I not too long ago had the chance to check a totally loaded 2026 Nissan Sentra SL, and the worth rang in at $29,235. Contemplating that the common transaction value of a brand new automobile today kisses $50,000, I believed this was a steal. Actually, I believe this new Sentra is usually fairly superior, and value is only one motive why.
2026 Nissan Sentra
General, the Nissan Sentra is a well-rounded automobile 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 automobile, the powertrain is strictly the identical because the earlier technology. 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 constantly variable transmission (CVT)-style computerized. Whereas the Nissan CVT did undergo some rising pains again in 2013 and 2014, it’s now largely drawback free. So, in case you’re nonetheless harboring considerations of reliability, you’ll be able to let that go. I personally am usually not a fan of how CVTs function, however I do suppose it’s the proper selection for this engine on this automobile, and it does rather well.
That’s to not say the Sentra is quick or sporty. No, nevertheless it will get the job achieved with out an excessive amount of of a battle or an excessive amount of cabin noise. I used to be in a position to merge onto the freeway with out fearing I’d get hit, and off-the-line-starts are cheap for a automobile at this value level. Although it appears like a a lot higher-end automobile, on the finish of the day, that is nonetheless a compact entry-level automobile.
The SL returns
Despite the fact that the powertrain isn’t new, the sheet steel and design are. You now have customary LED headlights, a normal 12.3-inch infotainment display screen, and extra premium supplies all through the assorted trim ranges. There’s a brand new grille in addition to a brand new welcome lighting signature that helps the 2026 Nissan Sentra stage up in each trim.
On the finish of the earlier technology, 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 coloration mix, and also you’ll see extra chrome accents on the outside. You’ll get a sexy two-tone, beige-and-navy coloration scheme on the inside (the one possibility on the SL) with supple-feeling quilted leatherette seats. There’s additionally a determined lack of black lacquer. The general all impact is a automobile 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 customary – 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 customary, and in my transient time with the automobile, I discovered my iPhone paired simply and CarPlay labored effectively and with out lag.
I even have to provide kudos to Nissan for the telematics within the Sentra. After pairing my telephone, I referred to as each my mother and my husband in the course of the check–to see not solely how I sounded to them but in addition how they sounded to me by means of the automobile’s audio system. Irrespective 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 means that you can customise the show. One thing else I actually appreciated on the SL: the around-view monitor. It fills out the display screen effectively, it has a excessive stage of readability, and it adapts effectively to altering lighting situations. That is accessible beginning on the SR and customary on the SL.
One other nice tech characteristic that’s accessible for the primary time on Sentra is ProPilot Help. This can be a mixture of adaptive cruise management and lane preserve 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 an amazing job preserving me centered within the lane. This additionally is out there on the SR and customary on the SL.
Trim stroll
So, what precisely do you get on your cash? Lots. Right here’s a spotlight of options and bundle choices. Costs embrace the $1,245 vacation spot charges.
S ($23,645): Features a full suite of superior security options (like computerized emergency braking, computerized 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 Package deal with heated entrance seats and aspect mirrors is out there for $500.
SV ($24,415): Provides twin 12.3-inch shows, distant begin, selectable drive modes, an clever key, 16-inch alloy wheels, and computerized local weather controls. An influence moonroof is out there for $650, and the Comfort Package deal, which provides heated entrance seats, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and an clever key with walk-away lock/strategy 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 Package deal contains dual-zone computerized local weather controls, heated entrance seats and a heated steering wheel for $650, whereas the Premium Package deal provides Bose premium audio, around-view monitor, ProPilot Help, and rear computerized emergency braking for $2,300. An influence moonroof can also be accessible 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 are not any choices on the SL.
Driving impressions
Although I solely acquired to spend a pair hours with the 2026 Nissan Sentra, my first impression is overwhelmingly favorable. I believed the match and end was distinctive, and I’m an enormous fan of Nissan’s ergonomically right Zero Gravity seats. I had an amazing driving place with good visibility out of all of the home windows, and all the pieces normally felt each acquainted and comfy.
On highway, it dealt with higher than you’d count on from an entry-level sedan. Whereas the steering wasn’t sporty, it wasn’t sloppy both. The Sentra was pretty easy over grooves and imperfections within the highway. It was quiet on the freeway, and I may see the brand new Sentra being snug for a highway journey.
There have been a few private ache factors, although. I’m usually not a fan of the auto cease/begin characteristic that’s in just about each automobile today, and it was somewhat clunky within the new Sentra. It was easy because the engine turned off, nevertheless it 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 attempting to work too laborious.
Nissan knocked it out of the park with the 2026 Sentra. It appears nice, it has customary trendy know-how options, and also you get quite a lot of bang on your buck. It’ll price lower than the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, and also you’ll get much more customary and accessible options.
In my view, the one automobile that may give this new Sentra a real run for its cash: the Kia K4. It has quite a lot of the identical new know-how 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 honest, K4 additionally has options just like the blind view monitor and a second more-powerful engine, that aren’t accessible on Sentra. So, on the finish of the day, between these two autos it’s going to possible come right down to design choice and general price to get the options you need.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2026 Nissan Sentra Footage
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