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2026 Nissan Sentra vs. 2026 Nissan Altima Comparison

See how the 2026 Nissan Sentra and 2026 Nissan Altima performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

In Test
Sentra 2026

Small sedans/hatchbacks

2026 Nissan Sentra

$22,600 - $27,990

All Test Results

Altima 2026

Midsized cars

2026 Nissan Altima

$27,580 - $30,480

All Test Results
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About
About
Nissan gave the 2026 Sentra a thorough refresh inside and out, with new styling, more modern features, and more advanced driver aids. All Sentras have a 149-hp, 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission that carri...
 
Despite a recent mild freshening that added more standard active safety features, the Altima is a rather unremarkable midsized sedan. It delivers a roomy cabin, good fuel economy, user-friendly controls, and a large trunk. But the driving experience ...
Highs
Highs

NA

 
Green Checkmark Icon Controls
Green Checkmark Icon Fuel economy
Lows
Lows

NA

 
Red 'X' Icon Agility
Red 'X' Icon Ease of entry
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
NA
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
NA
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

sedan

 

sedan

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

S, SL, SR, SV

 

SR, SV

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$22,600 - $27,990

 

$27,580 - $30,480

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

FWD

 

AWD, FWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

2-liter 4 (149 hp)

 

2.5-liter 4 (182 hp); 2.5-liter 4 (188 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

CVT

 

CVT

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.