2026 Nissan Sentra: Updated for the Masses

• Competes with: Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla
• Looks like: The Murano’s sedanlike younger cousin
• Powertrain: 149-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; continuously variable automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
• Release date: Late 2025

“They” say that nobody wants small cars. “They” say that sedans are dead. But “they” apparently haven’t tried to buy a new car for less than $30,000 recently, so the fact that Nissan is keeping its venerable Sentra compact sedan alive with a redesigned ninth-generation version is significant — because somebody still wants small cars, somebody still likes sedans, and nobody wants to pay a fortune for it.

So, here we have the 2026 Sentra, which wears a new body and updated interior, is flush with new technology and (hopefully) comes in around the same starting price that the 2025 version enjoyed. Affordability is important in this struggling time, and a spacious, stylish, well-equipped compact sedan would be welcomed by many. Here is one — and it looks fantastic.

Related: Is the 2025 Nissan Sentra a Good Car? 5 Pros, 2 Cons

A New, Swoopier Silhouette

• Key takeaway: The all-new Sentra gets new exterior styling that brings it more in line with that of Nissan’s SUVs, with a swoopier wedge look and a new version of the brand’s signature V-Motion grille.

The Sentra gets an all-new look, one that more closely brings the styling of the Ariya and Murano SUVs into the sedan lineup. The new styling isn’t as out there as the Kicks, but it does improve the Sentra’s shape to become a more fastback-style sedan. But it is still a sedan — not a hatchback — maintaining a traditional trunk opening that’s now wider and lower than before.

Nissan updated the Sentra’s grille with a new “digitized” version that moves the V-Motion look into an animated LED welcome light show. Out back, the taillights are now a panel that spans the width of the rear end. Overall, it gives the Sentra a swoopier silhouette, with a wedge look that doesn’t quite come through in pictures but is prominent in person.

There are now four trim levels again: S, SV, SR and the return of the SL. Wheel choices depend on the trim level; 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels can be had, with the SR getting the biggest ones and the more luxurious SL getting the 17s. The SR is the sporty-looking variant (though without any actual sporting equipment), with a blacked-out grille, dark-chrome accents, black side sills, a unique rear bumper, rear spoiler and optional two-tone black roof.

What the new Sentra does have are some pretty fantastic paint colors, which include Imperial Bronze, Gun Metallic, Atlantic Gray Metallic, Super Black, Scarlett Ember, Aspen White and Fresh Powder. In addition, four colors are available with a black roof: Aspen White, Bluestone Pearl, Atlantic Gray and Energetic Ember.

Still the Same Under the Hood

• Key takeaway: The Sentra keeps the same powerplant as the outgoing model but gets some refinements to its suspension and steering system.

Powering the ‘26 Sentra is the same powerplant as in the outgoing variant: a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission powering the front wheels. It makes 149 horsepower and 146 pounds-feet of torque, which isn’t terribly much in this day of common turbocharged engines, but the focus of the Sentra isn’t performance — it’s efficient, comfortable, affordable transportation. The engine and transmission should be adequate, but fuel-economy numbers are not yet available. The new Sentra does get some refinements, though, such as retuned shock absorbers, additional structural rigidity and a new dynamic damper on the steering system to reduce road vibration.

Thoughtful Interior, Luxury Optional

• Key takeaway: Nissan updated the Sentra’s interior for 2026, adding two 12.3-inch screens in some trim levels and moving some controls into the touchscreen.

The new Sentra gets a new interior, as well, and it’s an excellent upgrade from the old model’s. The design and shapes are new but still pay homage to the outgoing car, with three rectangular air vents in the center stack replacing the circular ones owners are familiar with. Certain trims will have a dashboard dominated by twin 12.3-inch screens, the center one being a touchscreen that Nissan says is twice as bright as the outgoing one.

The touchscreen also now houses several functions, and the climate controls follow the new Nissan standard of being a touch panel. However, Nissan did retain some core buttons for frequently used functions. So far in the Nissans we’ve sampled with this mixture of touch-sensitive controls, dedicated buttons and capacitive panels, we’ve found the systems to be decently easy to use and a good compromise between all screens or all buttons.

Depending on the trim level, you get different looks for your Sentra. The Sentra SL is genuinely nice, with touches pushing it toward being a budget luxury vehicle, including an actual interior color instead of just econocar greige. The upholstery isn’t genuine leather, but it feels upscale with its asymmetrical quilting. The SL also brings a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a power moonroof and more. Meanwhile, the sporty SR has an appropriately racier cloth interior with orange accent stitching. Both have excellent comfort in the front and backseats, and they offer overall adequate room in back for two adults with plenty of legroom.

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Plenty of the Latest Tech

Along with the styling and interior upgrades, the Sentra gets some new standard and optional technology, most notably being the debut of ProPilot Assist, which is optional and can handle stop-and-go traffic as well as steering inputs (with drivers keeping their hands on the wheel). Adaptive cruise control is standard on all trim levels. Blind spot intervention also debuts on the Sentra, as does an integrated MyQ universal garage door opener and passive lock/unlock upon approach and departure.

In terms of entertainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but are only wireless on the SV trim and up. A Bose eight-speaker premium audio system is available, as is a 360-degree camera system with moving object detection.

Release Date and Pricing

The 2026 Nissan Sentra will be arriving in showrooms later in 2025, with pricing to be announced closer to its on-sale date.

Read More Nissan Sentra Coverage:

• 2024 Nissan Sentra Review: A Lot for a Little
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• 2025 Cars.com Affordability Report: Best Value New Cars
• Research the Nissan Sentra

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