I not too long ago had the chance to check a totally loaded 2026 Nissan Sentra SL, and the value rang in at $29,235. Contemplating that the typical transaction value of a brand new automotive today kisses $50,000, I assumed this was a steal. In truth, I feel this new Sentra is mostly fairly superior, and value is only one motive why.
2026 Nissan Sentra
Total, the Nissan Sentra is a well-rounded car with a pleasant mixture of facilities and driving dynamics for an entry-level compact sedan.
No, the powertrain didn’t change
Despite the fact that Nissan considers this a next-generation car, the powertrain is strictly the identical because the earlier era. So, it nonetheless will get the two.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. It nonetheless delivers 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. And, sure, it nonetheless has the identical repeatedly variable transmission (CVT)-style automated. Whereas the Nissan CVT did undergo some rising pains again in 2013 and 2014, it’s now largely downside free. So, for those who’re nonetheless harboring issues of reliability, you may let that go. I personally am sometimes not a fan of how CVTs function, however I do suppose it’s the proper alternative for this engine on this car, and it does rather well.
That’s to not say the Sentra is quick or sporty. No, but it surely will get the job carried out with out an excessive amount of of a battle or an excessive amount of cabin noise. I used to be capable of merge onto the freeway with out fearing I’d get hit, and off-the-line-starts are cheap for a car at this value level. Although it seems to be like a a lot higher-end car, on the finish of the day, that is nonetheless a compact entry-level car.
The SL returns
Despite the fact that the powertrain isn’t new, the sheet steel and design are. You now have normal LED headlights, a normal 12.3-inch infotainment display screen, and extra premium supplies all through the varied trim ranges. There’s a brand new grille in addition to a brand new welcome lighting signature that helps the 2026 Nissan Sentra degree up in each trim.
On the finish of the earlier era, the sporty-looking SR trim was the highest mannequin, however for 2026, Nissan brings again the SL with a luxurious bent. The grille has a physique colour mix, and also you’ll see extra chrome accents on the outside. You’ll get a beautiful two-tone, beige-and-navy colour scheme on the inside (the one choice on the SL) with supple-feeling quilted leatherette seats. There may be additionally a determined lack of black lacquer. The general all impact is a car that appears prefer it prices much more than $30,000.
Tech stuff
I’ve to confess; I’m impressed that Nissan made the 12.3-inch infotainment display screen normal – even on the bottom S trim. A variety of finances buys nonetheless have an 8- or a 9-inch display screen, which immediately screams low cost. Although the S doesn’t get the digital cluster and full mono-screen, the SV does get it. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are additionally normal, and in my transient time with the car, I discovered my iPhone paired simply and CarPlay labored effectively and with out lag.
I even have to offer kudos to Nissan for the telematics within the Sentra. After pairing my telephone, I known as each my mother and my husband in the course of the take a look at–to see not solely how I sounded to them but additionally how they sounded to me by the automotive’s audio system. Regardless of whether or not I used to be at freeway speeds or on metropolis streets, there was a outstanding quantity of readability on my finish, and I didn’t really feel like I needed to shout to be heard.
The SL did have the digital cluster, and much like different Nissan autos, it has a change meter that lets you customise the show. One thing else I actually favored on the SL: the around-view monitor. It fills out the display screen effectively, it has a excessive degree of readability, and it adapts effectively to altering lighting situations. That is out there beginning on the SR and normal on the SL.
One other nice tech function that’s out there for the primary time on Sentra is ProPilot Help. It is a mixture of adaptive cruise management and lane maintain help for freeway driving, and although I solely used it for a brief portion of my drive, it didn’t really feel herky-jerky when somebody pulled in entrance of me, and it did a fantastic job preserving me centered within the lane. This additionally is accessible on the SR and normal on the SL.
Trim stroll
So, what precisely do you get to your cash? Quite a bit. Right here’s a spotlight of options and package deal choices. Costs embody the $1,245 vacation spot charges.
S ($23,645): Features a full suite of superior security options (like automated emergency braking, automated excessive beams, and lane departure warning), a 12.3-inch infotainment display screen, wi-fi Apple CarPlay Android Auto, adaptive cruise management, and full LED headlights. A Chilly Climate Bundle with heated entrance seats and aspect mirrors is accessible for $500.
SV ($24,415): Provides twin 12.3-inch shows, distant begin, selectable drive modes, an clever key, 16-inch alloy wheels, and automated local weather controls. An influence moonroof is accessible for $650, and the Comfort Bundle, which provides heated entrance seats, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and an clever key with walk-away lock/method unlock, is $990.
SR ($26,245): Provides a singular entrance fascia and rear bumper, black aspect sills, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport material seats with accent stitching, ambient lighting, MyQ storage door opener, and wi-fi charging. The All Climate Bundle contains dual-zone automated local weather controls, heated entrance seats and a heated steering wheel for $650, whereas the Premium Bundle provides Bose premium audio, around-view monitor, ProPilot Help, and rear automated emergency braking for $2,300. An influence moonroof can be out there for $650.
SL ($29,235): Provides ProPilot Help, around-view monitor, Bose premium audio, quilted TailorFit (aka leatherette) seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an influence moonroof. There aren’t any choices on the SL.
Driving impressions
Although I solely bought to spend a pair hours with the 2026 Nissan Sentra, my first impression is overwhelmingly favorable. I assumed the match and end was distinctive, and I’m an enormous fan of Nissan’s ergonomically appropriate Zero Gravity seats. I had a fantastic driving place with good visibility out of all of the home windows, and every part on the whole felt each acquainted and comfy.
On street, it dealt with higher than you’d anticipate from an entry-level sedan. Whereas the steering wasn’t sporty, it wasn’t sloppy both. The Sentra was pretty clean over grooves and imperfections within the street. It was quiet on the freeway, and I may see the brand new Sentra being comfy for a street journey.
There have been a few private ache factors, although. I’m typically not a fan of the auto cease/begin function that’s in just about each automotive today, and it was a little bit clunky within the new Sentra. It was clean because the engine turned off, but it surely stuttered and lagged a bit when the engine got here again on. I additionally didn’t just like the “Sport” drive mode. Nissan says it will increase throttle response and enhances the steering, however to me it simply felt just like the engine was making an attempt to work too laborious.
Nissan knocked it out of the park with the 2026 Sentra. It seems to be nice, it has normal fashionable expertise options, and also you get lots of bang to your buck. It’ll price lower than the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, and also you’ll get much more normal and out there options.
In my view, the one car that can give this new Sentra a real run for its cash: the Kia K4. It has lots of the identical new expertise and bigger screens, however to check apples to apples with all the identical options, you’ll pay extra for the K4 than the Sentra. To be truthful, K4 additionally has options just like the blind view monitor and a second more-powerful engine, that aren’t out there on Sentra. So, on the finish of the day, between these two autos it’ll possible come all the way down to design desire and general price to get the options you need.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2026 Nissan Sentra Photos
Click on under for enlarged photos
