Quick Highlights:
- New Sentra, ninth generation. Looks sharper, borrows bits from Murano and Leaf, but still a Sentra.
- Screens everywhere. Dual 12.3-inch in most trims. Base S sticks to a 7-inch driver display.
- Cabin upgrades. Ambient lights, haptic buttons, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto in higher trims.
- Same engine. 149 hp 2.0L four-cylinder, CVT retuned, chassis a bit stiffer.
Sedans weren’t supposed to last this long. Crossovers have been eating their lunch for years, yet cars like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and even the Nissan Sentra are still hanging around. The Sentra’s role has always been clear: affordable, practical, and easy to live with—though it rarely sparks much excitement.
But Nissan knows that “safe and predictable” won’t cut it in 2026. The new ninth-generation Sentra isn’t trying to reinvent the formula, but it arrives with smoother sheetmetal, a cabin finally modern enough, and just enough polish to make buyers take a second look. It’s still the Sentra you know, only dressed a little sharper for the fight.
Outside: A Cleaner, Cooler, More Self-assured Countenance
The moment you see the 2026 Sentra, you know it’s different. The front is smoother and softer, with skinny LED headlights that meet a bold grille. It borrows a little from Nissan’s newer Murano and Leaf but still feels like a Sentra. A line runs from the front all the way to the rear spoiler, making the car sit lower and tighter on the road.
Nissan is offering two front-end options for the first time. The SR trim goes sporty, with blacked-out details, a floating roof, and 18-inch wheels that grab attention. The S, SV, and SL trims look more mature, with a cleaner grille and subtle chrome highlights.
It doesn’t look bigger than before, but somehow it feels sharper and more confident than the previous generation.
Interior: A Tech-Heavy Makeover
Step inside the 2026 Sentra and it already feels different. Every trim gets a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The old 8-inch optional display feels tiny compared to this. Higher trims add a 12.3-inch driver screen, so the cabin feels like a proper cockpit now.
The SL trim goes a bit fancy—quilted seats, Bose audio, ProPILOT Assist, and ambient lighting with 64 colors. The base S still gets USB-C ports, safety features, and simple controls for heat and climate.
It doesn’t scream luxury, but it doesn’t feel cheap anymore. You can tell Nissan tried to make it feel smarter inside, without overdoing it.
Powertrain: Identical Engine, minor modifications.
Some may not be pleased with the engine part. Nissan remained with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a power of 149 hp (111 kW /151 PS) and a torque of 147 lb-ft (199 Nm). The previous Sentra had a time of slightly more than nine seconds to reach 60 and the new one will not be much faster.
What’s changed is how it feels. The CVT is a little less coarse and the chassis is approximately 6 per cent stiffer. The dampers are adjusted, the sound insulation is improved, and it is not so cheap and rattly as it used to be.
The SV, SR, and SL trims have a Sport mode. It makes the throttle body quicker and the CVT very slightly responsive. Not a hot hatch anymore, but at least it is no longer as sleepy as ever.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Nissan continues to emphasize safety with the Sentra’s standard Safety Shield 360. Features include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, and High Beam Assist. Higher trims add ProPILOT Assist, simplifying stop-and-go commuting with semi-autonomous control of acceleration, braking, and steering.
2026 Nissan Sentra Specs & Features
| Feature / Spec | 2026 Nissan Sentra |
| Generations | Ninth (new for 2026) |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cylinder (149 hp / 147 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | CVT (retuned) |
| Drive Modes | Standard; Sport mode (SV, SR, SL) |
| Chassis | 6% stiffer; revised dampers |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch center display (all trims) |
| Driver Display | 7.0-inch (S); 12.3-inch (SV, SR, SL) |
| Connectivity | Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto (SV+); 3 USB-C ports; wireless charging available |
| Safety | Standard Safety Shield 360; ProPILOT Assist (SL, SR) |
| Notable Trims | S, SV, SR (sporty), SL (premium) |
| Arrival | Late 2025 |
| Expected Price | Similar to current $22,730–$30,000 range |
Verdict: Style and Tech Win, Power Still Lags
The 2026 Nissan Sentra is a confident reminder that compact sedans aren’t dead yet. With its bold exterior, dual 12.3-inch screens, upscale trims, and advanced safety suite, it makes a stronger case than ever against segment leaders. But while the cabin feels all-new, the powertrain remains frustratingly familiar—an average engine that could leave some buyers wishing for more punch.
Still, if Nissan can keep the Sentra’s price near its current entry point, it may continue to be one of the best-value compact sedans on the market.
Source: Nissan
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