2026 Nissan Sentra Features Leaf-Like Styling, Big Tech Upgrades
Nissan remains committed to small cars with the massively upgraded '26 Sentra.
Nissan on Tuesday revealed the 2026 Sentra, a big upgrade for its staple small car. While technically a heavy redesign instead of a whole new model, the latest Sentra boasts Leaf-like styling outside and a major injection of modern tech in its cabin—not to mention the reintroduction of a swankier SL trim—all aimed towards keeping it competitive in the class.
Turning Over a New Leaf
There is a clear link to the 2026 Leaf in the Sentra's latest visage, with arrow-shaped LED headlights framing a large grille. On the sporty SR trim that's one big gloss-black surface; the SL tweaks the look with more body-color elements up top and black trim around the lower intake. The body sides are clean, with the most unusual design element being the additional chamfering around the wheel arches. The rear of the Sentra goes full-width taillight because of course it does, with intricate detailing within the elements. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches, as before.
Every panel is new, with no carryover parts from the '25 model. The only real tell is the roofline, but even the window shapes have changed. The wheelbase is unchanged at 106.5 inches (2,705 millimeters), and length is up fractionally to 183.3 in (4,655 mm).
The cabin sees a big style upgrade too, also pulling inspiration from the Leaf in its cleaner, minimalist dashboard design. We especially like the radial-like stitching on the faux-leather seats of the SL.
Major Tech Overhaul
Nissan has been focusing on spreading a healthy amount of tech across its lineup, and the Sentra is the latest beneficiary. Every trim features a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and all bar the base Sentra S pairs that with an identically-sized digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are the same story: standard on everything above the base trim, where it's wired. Three USB ports are standard—two front, one back—while a wireless charger is optional on the SV and standard on SR and SL. The brand's ProPilot Assist highway drive assist is available depending on trim, as are features like dual-zone climate control and an eight-speaker Bose audio system. NissanConnect, which includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, is standard on SR and SL trims.
Safety is another modern Nissan focus, and the Sentra comes well-stocked with automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning and intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, speed sign recognition, and lane departure alert. Higher trims also bring in a lane keep assist, rear automatic braking, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera—the latter still a rarity in this part of the market.
Carryover Powertrain
The one aspect of the 2026 Sentra that goes unchanged is its powertrain. Still powered by Nissan's MR20 2.0-liter inline-four, the Sentra's outputs remain 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet; some of the lowest figures in the segment. The engine once again hooks up to the usual Xtronic continuously variable transmission, too. Weight is up slightly, about 60 to 80 pounds depending on trim, so fuel economy ratings are very slightly down over the previous model. The Sentra S and SV post 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway for 33 mpg combined; the bigger-wheeled SR and SL knock those numbers to 28, 36, and 32 mpg, respectively.
Every other one of the Sentra's competitors offer multiple powertrains. While the Subaru Impreza and Mazda3 post lower fuel economy figures, they have the respective advantages of all-wheel drive and over 40 more horsepower—and the Mazda can be had with AWD too.
Pricing and Availability
Nissan has confirmed the 2026 Sentra will be in dealerships before the end of the year. What we don't know is pricing. The brand has been aggressive with the new Leaf's price; if the Sentra can keep the increases to a minimum, it will have a keen advantage in a market (and segment) that struggles with affordability.
What We Think
Despite finishing in dead last in our compact car mega comparison earlier this year, the current Sentra earned our praise for being a good looking and affordable option. If this model can fix our biggest complaints—a low-end and noisy cabin—while keeping a competitive price, that could be enough to outweigh its unimpressive powertrain. We'll be driving the 2026 Sentra soon-ish; stay tuned to see if it's nailed the affordable compact car formula.
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2026 Nissan Sentra: All the Details
Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
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Same old unreliable CV automatic transmission? Too bad Nissan isn't serious about offering meaningful improvements and worthwhile product.
Yet another year of an automobile with an unwanted screen. Fail!