Textual content by Tom Appel
2026 Nissan Sentra SL
Specs
Class: Compact Automotive
Nation of Manufacture: Mexico
Seating capability: 5
Colour: Imperial Bronze
Miles pushed: 1093
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | B- |
| Match and End | B+ |
| Gas Economic system | A |
| Worth | A |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of your entire mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | B+ |
| Tall Man | B |
| Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 149-horsepower 2.0-liter |
| Engine Kind | 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | CVT-automatic |
| Drive Wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
Noticed gas financial system: 30.1 mpg
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 29/36/32 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gas kind: Common fuel
Base worth: $27,990 (not together with $1245 (vacation spot cost)
Choices on check car: Ground Mat Bundle ($290), Inside Accent Lighting ($400) Premium Pant ($450)
Worth as examined: $30,375
Audio-System Model
Bose
Audio-System High quality
Poor Honest Good Very-Good Wonderful
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Roomy, snug, Surprisingly refined
The great: Straightforward on the fuel, good-looking and upscale cabin
The not so good: No surplus of energy
Evaluation
My week within the 2026 Nissan Sentra got here because the Chicago space endured an astonishing interval of rainfall. And partially, that precipitation is my excuse for the standard of the images seen right here. Sooner or later, simply earlier than my check automotive was to be taken away, I settled for the one rain-protected shelter I may discover that provided a point of pure mild. My apologies to you, and Nissan.
Shelter from the Rain
Humorous factor about horrible climate–you actually respect your car when its defending you from Mom Nature’s worst. And on a number of events throughout that water-soaked week, I discovered myself particularly appreciative of the Sentra’s welcoming and roomy cabin—and never simply because I used to be warmand out of the rain.
Secure Harbor
Metaphorically, the Sentra presents not simply a good looking and cozy cabin during which to flee the climate, however safety from the financial storm People at the moment are searching for shelter from.
Automotive Costs
Because of high-value and unpredictable tariffs, carmakers have begun dropping lower-margin autos from their U.S. lineups. Nissan has, for instance, dropped the Versa, the final American-market automotive mannequin with a beginning worth under the $20,000 threshold. Different makers are eliminating base fashions, successfully elevating the value of vehicles by limiting selection.
Round $30,000
And, as I sat within the Sentra one damp and dreary day, I noticed that not solely was Nissan’s new entry-level mannequin surprisingly snug and effectively completed, it was additionally among the many final car that may be loaded with comfort and know-how options for simply $30,000. Effectively, in Shopper Information’s case, simply over.
New for 2026
Nissan’s most-affordable providing was considerably up to date for 2026, and was handled to up to date exterior styling, an ungraded cabin that includes new show tech, and extra muscle below the hood.
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2026, the Sentra trim-level lineup seems to be like this:
- S: $23,845
- SV: $24,615
- SR $26,245
- SL: $29,235
The S mannequin more-or-less takes over the place the discontinued Versa left off, whereas the SL treats driver’s to a legitimately premium expertise for what’s now economy-car cash.
Engines
Energy for all Sentra variants comes from a 149-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a CVT-style automated transmission. All Sentras are front-wheel drive, and run on regular-grade gasoline.
Check Automotive
Shopper Information just lately spent the week behind the wheel of a 2026 Sentra SL in Imperial Bronze. Together with vacation spot cost, our check automotive got here to $30,375.
Elegant Cabin
And, about that weather-proof cabin that stored me dry all week, the up to date Sentra boasts inside appointments which can be something however entry stage. Sure, the $20,000 automotive is gone, however the $30,000 automotive is a lot nicer. Nissan employs beneficiant helpings of high-grade supplies to line the cabin, and all the things seems fastidiously assembled.
We discovered the digital interface simple to make use of. The touchscreen is shiny and uncluttered, and inputs are responded to right away.
Room and Consolation
Cabin dimensions increase ever so flippantly for 2026, however the earlier era Sentra was already fairly roomy for the category. This huge editor discovered loads of leg and shoulder area as soon as seated within the driver’s spot, and entry and exiting had been each simple sufficient due to giant, wide-opening doorways.
Rear seat area is maybe barely higher than common for the phase, and we predict most adults will discover enough room when not located behind an particularly tall front-row occupant.
Energy and Efficiency
Underway, the Sentra impresses with easy, progressive energy supply, and cheap verve from a cease. Whereas no powerhouse—and undoubtedly down on energy in comparison with the Honda Civic or Mazda CX-3—the Sentra will get alongside simply tremendous, although the engine can sound course in fast acceleration.
Gas Economic system
And although the Sentra comes up brief in drag races, it does make glorious use of an expensive commodity: fuel. In principally routine driving that included some warm-up idle time, our check automotive returned simply over 30 mpg. With fuel costs climbing as they’ve been, the Sentra’s frugality ought to be thought-about a plus.
Trip and Dealing with
The Sentra has matured considerably through the years, and now feels effectively planted and cozy at freeway speeds. The notion that what’s now Nissan’s smallest U.S.-market sedan may not make for a superb long-drive conveyance is misguided. It is a very quiet and cozy long-drive small sedan.
Dealing with is prepared and predictable, although our drivers stopped in need of calling the Sentra sporty. That mentioned, there’s loads of management in corners, and powerful, direct-feeling brake motion.
Worth
If, for you, the idea of secure harbor goes past simply being heat and cozy, and certainly consists of making purchases that gained’t break the financial institution, we recommend taking a really lengthy have a look at the Sentra. A 2026 Shopper Information Greatest Purchase, the Sentra presents appreciable refinement for the cash, and all of the utility a person and even small household may want.
And to the parents at Nissan, sorry concerning the pics.
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2026 Nissan Sentra SL Footage
(Click on under for enlarged pictures)
