MPGTerminal
47/100
2009Midsize CarsRegular

2009 Nissan Sentra

EPA ID: 26543
24
City MPG
27
Combined MPG
27MPG· Average
31
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2009 Nissan Sentra achieves an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2L 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual 6-spd, this midsize cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2009 Sentra produces approximately 329 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Sentra performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,200, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $250 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassMidsize Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionManual 6-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions329 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,200
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $250

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
26.7
Impact vs EPA
+$21
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$579/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$16,000
46.1%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$9,722
28.0%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$8,600
24.8%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$34,722

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #10V401000·2010-09-16
critical
Component: EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Nissan Sentra configurations.

View Model History

Similar 2009 Midsize Cars Alternatives

2009 Hyundai Elantra

2L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 24Hwy: 33$2,200/yr

2009 Kia Spectra

2L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 24Hwy: 32$2,200/yr

2009 Nissan Versa

1.8L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 24Hwy: 32$2,200/yr

2009 Saturn Astra 4DR Hatchback

1.8L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 24Hwy: 30$2,200/yr

2009 Saturn Astra 4DR Hatchback

1.8L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

27MPG
City: 24Hwy: 32$2,200/yr

2009 Chevrolet Malibu

2.4L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

26MPG
City: 22Hwy: 33$2,300/yr

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,200
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $250

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City24 MPG
Highway31 MPG
Combined27 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

65.8 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 81 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 5.5 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.