2026 Nissan Sentra First Look

Nissan's compact car receives a stylish redesign, larger screens, and enhanced safety features.

Zac Johnson | 

Sep 23, 2025 | 3 min read

Nissan

Nissan

2026 Nissan Sentra's Exterior Design

Nissan's designers have revitalized the 2026 Sentra with sharper exterior styling that should stand out in traffic. The bold front end features a redesigned grille framed by slim LED headlights that provide enhanced illumination. Unlock the car, and a welcome-lighting sequence adds a touch of pomp and circumstance before you even step inside.

The design updates make the Sentra appear more modern and upscale. Nissan also claims that nearly every part of the exterior contributes to improved aerodynamics. Flat floor covers, tire deflectors, the shape of the side-view mirrors, and sculpted fenders are meant to work together to reduce drag.

Available wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches and feature intersecting patterns designed to appear in motion even when the vehicle is standing still. For extra visual flair, buyers can opt for a two-tone paint scheme with a black roof.

Nissan

Interior, Tech, and Safety Improve for the 2026 Sentra

Inside, the 2026 Sentra takes a significant leap forward, especially with the more expensive trim levels. Nissan updated the interior materials and moved the climate controls to a touch-sensitive panel — in addition to offering standard heated front seats and ambient cabin lighting. The automaker also claims the Sentra offers best-in-class front legroom.

A pair of 12.3-inch displays is available in the new Sentra, with crisp graphics and illumination that is twice as bright as before. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with available wireless functionality. Nissan retains physical controls for functions like volume, audio on/off, and track selection, and offers a Bose premium sound system and wireless phone charging.

Every 2026 Sentra includes Nissan Safety Shield 360, bundling the standard advanced driver-assistance systems that have become commonplace in modern cars. Blind Spot Intervention is new this year, adding active assistance if you begin to change lanes when another vehicle is in your blind spot. ProPilot Assist is available, pairing adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist for highway driving.

Nissan

A Variety of Trim Levels for the Nissan Sentra

The Sentra lineup includes S, SV, SR, and SL trim levels. The base S provides the essentials, while the SV adds — among other conveniences — wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SR is aimed at buyers who want a sportier look, featuring blacked-out exterior details, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and a two-tone roof treatment.

New for 2026, the Sentra SL features premium amenities, including quilted artificial leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, a power sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers the new Sentra, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with a retuned Xtronic continuously variable transmission to power the front wheels. A Sport mode is available, but hybrid power and all-wheel drive are not.

Arguably, the 2026 Nissan Sentra is an improvement over the car it replaces. But is it competitive in the compact sedan segment, which includes well-rounded players like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Mazda 3, and Toyota Corolla? That remains to be seen.

Zac Johnson

Zac Johnson is a lifelong car enthusiast pursuing his dream of becoming an automotive journalist. He is a social media manager, contributor to JDPower.com and Capital One Auto Navigator, a member of the Automotive Press Association, and founder of Best Daily Drivers.