rearward movement (cm) | A-pillar Rearward Movement | 0 |
| Driver Injury Measures | ||
| Head HIC-15 | Head | 296 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | Head | 83 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | Neck | 1.1 |
| Neck Extension bending moment (Nm) | Neck | 12 |
| Maximum Nij | Neck | 0.24 |
| Chest maximum compression (mm) | Chest | 36 |
| Femur Force – Left (kN) | Legs | 1.0 |
| Femur Force – Right (kN) | Legs | 1.1 |
| Knee Displacement – Left (mm) | Legs | 0 |
| Knee Displacement – Right (mm) | Legs | 2 |
| Maximum tibia index – Left | Legs | 0.46 |
| Maximum tibia index – Right | Legs | 0.49 |
| Tibia axial force – Left (kN) | Legs | 2.4 |
| Tibia axial force – Right (kN) | Legs | 2.6 |
| Foot acceleration – Left (g) | Foot | 63 |
| Foot acceleration – Right (g) | Foot | 54 |
Alt text: 2021 Nissan Sentra moderate overlap front crash test, showing good overall rating, but acceptable head/neck protection.
2021 Sentra Side Impact Test (Original)
The original side impact test evaluates how well a vehicle protects occupants in a side collision. The 2021 Nissan Sentra achieved a Good overall rating in the original side test.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G |
| Structure and safety cage | G |
| Driver injury measures: | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Driver head protection | G |
| Rear passenger injury measures: | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis/leg | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
The 2021 Sentra demonstrates ‘Good’ protection across all measured categories in the original side impact test for both driver and rear passenger.
Technical Measurements: Side Impact Test (Original)
| Measurement Category | Metric | Driver Value | Passenger Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-pillar intrusion (cm) | Occupant Compartment Intrusion | -15.0 | N/A |
| Head HIC-15 | Head | 140 | 69 |
| Neck Tension (kN) | Neck | 0.7 | 0.3 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | Neck | 0.2 | 0.5 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | Shoulder | 15 | 12 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | Shoulder | 0.9 | 0.8 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | Torso | 32 | 24 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | Torso | 28 | 18 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | Torso | 3.74 | 5.39 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | Torso | 0.47 | 0.55 |
| Pelvis Iliac force (kN) | Pelvis | 1.0 | 0.2 |
| Pelvis Acetabulum force (kN) | Pelvis | 1.7 | 1.3 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | Pelvis | 2.6 | 1.3 |
| Left Femur L-M force (kN) | Left Femur | 0.5 | 1.5 |
| Left Femur L-M moment (Nm) | Left Femur | 171 | 166 |
| Left Femur A-P moment (Nm) | Left Femur | 52 | -21 |
Alt text: 2021 Nissan Sentra original side crash test, demonstrating good occupant protection in side collisions.
2021 Sentra Side Impact Test (Updated)
The IIHS updated its side impact test to better simulate more severe real-world side crashes. In this updated test, the 2021 Nissan Sentra received an Acceptable overall rating.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | A |
| Structure and safety cage | A |
| Driver injury measures: | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | A |
| Pelvis | A |
| Driver head protection | M |
| Rear passenger injury measures: | |
| Head/neck | G |
| Torso | G |
| Pelvis | G |
| Rear passenger head protection | G |
The updated test reveals a weakness in driver head protection, rated as ‘Marginal’, and ‘Acceptable’ ratings for driver torso and pelvis protection, indicating a step down from the ‘Good’ ratings in other crash tests. Rear passenger protection remains ‘Good’ across all categories in the updated test.
Technical Measurements: Side Impact Test (Updated)
| Measurement Category | Metric | Driver Value | Passenger Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-pillar intrusion (cm) | Occupant Compartment Intrusion | -14.5 | N/A |
| Head HIC-15 | Head | 387 | 182 |
| Peak gs at hard contact | Head | 84 | No Contact |
| Neck Tension (kN) | Neck | 1.7 | 0.8 |
| Neck Compression (kN) | Neck | 0.3 | 0.5 |
| Shoulder Lateral deflection (mm) | Shoulder | 24 | 28 |
| Shoulder Lateral force (kN) | Shoulder | 0.8 | 1.3 |
| Torso Maximum deflection (mm) | Torso | 42 | 22 |
| Torso Average deflection (mm) | Torso | 36 | 19 |
| Torso Maximum deflection rate (m/s) | Torso | 5.59 | 2.66 |
| Torso Maximum viscous criterion (m/s) | Torso | 1.03 | 0.31 |
| Pelvis Combined force (kN) | Pelvis | 4.8 | 3.8 |
Alt text: 2022 Nissan Sentra post-updated side crash test condition, illustrating vehicle damage.
Alt text: Interior damage of 2022 Nissan Sentra after updated side impact test, highlighting airbag deployment and structural deformation.
Alt text: Grease paint mark on driver dummy head of 2022 Nissan Sentra, indicating head contacted window sill in updated side crash test.
Alt text: Grease paint mark on rear passenger dummy head of 2022 Nissan Sentra, showing effective head protection by side airbags in updated side crash test.
2021 Sentra Roof Strength Test
The roof strength test measures the roof’s ability to protect occupants in a rollover crash. The 2021 Nissan Sentra achieved a Good rating in roof strength.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G |
Technical Measurements: Roof Strength Test
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Curb weight | Weight | 3,035 lbs |
| Peak force | Force | 14,266 lbs |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | Ratio | 4.70 |
Alt text: 2021 Nissan Sentra roof strength test, demonstrating good structural integrity during rollover simulation.
2021 Sentra Head Restraints & Seats
Head restraints and seats are evaluated for their ability to protect against neck injuries in rear-end collisions. The 2021 Sentra with manual cloth seats received a Good overall rating.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G |
| Dynamic rating | G |
| Seat/head restraint geometry | G |
Technical Measurements: Head Restraints & Seats
| Measurement Category | Metric | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Backset (mm) | Geometry | 24 |
| Distance below top of head (mm) | Geometry | 53 |
| Max T1 acceleration (g) | Seat design parameters | 11.9 |
| Head contact time (ms) | Seat design parameters | 56 |
| Force rating | Seat design parameters | 1 |
| Max neck shear force (N) | Neck forces | 0 |
| Max neck tension (N) | Neck forces | 243 |
Alt text: 2021 Nissan Sentra head restraint and seat evaluation, indicating good protection against whiplash injuries.
2021 Sentra Headlight Ratings
Headlight performance is crucial for nighttime safety. The IIHS rates headlights based on visibility and glare. The 2021 Sentra has three different headlight variations, with ratings ranging from ‘Poor’ to ‘Acceptable’.
Headlight Variations and Ratings:
- SR trim with Premium package (LED projector): Acceptable
- SR trim (LED reflector): Poor
- S trim & SV trim (Halogen projector): Poor
Only the LED projector headlights available on the SR trim with the Premium package achieved an ‘Acceptable’ rating. The other headlight options, including LED reflector and Halogen projector headlights, are rated as ‘Poor’. This is an important consideration for potential buyers, as headlight performance significantly impacts nighttime driving safety.
Headlight Performance Details (SR trim with Premium package – LED projector):
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Low-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| High-beam headlight type | LED projector |
| Curve-adaptive? | No |
| High-beam assist? | Yes |
| Overall Rating | A |
Low Beam Performance (LED projector): Straightaway visibility was good on both sides, and curves visibility ranged from fair to good. Some glare was noted.
High Beam Performance (LED projector): Straightaway and curves visibility were generally good to fair. High-beam assist helps compensate for low beam limitations.
Technical Measurements: LED Projector Headlights (SR trim with Premium package)
| LOW BEAMS | Measurement | Glare Exceeded Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Straightaway right edge | 107.8 m | 9.3% |
| Straightaway left edge | 57.4 m | 9.3% |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 64.1 m | None |
| 250m radius left curve, right edge | 56.9 m | 60.1% |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 55.2 m | None |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 54.5 m | 93.1% |
| HIGH BEAMS | Measurement | |
| Straightaway right edge | 173.8 m | |
| Straightaway left edge | 163.8 m | |
| 250m radius right curve, right edge | 79.2 m | |
| 250m radius left curve, left edge | 80.9 m | |
| 150m radius right curve, right edge | 61.9 m | |
| 150m radius left curve, left edge | 64.6 m |
Headlight Performance Details (SR trim – LED reflector & S/SV trim – Halogen projector): Both LED reflector and Halogen projector headlights received ‘Poor’ ratings due to inadequate visibility in straightaways and curves. High beam assist offers some compensation, but overall performance is lacking.
Alt text: 2021 Nissan Sentra headlight ratings comparison, highlighting acceptable LED projector headlights versus poor LED reflector and halogen headlights.
2021 Sentra Front Crash Prevention: Vehicle-to-Vehicle
The front crash prevention system is evaluated for its ability to avoid or mitigate collisions with other vehicles. The 2021 Sentra’s standard Automatic Emergency Braking system earned a Superior rating.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Superior |
The system successfully avoided collisions in both 12 mph and 25 mph vehicle-to-vehicle tests, meeting forward collision warning requirements.
2021 Sentra Front Crash Prevention: Pedestrian (Day)
Pedestrian front crash prevention systems are tested for their effectiveness in preventing collisions with pedestrians during the day. The 2021 Sentra’s standard Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection system achieved an Advanced rating.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | Advanced |
Pedestrian Detection Performance:
- Crossing Child: Collision avoided at 12 mph, impact speed reduced by 8 mph at 25 mph.
- Crossing Adult: Collision avoided at both 12 mph and 25 mph.
- Parallel Adult: Collision avoided at 25 mph, impact speed reduced significantly at 37 mph with a warning issued before impact.
2021 Sentra Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
Child seat anchors (LATCH) are evaluated for their ease of use. The 2021 Sentra received a Good + extra LATCH positions rating, indicating good accessibility and additional options for car seat installation.
| Evaluation Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | G + extra LATCH positions |
The 2021 Sentra has two rear seating positions with complete LATCH hardware and an additional position where lower anchors can be borrowed, offering flexibility for families installing child seats.
LATCH Details by Seating Position:
- Positions 1 & 3: Dedicated tether and lower anchors, easy to use.
- Position 2: Tether anchor, lower anchors can be borrowed from positions 1 and 3.
Technical Measurements: Child Seat Anchors (LATCH)
| Seat Position | Anchor | Open Access | Depth (cm) | Force (lbs) | Clearance Angle (degrees) | Location | Confusing Hardware | Contrasting Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position 21 (3) | Lower Anchor A | No | 0-2 | 13 | 91 | Rear deck | No | No |
| Lower Anchor B | No | 0-2 | 10 | 97 | Rear deck | No | No | |
| Tether Anchor | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Rear deck | No | No | |
| Position 22 (2) | Lower Anchor A | Shared | N/A | N/A | N/A | Rear deck | No | No |
| Lower Anchor B | Shared | N/A | N/A | N/A | Rear deck | No | No | |
| Tether Anchor | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Rear deck | No | No | |
| Position 23 (1) | Lower Anchor A | No | 0-2 | 18 | 88 | Rear deck | No | No |
| Lower Anchor B | No | 0-2 | 10 | 90 | Rear deck | No | No | |
| Tether Anchor | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Rear deck | No | No |
Conclusion
The 2021 Nissan Sentra demonstrates robust safety performance in most IIHS crash tests, achieving ‘Good’ ratings in key areas like small overlap frontal (driver and passenger side), moderate overlap frontal, original side impact, and roof strength tests. It also boasts ‘Superior’ vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention and ‘Advanced’ pedestrian front crash prevention. However, the ‘Acceptable’ rating in the updated side impact test and ‘Poor’ ratings for most headlight options are points to consider. For optimal safety, especially at night and in side-impact scenarios, potential buyers should be aware of these nuances and consider trims with the ‘Acceptable’ rated LED projector headlights. Overall, the 2021 Sentra offers a solid level of safety, especially for its vehicle class, but understanding these detailed ratings is crucial for making an informed decision.
