The 2026 Nissan Sentra Finally Feels Competitive: Review

With the ultra-cheap Nissan Versa likely ending production in 2026, the Sentra will serve as the brand’s entry-level model for the foreseeable future. In preparation for its new role, Nissan gave the 2026 Sentra a glow-up—although it’s more of an evolution of the existing model rather than a revolutionary redesign.

The Sentra’s platform and powertrain remain the same, with only minor tweaks. It has the third-gen 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, while a continuously variable transmission still powers the front wheels.

What is new for the ninth-generation Sentra is the sedan’s interior and exterior styling, plus the return of the top-tier SL trim and a new Sport mode. The bones are the same, but the fresh packaging makes the car a much more attractive buy than before, with Nissan focused on adding value and more of the must-have features buyers actually want.

The Sentra’s 149-hp engine is powerful enough, and while I’ll never say no to more, the naturally aspirated engine keeps things simple for Nissan and its owners. Maybe too simple, as many of its competitors now offer hybrid options, which Sentra still does not.

One big upgrade for 2026 is a new Sport mode option, available on the SL trim tested here, which tweaks the steering feel, sharpens the throttle response, and adjusts the CVT calibration. It almost makes you forget the car has a CVT, especially at low speeds.

Sport mode hangs engine revs as I bomb through a quartet of roundabouts, making for a slightly more engaging drive. The new mode elevates the driving experience and counters the blandness of the outgoing car, like its mushy steering and reluctant throttle.

Photo by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

Pros: Comfortable Cabin, Must-Have Technology, Affordable Price

While the platform is the same as before, Nissan improved the car’s noise, vibration, and harshness by adding more structural elements and eliminating noise paths. As a result, the droning of the engine and CVT are far less noticeable when inside the Sentra, which makes for a pleasant place to spend time.

The SL tested here is packed with features, including a heated steering wheel, heated seats, ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and quilted synthetic leather upholstery. The Sentra comes with dual 12.3-inch displays on every trim except the base model, which Nissan positioned low in the dash to improve forward visibility.

Photo by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

Photo by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

Photos by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The SL also features an eight-speaker Bose audio system that sounds decent, wireless charging, Nissan’s ProPilot Assist, and the company’s Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, high beam assist, and more. hat’s all included on the Sentra SL for well under $30,000.

Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats are, as always, comfy, while a strip of soft upholstery along the driver’s side of the center console provides some added comfort. The new Sentra also has capacitive climate controls, which are fine. You’ll mishit a button on rough roads, but dual-zone automatic climate control helps limit your interaction with it.

Photo by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

Cons: Still No Hybrid, Annoying Capacitive Controls, Tiny Side Mirrors 

There are a handful of physical buttons. The Sentra borrows the volume and hazard stack from the Leaf, which sits between the central vents. There are also controls for the drive modes, auto stop-start, and auto hold functions located behind the shifter and a few buttons on the left side of the steering wheel, such as those for the heated steering wheel.

It’s a basic, yet modern interior, and the 64-color ambient lighting along the dash and around the center console enhances the overall experience, making it feel more premium than a typical compact. There are also soft-touch materials along the door that just feel nice. One of my only true complaints is with the side mirrors, which are awkwardly small; however, blind-spot detection makes up for it.

The car is far more handsome in person than in the photos, with the rear three-quarters being especially attractive. The fastback roof and redesigned front make it look larger than the outgoing model, but it’s actually nearly identical in size.

Photo by: Anthony Alaniz / Motor1

One thing I didn’t test was the wider trunk opening Nissan boasted about; the company claims you can fit a 55-inch TV in its box through the trunk with the second-row seats folded. The Sentra also has one of the lowest trunk loading heights in its segment, making it even easier to use.

The Sentra is far from the most thrilling compact car, competing with segment heavyweights like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. However, it differentiates itself by offering modern features and amenities at an affordable price.

The 2026 Nissan Sentra is $810 more expensive than before, starting at $23,645, but it remains one of the cheapest sedans you’ll be able to buy very soon. The new Sentra goes on sale before the end of the year.

I’m firmly in the camp that driving a slow car fast, like the Sentra, is the only reasonable choice for the average enthusiast. It allows you to have fun on the most mundane streets. The Sentra might not be the most engaging compact option, but the features it offers make it a viable alternative.

Competitors: 

Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra 
Kia K4
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Jetta

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