New Automotive Preview: 2026 Nissan Sentra : Automotive Addicts

Automotive

The 2026 Nissan Sentra is right here and brings the Japanese compact sedan into its ninth era. Nissan first launched the Sentra in 1982 as a alternative for the Datsun 310. It has offered over 6.5 million models in america alone and greater than 2 million of these are nonetheless on the highway as we speak. Whereas the outgoing Sentra was removed from uninteresting this new mannequin is far more thrilling to have a look at. Nissan describes it as “daring, vitalizing and resonating,” three phrases that might additionally describe the brand new electrical Leaf.

That daring styling comes with an improved inside each in materials high quality and expertise. Nissan’s newest infotainment suite is discovered right here and the SL trim returns to behave as a extra premium providing now that the Altima can be eradicated from the lineup together with the Versa. Below the hood final 12 months’s engine stays unchanged as a result of Nissan targeted its efforts elsewhere to maximise worth.

You could acknowledge the Sentra’s distinctive new entrance finish because it bears some resemblance to the brand new Leaf with Nissan’s digitalized V‑Movement grille. The physique has many sharp edges and powerful traces whereas remaining total curvaceous. Slim LED headlights give the Sentra a premium look and higher trims embrace particular lighting patterns when the automobile is unlocked or when the flip indicators are used. Small aerodynamic tweaks assist cut back drag and people adjustments ought to enhance gasoline economic system which Nissan will announce later.

Nissan will supply 4 trims: S, SV, SR and SL. The Sentra can be provided in seven colours – Imperial Bronze, Gun Metallic, Atlantic Grey Metallic, Tremendous Black, Scarlett Ember, Aspen White and Recent Powder – plus 4 two‑tone combos with a black roof. These two‑tone combos include Aspen White, Bluestone Pearl, Atlantic Grey and Energetic Ember roofs. Energetic Ember is by far probably the most eye‑grabbing however we additionally observed that Imperial Bronze on the SL trim reminds one a little bit of the R34 GT‑R’s Millenium Jade. Wheel dimension relies on the trim and prospects can select 16‑, 17‑ or 18‑inch wheels. The SR trim is the sportiest model and provides a singular entrance fascia with a darkish chrome grille, black accents, a rear spoiler, 18‑inch wheels and a two‑tone roof. The SL trim rides on 17‑inch wheels however most of its enhancements are inside.

Contained in the Sentra is extra luxurious than earlier than. Even on the lowest trim ranges the cabin features a 12.3‑inch touchscreen infotainment system changing the outdated seven‑ or eight‑inch screens, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay normal. Wi-fi telephone connectivity comes with the SV trim or increased. A 12.3‑inch digital gauge cluster is obtainable whereas a seven‑inch info show is normal. There’s additionally a contact‑delicate local weather panel. Nissan says the infotainment display screen is twice as shiny because the earlier mannequin which was usually exhausting to learn in direct daylight. 4 audio system are normal, SR provides six, and the SL consists of an eight‑speaker Bose audio system. Tender‑contact supplies unfold by the cabin greater than earlier than and better trims really feel particularly refined. The SL returns with tailor‑match artificial leather-based, a diamond sample, a heated steering wheel, twin‑zone local weather management, auto‑dimming mirror and ambient lighting. SR will get sport fabric with orange stitching inside. Options like heated seats can be found even on the bottom S trim.

Adaptive cruise management is normal on all trims and ProPilot Help turns into out there on the Sentra with the SL or SR Premium Bundle. Those self same trims acquire an HD Clever Round View Monitor. Different conveniences embrace the Nissan Clever Key that unlocks as you stroll up and locks as you stroll away and a common storage door opener within the infotainment system that may management as much as three garages utilizing geofencing for opening while you method or depart.

Regardless that the styling and inside have improved dramatically there aren’t any upgrades underneath the hood. The powertrain carries over from the earlier era with a 2.0‑liter 4‑cylinder producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound‑toes of torque. That’s modest particularly when in comparison with some base engines on this phase. Energy continues to be despatched to the entrance wheels by a constantly variable transmission and Nissan added a cease‑begin function to enhance gasoline economic system. Regardless of the engine shutting down at idle to save lots of gasoline the brand new Sentra loses an MPG or two in metropolis driving, two MPG on the freeway and one MPG mixed. These numbers are estimates and the official EPA numbers might fluctuate.

Nissan tuned the CVT for smoother acceleration. All trims besides the bottom S obtain a sport drive mode that sharpens throttle response and simulates firmer shifts. The brand new Sentra is about 6 % extra inflexible than earlier than which ought to enhance driving really feel. Nissan additionally decreased physique openings which ought to make the cabin quieter at freeway speeds.

Pricing has not been introduced however Nissan says the 2026 Sentra mustn’t price far more than the 2025 mannequin.

Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate fanatic with over 15 years of expertise immersed on this planet of automobiles. Whether or not it’s exploring the newest developments in automotive expertise or preserving a detailed pulse on breaking business information, Lloyd brings a pointy perspective and a deep appreciation for all issues automotive. His writing blends technical perception with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions each informative and interesting for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or underneath the hood, Lloyd enjoys check driving the latest fashions and staying forward of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive panorama.