I recently had the opportunity to test a completely loaded 2026 Nissan Sentra SL, and the price rang in at $29,235. Considering that the average transaction price of a new car these days kisses $50,000, I thought this was a steal. In fact, I think this new Sentra is generally pretty awesome, and price is just one reason why.
2026 Nissan Sentra
Overall, the Nissan Sentra is a well-rounded vehicle with a nice mix of amenities and driving dynamics for an entry-level compact sedan.
No, the powertrain didn’t change
Even though Nissan considers this a next-generation vehicle, the powertrain is exactly the same as the previous generation. So, it still gets the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. It still delivers 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. And, yes, it still has the same continuously variable transmission (CVT)-style automatic. While the Nissan CVT did go through some growing pains back in 2013 and 2014, it is now largely problem free. So, if you’re still harboring concerns of reliability, you can let that go. I personally am typically not a fan of how CVTs operate, but I do think it is the right choice for this engine in this vehicle, and it does really well.
That’s not to say the Sentra is fast or sporty. No, but it gets the job done without too much of a struggle or too much cabin noise. I was able to merge onto the highway without fearing I’d get hit, and off-the-line-starts are reasonable for a vehicle at this price point. Though it looks like a much higher-end vehicle, at the end of the day, this is still a compact entry-level vehicle.
The SL returns
Even though the powertrain isn’t new, the sheet metal and design are. You now have standard LED headlights, a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and more premium materials throughout the various trim levels. There’s a new grille as well as a new welcome lighting signature that helps the 2026 Nissan Sentra level up in every trim.
At the end of the previous generation, the sporty-looking SR trim was the top model, but for 2026, Nissan brings back the SL with a luxury bent. The grille has a body color blend, and you’ll see more chrome accents on the exterior. You’ll get an attractive two-tone, beige-and-navy color scheme on the interior (the only option on the SL) with supple-feeling quilted leatherette seats. There is also a decided lack of black lacquer. The overall all effect is a vehicle that looks like it costs a lot more than $30,000.
Tech stuff
I have to admit; I’m impressed that Nissan made the 12.3-inch infotainment screen standard – even on the base S trim. A lot of budget buys still have an 8- or a 9-inch screen, which instantly screams cheap. Though the S doesn’t get the digital cluster and full mono-screen, the SV does get it. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard, and in my brief time with the vehicle, I found my iPhone paired easily and CarPlay worked well and without lag.
I also have to give kudos to Nissan for the telematics in the Sentra. After pairing my phone, I called both my mom and my husband during the test–to see not only how I sounded to them but also how they sounded to me through the car’s speakers. No matter whether I was at highway speeds or on city streets, there was a remarkable amount of clarity on my end, and I didn’t feel like I had to shout to be heard.
The SL did have the digital cluster, and similar to other Nissan vehicles, it has a change meter that allows you to customize the display. Something else I really liked on the SL: the around-view monitor. It fills out the screen well, it has a high level of clarity, and it adapts well to changing lighting conditions. This is available starting on the SR and standard on the SL.
Another great tech feature that is available for the first time on Sentra is ProPilot Assist. This is a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist for highway driving, and though I only used it for a short portion of my drive, it didn’t feel herky-jerky when someone pulled in front of me, and it did a great job keeping me centered in the lane. This also is available on the SR and standard on the SL.
Trim walk
So, what exactly do you get for your money? A lot. Here’s a highlight of features and package options. Prices include the $1,245 destination fees.
S ($23,645): Includes a full suite of advanced safety features (like automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning), a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, and full LED headlights. A Cold Weather Package with heated front seats and side mirrors is available for $500.
SV ($24,415): Adds dual 12.3-inch displays, remote start, selectable drive modes, an intelligent key, 16-inch alloy wheels, and automatic climate controls. A power moonroof is available for $650, and the Convenience Package, which adds heated front seats, heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and an intelligent key with walk-away lock/approach unlock, is $990.
SR ($26,245): Adds a unique front fascia and rear bumper, black side sills, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport cloth seats with accent stitching, ambient lighting, MyQ garage door opener, and wireless charging. The All Weather Package includes dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel for $650, while the Premium Package adds Bose premium audio, around-view monitor, ProPilot Assist, and rear automatic emergency braking for $2,300. A power moonroof is also available for $650.
SL ($29,235): Adds ProPilot Assist, around-view monitor, Bose premium audio, quilted TailorFit (aka leatherette) seats, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a power moonroof. There are no options on the SL.
Driving impressions
Though I only got to spend a couple hours with the 2026 Nissan Sentra, my first impression is overwhelmingly favorable. I thought the fit and finish was exceptional, and I’m a huge fan of Nissan’s ergonomically correct Zero Gravity seats. I had a great driving position with good visibility out of all the windows, and everything in general felt both familiar and comfortable.
On road, it handled better than you’d expect from an entry-level sedan. While the steering wasn’t sporty, it wasn’t sloppy either. The Sentra was fairly smooth over grooves and imperfections in the road. It was quiet on the highway, and I could see the new Sentra being comfortable for a road trip.
There were a couple of personal pain points, though. I’m generally not a fan of the auto stop/start feature that is in virtually every car these days, and it was a little clunky in the new Sentra. It was smooth as the engine turned off, but it stuttered and lagged a bit when the engine came back on. I also didn’t like the “Sport” drive mode. Nissan says it increases throttle response and enhances the steering, but to me it just felt like the engine was trying to work too hard.
Nissan knocked it out of the park with the 2026 Sentra. It looks great, it has standard modern technology features, and you get a lot of bang for your buck. It’ll cost less than the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, and you’ll get a lot more standard and available features.
In my opinion, the only vehicle that will give this new Sentra a true run for its money: the Kia K4. It has a lot of the same new technology and larger screens, but to compare apples to apples with all the same features, you will pay more for the K4 than the Sentra. To be fair, K4 also has features like the blind view monitor and a second more-powerful engine, that aren’t available on Sentra. So, at the end of the day, between those two vehicles it will likely come down to design preference and overall cost to get the features you want.
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2026 Nissan Sentra Pictures
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