2026 Nissan Sentra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2026 Nissan Sentra is a full redesign that starts the car’s ninth generation. It gets a new body and cabin, a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, and more standard safety features, while the 149-hp engine and CVT carry over.
About the 2026 Nissan Sentra
9th generation, first year of a full redesign
Nissan positions the Sentra as a compact sedan that feels more polished and more tech-forward than the bare-bones end of the segment. The core appeal is straightforward: sharp styling, an easy-to-use cabin, strong everyday safety tech, good fuel economy, and a roomy trunk in a traditional gas-powered sedan. It is aimed at commuters and small families who want a practical daily driver that looks and feels a step more upscale than the usual entry compact car.
The S is the practical entry point, with the redesigned body, large touchscreen, LED headlights, and a broad safety suite. The SV is the everyday sweet spot, adding 12.3-inch digital gauges, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and remote start, while the SR focuses on a sportier look with 18-inch wheels and dark exterior details. The returning SL tops the range with quilted seats, Bose audio, a moonroof, heated front seats, and lane-centering highway assistance.
What changed, by category
2026 Nissan Sentra specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 37 mpg | 37 mpg | 38 mpg |
| Horsepower | 149 hp | 149 hp | 149 hp | 149 hp |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft | 14.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.8 in | 34.8 in | 34.8 in | 34.8 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Cruise Control | ||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2026 Nissan Sentra fully redesigned?
Yes. The 2026 Sentra is the first year of the ninth generation, with a new body, a redesigned cabin, a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, and expanded standard driver-assistance features.
Did the 2026 Nissan Sentra get a new engine?
No. The redesigned 2026 Sentra keeps the 149-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission used for 2025.
What is the biggest cabin upgrade in the 2026 Sentra?
The biggest cabin upgrade is the standard 12.3-inch center touchscreen, which replaces the smaller displays used in 2025. SV, SR, and SL also have a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
Did the Nissan Sentra SL return for 2026?
Yes. The SL returns at the top of the 2026 Sentra range with quilted seats, Bose audio, a moonroof, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view camera, and lane-centering highway assistance.
Is the 2026 Sentra SR more powerful than the 2025 SR?
No. The 2026 SR keeps the same 149-hp engine, and its sport theme remains focused on appearance rather than added power. It stands out through 18-inch wheels, dark exterior trim, a rear spoiler, and sport cloth seats.