First Drive: 2026 Nissan Sentra Gets Updated Styling and Tech While Keeping the Same Powertrain

The lack of improved fuel economy or a hybrid option is a big miss, and the touch-sensitive climate controls cause a headache

Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports Autos Editor.

By Jon Linkov
Autos Editor

Updated January 7, 2026

2026 Nissan Sentra SR driving at CR's test track — The 2026 Nissan Sentra’s exterior styling more closely matches that of other recently updated Nissan models, particularly the large grille.

As automakers continue to drop subcompact cars and hatchbacks from their lineups, compact models are now the smallest, lowest-cost cars available. With the Versa’s demise, Nissan’s lowest-priced sedan is now the redesigned 2026 Nissan Sentra, which is available in four trim levels, each starting below $28,000.

Nissan didn’t radically overhaul the Sentra with the redesign. Instead, it’s more of a significant freshening, with the powertrain carried over (but updated), new exterior and interior styling, and changes to the controls and displays.

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Nissan Sentra: CR's Take What We Like What We Don't Like What We'll Keep an Eye On Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

Power comes from the same engine as the previous generation: a 149-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and drives the front wheels. According to Nissan, the Environmental Protection Agency rating for the redesigned Sentra is 32 or 33 mpg combined, depending on the trim level. The EPA estimates for the 2025 model were 33 and 34 combined. We got 32 mpg overall when we last tested a Sentra SV.

According to Nissan, sales of compact sedans are growing slowly in the U.S. This isn’t surprising given the sharp, continuing rise in prices for midsized sedans and the dwindling availability of subcompact models.

The Sentra, which is already on sale, is available in four trim levels:
S: Starting at $22,600, it has a 12.3-inch infotainment display and a 7-inch driver screen, standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and features such as adaptive cruise control and LED headlights.
SV: Starting at $23,370, it features dual 12.3-inch screens for the driver and infotainment system, an automatic climate control system with haptic-touch controls, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
SR: Starting at $25,000, this is the sportiest trim of the four, with standard 18-inch wheels, sport cloth-stitched seats, and a wireless charging pad.
SL: Starting at $27,990, this top-trim version comes standard with ProPilot Assist 1.0 system (which includes adaptive cruise control and lane centering assistance), a surround view camera, synthetic leather seating surfaces, 17-inch wheels, and a moonroof.

All Sentras have a $1,245 destination charge.

For early access to the newest version, Nissan lent Consumer Reports a Sentra SR that was classified as a prototype, meaning it wasn’t fully representative of the final production vehicle. When the new Sentra arrives in dealerships, we’ll purchase one anonymously to test.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Nissan Sentra is available to you below. Once we purchase our own model and complete 2,000 break-in miles, we’ll put the Sentra through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, child car seat fit, and usability. CR members will have access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.

If you haven’t signed up to be a member yet, click below to become a member and access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test.

What we borrowed: 2026 Nissan Sentra SR
Powertrain: 149-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; continuously variable transmission; front-wheel drive
MSRP: $25,000
Options: All-weather package, $650; Premium package, $2,300; moonroof, $650; 18-inch black alloy wheels, $610; floor mat package, $290; interior accent lighting, $400; premium two-tone paint, $800
Destination fee: $1,245
Total cost: $31,945

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Jon Linkov

Jon Linkov is the deputy auto editor at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2002, covering varied automotive topics including buying and leasing, maintenance and repair, ownership, reliability, used cars, and electric vehicles. He manages CR’s lineup of special interest publications, hosts CR’s “Talking Cars” podcast, and writes and edits content for CR’s online and print products. An avid cyclist, Jon also enjoys driving his ’80s-era sports car and instructing at track days.