Nissan officially releases the all-new 2026 Sentra, with updated exterior and interior

[PCauto] On September 23, 2025, Nissan launched the all-new 2026 Sentra in the US market. This compact sedan aims to enhance the enjoyment of daily driving through comprehensive upgrades in exterior design, smart technology, and reliable powertrain. The new vehicle is offered in four trim levels: S, SV, SR, and SL.​​

​​S:​​ As the entry-level trim, it comes standard with manual air conditioning, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster (not a full LCD screen), wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while retaining basic safety and convenience features, emphasizing high value for money.

​​SV:​​ Building upon the S trim, it adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, remote start, among other features, positioning it as a well-rounded choice for families.

​​SR:​​ Positioned as the sporty variant, it features a blacked-out V-motion grille, 18-inch blacked-out alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a two-tone roof, seats with red stitching, and an exclusive drive mode. Both the exterior and interior emphasize its sporty character.

​​SL:​​ The flagship trim makes a return to the lineup. It is equipped with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a Bose premium audio system, a myQ smart garage door opener (supports control of up to 3 doors), and SiriusXM 360L streaming radio. The interior features asymmetrically quilted leather seats, blending luxury with technology.

The 2026 Nissan Sentra boasts a more dynamic and refined exterior

​​The front fascia of the new Nissan Sentra features an evolved V-motion grille, with its character lines flowing into the LED headlights. The newly designed slim-projector LED headlights improve illumination output while retaining an understated aesthetic.

The SR trim also comes with a black appearance package, which includes a distinctive front bumper, dark chrome accents, and 18-inch alloy wheels, all contributing to a more sporty aesthetic.

Aerodynamic optimization is another major highlight, with the trunk and rear fender design helping to control airflow and reduce drag, while the underbody panels and tire deflectors further improve efficiency.

In terms of practicality, the optimized trunk opening and relatively low ground clearance make it easier to load large items.

The 2026 Nissan Sentra introduces a tech-forward interior design

All trims except the base S model are equipped with dual 12.3-inch screens, comprising a digital instrument cluster and a central infotainment touchscreen, a combination that leads its class in the compact sedan segment.

Display brightness has been doubled over the previous model, ensuring excellent readability in various lighting conditions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on SV trims and above.​

The SL and SR Premium packages also include an eight-speaker Bose audio system, an intelligent panoramic monitoring system, and 64-color customizable ambient lighting, which enhances the luxury feel.

The 2026 Nissan Sentra comes standard with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, which includes Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC).​​

​​The newly added Blind Spot Intervention (BSI) system can actively assist in collision avoidance during lane changes. ProPILOT Assist (available with the SL or SR Premium package) is designed for highway use, helping to reduce driver workload. Up to ten airbags provide supplemental protection.​

2026 Nissan Sentra Will Feature a Retuned CVT

In terms of powertrain, the 2026 Nissan Sentra continues to utilize the reliable 2.0-liter inline-four engine, delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with the Xtronic CVT transmission.

Nissan states that the CVT has been retuned to provide smoother acceleration, along with the addition of a Sport driving mode (for SV, SR, and SL trims), optimizing throttle response and shift logic.

Although this powertrain demonstrates stable performance in terms of efficiency, its performance specifications don’t particularly stand out in the fiercely competitive compact sedan market. Compared to the turbocharged engine of the Honda Civic, the Sentra's acceleration may slightly lag behind.

Reasons to Still Consider the 2026 Nissan Sentra

As consumer preferences shift toward SUVs and electric vehicles, the competition for sedans has become increasingly fierce. Since its debut in 1982, the Sentra has undergone nine generations of evolution. As a classic compact sedan with over 40 years of history, it continues to adapt to market demands. It even ranked first as the "Highest Quality Compact Car" in the 2025 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS). This alone makes the Sentra a compelling choice compared to rivals like the Civic and Corolla.