All the discuss the sedan physique type’s demise could have been untimely. Positive, there are manner fewer sedans on sale nowadays in comparison with the previous decade or two, with crossovers, SUVs and tall hatchbacks changing into vastly extra common. However many manufacturers are remaining steadfast sedan supporters, as evidenced by the debut of the ninth-generation Nissan Sentra. Whereas the 2026 Sentra has the very same powertrain as the previous mannequin, Nissan’s compact sedan is extra interesting than ever due to a implausible new design, an improved inside and extra customary and out there options — plus there are many enhancements beneath the pores and skin to make it even higher to drive.
Although it hasn’t been formally priced but, we do not anticipate the bottom Sentra S trim’s MSRP to start out a lot greater than the 2025 mannequin’s $22,835 ask (together with vacation spot) when it hits dealerships later this yr. Even the highest SL trim, which Nissan has introduced again as essentially the most premium providing, might keep beneath $30,000.
Nissan guarantees it will drive higher
The brand new-gen Sentra rides on the identical platform as the outgoing mannequin, and it makes use of the identical MR20DD engine, a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-4 making the identical 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. A CVT stays the one transmission selection, Nissan says it has been retuned for “a extra pure, clean acceleration really feel,” which may solely be a great factor. Each Sentra aside from the bottom S additionally will get a Sport drive mode that was tuned within the U.S. for “sharper throttle response and extra thrilling shift patterns.” The EPA has but to price the brand new Sentra, however Nissan’s estimates are barely worse than the present mannequin at as much as 33 mpg mixed, 38 mpg freeway and 29 mpg metropolis.
Even the bottom S now has rear disc brakes as customary, and the impartial strut entrance and multi-link rear suspension get new shock absorber valving to minimize influence harshness. Nissan says the brand new Sentra is 6% extra inflexible than earlier than, the steering wheel has an even bigger dynamic damper that reduces highway vibrations, and panel gaps have been made smaller to maintain the cabin quieter.
It bought an exterior glow-up…
The outgoing Sentra was a fairly handsome automotive, particularly for a small Nissan sedan, and I believe the brand new one is even higher. Its wheelbase has been decreased by a tenth of an inch, however the brand new Sentra has grown in total size by about half an inch and is ever so barely taller. It is also extra aerodynamic than its predecessor, with the S and SV trims having a drag coefficient of 0.268 and the SR and SL coming in at 0.283 and 0.288, respectively, versus 0.299 for the present technology. To attain that, Nissan formed the trunk and rear fenders to cut back wake behind the automotive, decreased the wheel openings, and gave it flat flooring covers and tire deflectors.
It wears a brand new interpretation of Nissan’s V-Movement grille, with slash strains that circulation into the slim projector LED headlights (greater trims get extra LED signature lights). The surfacing is extra athletic, with crisp strains operating alongside the shoulders and accentuated wheel arches, and the roofline appears much more fastback-y. LED taillights are additionally customary, with the SR and SL having an almost full-width mild bar connecting them. The SR has a sportier look with a blacked-out grille panel, extra black accents, a rear spoiler, a diffuser insert within the rear bumper, a two-tone roof, and 18-inch wheels. There are some good shade choices, like the brilliant Energetic Ember you see on the SR in these images, and the stunning Imperial Bronze on the SL on the backside of this story.
…and a glow-up inside too
The present Sentra’s inside was fairly good when it first launched in 2019, however it shortly bought outgunned by rivals just like the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra, so fortunately Nissan actually stepped it up with the brand new technology. It is related in type to different new Nissans like the Murano, that includes a pair of screens sitting atop a sweeping dashboard. A 12.3-inch touchscreen is customary; the bottom S has a 7-inch gauge cluster whereas each different Sentra has a 12.3-inch show in entrance of the drive. Nissan says the infotainment display is 2 instances brighter than the previous one to make it simpler to learn. Between the 2 air vents is a small panel with a quantity knob and laborious buttons for skipping tracks, the digital camera system and your hazards, and under that may be a capacitive panel with numerous local weather controls. The Sentra additionally has a standard shifter, regular steering wheel stalks, and precise buttons on the cool two-spoke steering wheel.
Materials high quality has been improved, particularly on the door panels the place there’s extra soft-touch surfaces. The SR has a lot of orange stitching and accents, plus a cool zig-zag perforation sample on the seats, however I would need to get the top-end SL for its out there white and blue shade scheme, which seems superior. Inside dimensions are just about the identical as earlier than, as is cargo house, however the brand new Sentra has a bigger trunk opening with a decrease liftover peak.
A lot of out there goodies
Normal on each 2026 Sentra is distant keyless entry with pushbutton begin, energy home windows with auto up/down for the driving force’s window, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (which is wi-fi on all however the base S), and two USB-C ports up entrance and one within the rear. Even the bottom S is obtainable with heated entrance seats, and whereas the S and SV solely get material upholstery, TailorFit leatherette is customary on the SL and elective on the SR. Different out there options embrace heated mirrors, an influence moonroof, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, a wi-fi telephone charger, a heated steering wheel, Nissan’s Clever Key with strategy unlocking and walk-away unlocking, dual-zone automated local weather management, 64-color ambient inside lighting and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Each new Sentra additionally comes with automated headlights, adaptive cruise management, visitors signal recognition, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and ahead collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and prevention, rear cross-traffic alert and a driver consideration monitoring system. The SV and up get a car safety system, and elective on the SR and customary on the SL are Nissan’s ProPilot Help system, rear automated emergency braking, lane-keeping help with bicycle owner detection, rear parking sensors and a 360-degree digital camera system.
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Daniel Golson/Jalopnik
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Daniel Golson/Jalopnik
Daniel Golson/Jalopnik
