The 2026 Nissan Sentra seems to be and feels greater. What stays is its worth pricing that begins nicely below $25k. Design updates give it extra of a coupe-like stance as added tech and trim parts make a notable distinction, asserting its ninth technology. The SR distinctive styling and dealing with traits remind consumers that low-ball sedans can have an perspective.
Nissan says the up to date sedan is endowed with new seems to be to make a bolder assertion, has extra significant expertise and a extra agile drive, and has the newest in customary security options with optionally available add-ons in an affordably-priced bundle. The four-door is available in 4 grades — the reasonably priced S and SV, in addition to the sporty SR and the premium SL. In an car market during which the typical transaction value of a brand new car is $51,000, the value-priced Sentra stands out with a beginning value of $22,400. It competes with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in its section.
We tried out the latest Sentra on a day-long drive, motoring it in metropolis site visitors and alongside scenic two-lanes within the Phoenix, Arizona environs. Our take a look at mannequin was the sports-minded SR, which is differentiated by some distinctive exterior trim parts, in addition to a barely extra spirited drive when the game setting is chosen from the drive modes, which embrace Eco and Commonplace.
At first look, the 2026 Sentra seems longer and larger than the outgoing mannequin. Actually, its size has solely grown by 0.6 inches (183.3 inches) and its wheelbase has shrunk by 0.1 inch. Nissan’s designers carved a extra coupe-like look that seems decrease and extra stretched. There are adjustments to the entrance and rear fascia, and it wears a barely redesigned V-Movement trapezoidal grille that sits entrance and heart with a large V swath; all enhance effectivity and aerodynamics, and convey the Sentra in line to pair with a stronger household resemblance to the Nissan Leaf and Nissan Ariya. The SR will get a blacked-out heart grille that expands the width of the entrance and tapers into the perimeters, and a singular again finish with a distinct spoiler and rear bumper.
Slim daytime operating lights stretch throughout the width of the entrance between the headlights that now have a better mild output. The rear lighting sample replicates the entrance, and the again finish has a bigger rear spoiler. A welcome sample of sunshine greets when the car is approached; goodbye illuminates upon exit. The facet profile advantages from a punctuated character line and carved fender arches, that are penned with a sculpted character line above.
On our drive, we appreciated the general dealing with of the latest mannequin. It’s arrange with impartial strut entrance suspension and a Multi-link rear with disc brakes that carried out their obligation nicely, and it had an excellent, predictable steering response. Engineers have dialed in improved shift timing and a stronger throttle response on the SR, particularly, which confirmed a nice increase of torque within the sport setting.
Our SR trim car was painted in a daring eye-candy-red shade known as Energetic Ember and sported a Tremendous Black roof with a tilt/slide sunroof; it sat on 18-inch alloy wheels (16s and 17s come on different trims). It was adorned with purple sew accents on the within. All grades include Nissan’s customary Security Protect 360. Up-level fashions SR and SL, and fashions with the Premium Package deal get added security options corresponding to an Clever Round View Monitor with Transferring Object Detection and Professional Pilot Help.
The brand new Sentra is perched on the identical Renault-Nissan front-drive platform and is powered by the identical 2.0 naturally-aspirated I4 engine with 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft. of torque, because the previous-gen mannequin. Nissan’s Xtronic CVT returns however has been tweaked with for a extra linear energy supply.
The brilliant and open inside seats 5; it has been redesigned with a extra upscale look utilizing increased high quality supplies that Nissan says are a “class above”. A horizontally-designed cockpit is the setting for 2 new 12.3-inch shows with a major multimedia display screen and a second, same-sized unit for the instrument cluster (the bottom S will get a 7.0-inch digital cluster). The shows are two instances brighter than earlier than for simpler studying. The reconfigured dashboard additionally has haptic-feedback buttons.
Different applied sciences embrace a Sirius XM Audio Leisure platform, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to “class unique” 64-color, customizable ambient lighting, a surround-view monitor with a wide-angle digicam, zero gravity seats with quilted, soft-touch leather-based seating surfaces, and a Bose sound system (the SR has an 8-speaker system). There are three USB-C charging ports: two in entrance and one within the again.
The Sentra’s trunk has been widened to supply one of many lowest lift-over heights in its class with an optimized opening form that may accommodate golf baggage, suitcases, and strollers with ease. With the rear seat lowered, it will even carry a 55-inch TV.
