2026 Nissan Sentra Features an Unusual Design on a Recognizable Compact Sedan

      Nissan

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      Regarding the current Nissan Sentra, it has never been particularly exciting to drive, visually appealing, or exceptionally distinctive, but it has offered a reasonable value for an economical sedan featuring modern technology and a respectable interior. The new 10th-generation Sentra for 2026 reinforces this idea. While it does have an SR trim, don't be misled; the Sentra is aimed at those seeking an affordable new car, and it is not designed for speed.

      Starting with the exterior, the Sentra’s design seems to be a thorough reconfiguration of the existing compact's shape. The front end now aligns more closely with Nissan’s contemporary designs, such as the Murano and Ariya (though let's set the Ariya aside for now), showcasing a blacked-out faux grille and a sharp profile. The vertical black lines that extend down from the LED light strip beneath the headlights might seem excessive, but nowadays, which modern car isn't?

      Moving on to the interior, the real changes that matter are found within the cabin, which, once again, manages to look quite decent. The SL trim comes with a blue faux-leather dashboard and matching blue accents on the seats and other parts of the interior, which is my preferred choice. However, the removal of physical buttons for climate control will likely be annoying; drivers will now need to navigate a glossy panel instead. A 12.3-inch touchscreen will come standard in all trims, while the instrument cluster will differ: the base S grade has a 7-inch display, while all other trims feature a 12.3-inch version to correspond with the central screen.

      Nissan seems particularly proud of the Sentra's cargo space, claiming it has “one of the lowest trunk liftover heights in its class,” and that the tailgate opening has been optimized for easier access. Additionally, all trims include intelligent cruise control as a standard feature, which is a nice touch.

      So far, we haven't discussed the Sentra's performance because there haven't been any changes. The vehicle retains a single powertrain from the previous generation: a naturally aspirated two-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT that Nissan says has been “retuned” for smoother acceleration. All trims feature independent strut front suspension with a multi-link rear, which is an improvement over the Kicks that comes with a torsion-beam rear axle in certain models.

      The SR trim aims for a sportier look with an all-black front design, but aside from its cosmetic alterations, it is fundamentally the same vehicle as the others. We inquired with Takahiro Aiba, Nismo’s Chief Product Specialist, about the potential return of a Nismo version (the last Sentra Nismo was from the eighth generation in 2019), but he indicated that the division cannot discuss any future product plans. We understand that he needs to focus on the new GT-R.

      Nissan has not yet revealed the pricing for the new Sentra, which will eventually determine whether it’s a worthwhile purchase. For 2025, the sedan's starting price was $22,835 delivered. Considering the increasing costs and the tariff situation (Nissan has mentioned relocating Sentra production to the U.S. but hasn't confirmed this), it's highly likely that the price will rise. The lingering question is, by how much?

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