The average price of a new car in the US is close to $50,000, so the affordable sedan segment is practically extinct. Against this backdrop, Nissan decided to play on nostalgia and common sense, introducing the new 2026 Sentra. The model has taken a step forward in design, trim and technology, while maintaining a low price and decent level of equipment, but one old compromise remains.
The Sentra has changed radically. Instead of the neat look of the previous generation, it received a risky, aggressive front end with a huge V-shaped grille and narrow LED headlights. The usual halogen lights have completely disappeared in the base versions. The profile has become more massive due to the widened arches and wheels up to 18 inches in diameter, and the SR sports version adds a two-tone body color, trim and dark decor. At the rear, the sedan stands out with a large trunk with an integrated spoiler and modern LED lights.
The main revolution is inside. The interior of the updated Sentra is almost nothing like the interior of a budget sedan. The top-end SL version offers white TailorFit seats with dark blue inserts, ventilation and heating, 64-color ambient lighting, a sunroof, wireless charging and dual-zone climate control. In front of the driver are two 12.3-inch displays, multimedia with Google support and wireless Android Auto and CarPlay, as well as premium Bose acoustics. The list of amenities includes a heated steering wheel, high Zero Gravity seats with excellent support and power adjustments.
The situation is a little more traditional in the back, but there is a decent amount of legroom — almost 884 mm. There is plenty of headroom for almost everyone except the tallest passengers. The trunk volume is 405 liters, which is higher than the Corolla. But the decision to move the backrest folding levers to the trunk turned out to be controversial: to complete the process, you still have to go to the second row — exactly what they wanted to avoid.
Under the hood is the old familiar naturally aspirated 2.0 MR20DD with 149 hp. It works with an updated Xtronic variator, which has now become smoother and more responsive. There is enough dynamics in the city, but this engine cannot break away from competitors under any circumstances. Fuel efficiency has also dropped: up to 33 mpg in the combined cycle versus 34 in last year's version. And against the background of the Corolla with a hybrid, the figures look pale: Toyota offers up to 50 mpg and even all-wheel drive for an extra charge.
The driving characteristics were pleasantly surprising. New shock absorber valves, improved sound insulation and improved kinematics have made the Sentra quieter and softer. The steering has become faster — the gear ratio has changed from 15.3:1 to 14:1. On a bad road, the car feels assembled, and in sports mode it becomes noticeably more cheerful: the steering wheel becomes heavier, the responses become sharper, although the ride is slightly affected.
The package of security systems is impressive for a sedan for $22,400. Already in the base there are automatic braking, lane keeping assistant, sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. The older versions have a ProPILOT system that controls acceleration, braking and lane keeping — a great assistant on the highway.
The main advantage of Sentra is value. A price of $22,400 makes it cheaper than the Civic and Corolla, and the SV version for $23,170 offers LED headlights, remote start, a 12.3-inch display, climate control and an expanded set of assistants. But the lack of a hybrid version, the old engine and obvious elements of savings in small things spoil the impression a little.
Nevertheless, it is a solid, spacious and well-equipped sedan that offers much more than you would expect for the money. If you do not demand a sporty character or fuel efficiency records from the Sentra, the 2026 model will be an excellent option for those who need a modern and inexpensive car without frills.
