Nissan Sentra

Name: 2026 Nissan Sentra
Brand: Nissan

EPA MPG: 33 mpg

First Take

The 2026 Nissan Sentra finally brings one of CR’s Top Picks into the 2020s, for better and for worse. The model now offers an active driving assistance system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and larger dual 12.3-inch screens that feel like they belong in the current year. The antiquated foot-operated parking brake is gone as well, replaced by an electric one on the center console.

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New Models Predicted Reliability

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Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

2-liter 4 (149 hp)

Basic NA
Drivetrain NA
Corrosion NA
Roadside Aid NA
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2026

2026 Redesign Year

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 carries over from the previous model year. The automaker says the CVT was tuned for additional smoothness, and a more aggressive Sport mode is on higher trims. The dashboard received some of the biggest updates, with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. All models save for the base S get a second 12.3-inch screen as a driver’s information display. A touch-sensitive climate control panel takes the place of physical knobs and buttons. Nissan's ProPilot Assist active driving assistance system is available for the first time on the Sentra, as is wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

2020-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Sentra is a complete transformation. It shed its dowdy look and overall driving mediocrity to become one of the best sedans in its class. The engine and transmission are a pleasant combination that provide unobtrusive acceleration. The more advanced rear suspension facilitates a comfortable ride and nimble handling. The interior looks upscale, especially in the SR and SV trims; buyers can even get a power seat, leather upholstery, and heated seats. The rear seat is relatively roomy, and the infotainment system is easy to use. All trims except the base version have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities. Nissan's Safety Shield 360 is standard and includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning, but lane keeping assistance is not offered. Updates for 2021 include standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for all trims. The 2022 model added a new Midnight Edition Package on the Sentra SR and a new All-Weather Package for the SV. A 2024 refresh included a new CVT and auto start/stop system that improved fuel economy slightly. There were no significant changes for the 2025 model year.

2013-2019

2013 Redesign Year

The 2013 remake diminished steering feel and left ride quality below par. Equipment levels are good, but the interior feels cheap and the engine is a bit noisy. Stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes are standard. Fuel economy with the CVT rose to a respectable 29 mpg. If you're seriously shopping Sentra, the SV trim line is the way to go. The base S is too stripped-down, while the higher SR and SL lines are just gilding a mundane basic sedan. The SV Driver Package brought push-button start and the Navigation Package included a backup camera. Changes for 2015 included a standard USB port and Bluetooth on all models. Updates for 2018 included standard automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning on most models.

2007-2012

2007 Redesign Year

A redesign in 2007 brought a roomier rear seat, a civilized and quiet ride, and easy cabin access. Interior storage is generous, thanks primarily to an extremely large, lighted and locking glove compartment. The box goes deep into the dashboard and is capacious enough to hold a small laptop. The Sentra also has simple controls, despite a rich list of readily available features such as iPod control, Handling is sound with the optional ESC, but without it the Sentra can fishtail too easily. The driving position is high and most drivers found plenty of room. Visibility is good to the front and sides, but limited to the rear.

2000-2006

2000 Redesign Year

The pre-2007 Sentra was one of the more pleasant small sedans with a spirited powertrain, decent handling, and a reasonably quiet, well-designed interior. There are numerous nooks and bins, as well as large map pockets in the front doors. Major controls are well designed and easy to use, plus the instruments are legible in all light conditions. However, the steering wheel obscures the instrumentation dimmer switch and power-mirror control. Dynamically though, this version of the Sentra had fallen behind most competing small cars. Ride quality is a bit too stiff and braking falls a bit short. Further, the rear seat is cramped and this version of the Sentra received a Poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test without the optional side airbags.