“Loved the car overall. Lots of room in front and backseat. Trunk has lots of room. Gas mileage is very good.”
Nissan Sentra: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Nissan Sentra is an everyday compact sedan built for commuting and small-family duty. It is known for good fuel economy, a roomy trunk, useful safety technology, and a cabin that feels more polished than a bare-bones economy car.
Across generations, the Sentra has stayed focused on practical, affordable daily transportation in a traditional sedan shape. Redesigns have repeatedly brought sharper styling, a more refined cabin, and better everyday technology without changing that basic mission. Safety features have become a bigger part of its identity over time, especially on recent generations. Sporty versions have appeared in some years, but comfort, efficiency, and ease of use remain the main themes.
Strengths
- The gas-powered 2026 lineup is rated at 37 to 39 mpg on the highway.
- The trunk is usefully sized for errands and luggage, measuring 14.3 cubic feet in 2026.
- Recent generations put meaningful driver-assistance features on every trim instead of reserving them for top versions.
- Recent Sentras pair an easy-to-use cabin with standard smartphone integration, while the 2026 redesign brings a large standard touchscreen.
- The styling and interior aim for a more polished feel than a basic entry-level compact car.
Who it's for
The Sentra best fits commuters and small families who want an efficient gas-powered sedan with simple controls, useful trunk space, and modern safety features. It makes the most sense for someone who values an easy daily drive and a polished appearance more than strong acceleration or a performance-focused feel.
Nissan Sentra lineup
The S is the straightforward entry trim and suits buyers who mainly want the Sentra’s core practicality. The SV is the middle-ground choice, traditionally adding comfort and convenience without moving to the sportier look of the SR. The SR is usually the style-led version, though older SR Turbo models from 2017 through 2019 added genuine extra performance. The SL, when offered, serves as the more premium Sentra; it returned at the top of the lineup with the 2026 redesign.
Nissan Sentra generations
From 2009 to 2026, the Sentra spans four generations. The current 9th Generation arrived for 2026, following the 8th Generation (2020–2025).
9th Generation (2026–Present)
The ninth-generation Sentra has completely new exterior and interior styling, a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, LED headlights, and more standard driver-assistance features. It keeps the previous generation’s 149-hp 2.0-liter engine and CVT automatic.
7 In Stock
2026New generation
Full redesign with new styling inside and out, a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, and the returning SL premium trim.
8th Generation (2020–2025)
This generation moved to a new platform with a stronger 149-hp 2.0-liter engine, a more refined rear suspension, a more upscale cabin, and a broad standard safety suite. A 2024 update refreshed the front styling and revised the CVT automatic for slightly better fuel economy.
533 In Stock
2025
The S, SV, and SR lineup carries over from the refreshed 2024 model.
2024Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front-end styling joins a revised CVT automatic and an engine stop-start system for slightly better fuel economy.
2023
The three-trim lineup, 149-hp engine, CVT automatic, and standard safety suite carry over.
2022
No significant lineup-wide changes.
2021
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become standard on every trim.
2020New generation
Full redesign with a new platform, a 149-hp 2.0-liter engine, a more refined rear suspension, and a standard driver-assistance suite.
7th Generation — B17 (2013–2019)
The B17 Sentra moved to a lighter platform with a new 1.8-liter engine, a roomier back seat, a larger trunk, and more polished styling. It received a major styling and cabin update for 2016, followed by turbocharged SR Turbo and NISMO performance trims for 2017.
89 In Stock
2019
Most trims above the base S gain a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2018
A color display becomes standard, while automatic emergency braking and other convenience features spread to more versions.
2017Trim changes
The new SR Turbo and NISMO trims join the lineup with a 188-hp turbocharged engine and handling upgrades.
2016Mid-cycle update
Refreshed exterior styling, an updated dashboard, and newer safety features modernize the lineup.
2015Trim changes
The fuel-economy-focused FE+ lineup narrows to the FE+ S, while Bluetooth and a USB port become standard across the range.
2014
The CVT automatic, steering, and suspension are retuned, with added sound insulation for a quieter ride.
2013New generation
Full redesign on the lighter B17 platform with a new 1.8-liter engine, an updated CVT automatic, more passenger and cargo room, and new FE+ trims.
6th Generation — B16 (2007–2012)
The B16 lineup paired mainstream 2.0-liter Sentras with SE-R performance models. A 2010 update revised the exterior lighting, front styling, cabin trim, and technology.
1 In Stock
2012
The mainstream 2.0-liter trims and SE-R performance models carry over for this generation’s final year.
2011
Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control become standard across the lineup.
2010Mid-cycle update
Revised exterior lighting, updated front styling on mainstream trims, refreshed cabin materials, and expanded technology.
2009Trim changes
The new SR FE+ joins the lineup, while most 2.0-liter models with the CVT automatic receive small fuel-economy improvements and FE+ badging.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Nissan Sentra.
2026 Nissan Sentra2025 Nissan Sentra2024 Nissan Sentra2023 Nissan Sentra2022 Nissan Sentra2021 Nissan Sentra2020 Nissan Sentra2019 Nissan Sentra2018 Nissan Sentra2017 Nissan Sentra2016 Nissan Sentra2015 Nissan Sentra2014 Nissan Sentra2013 Nissan Sentra2012 Nissan Sentra2011 Nissan Sentra2010 Nissan Sentra2009 Nissan Sentra
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Sentra a sedan or a hatchback?
The Nissan Sentra is a four-door compact sedan, not a hatchback. The latest model seats five and has a 14.3-cubic-foot trunk, giving it a practical layout for commuting, errands, and small-family use.
Does the Nissan Sentra come as a hybrid?
No. The Nissan Sentra is a gas-powered compact sedan. The latest lineup uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission rather than a hybrid system.
Does the Nissan Sentra have all-wheel drive?
No. The latest Nissan Sentra is front-wheel drive, with power going to the front wheels rather than all four. Shoppers who specifically need all-wheel drive will need to look beyond this model.
What is the Nissan Sentra known for?
The Nissan Sentra is known for easy everyday driving, good fuel economy, a roomy trunk, straightforward cabin controls, and useful safety technology. Newer generations also have sharper styling and a more polished interior than earlier economy-focused versions.
Is the Nissan Sentra a good commuter car?
Yes. The Nissan Sentra suits commuting because it combines a compact footprint, an automatic transmission, useful driver-assistance features, and strong fuel economy. The latest version is rated at 30–31 mpg city and 37–39 mpg highway, depending on trim.
Is the Nissan Sentra roomy enough for a small family?
Yes, for many small families. The latest Sentra seats five, provides 34.8 inches of rear legroom, and has a 14.3-cubic-foot trunk. Its folding rear seatbacks also help with longer cargo, though it remains a compact sedan.
How different are older Nissan Sentras from newer ones?
They can be quite different. The 2013 redesign emphasized space and fuel economy, the 2020 redesign brought a 149-hp engine and broad standard safety tech, and the 2026 redesign added new styling and a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. Generation matters when comparing used examples.
Do all Nissan Sentras use the same engine?
No. Recent mainstream Sentras use a 149-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but older versions also used 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter engines. Performance models included a 188-hp 1.6-liter turbo and stronger 2.5-liter engines, so the badge and model year both matter.
Nissan Sentra Reviews
What owners are saying about the Nissan Sentra.
4.1
Nissan Sentra
(9,347 reviews)
“Stylish and filled with safe options the car runs and drives great with cold AC. It is very noisy on the highway and you hear the engine revving and the tires on the highway whining.”
“Do it! Nissan is a great brand. The cars are reliable, classy, and great on gas.”
“I am very happy with my car. I drives well and so far, I have had no problems. I did not want to purchase a car that did not have the backup view feature. That sold me on this car. I think the hearing/air condition feature is not so good. Like that feature in the 2018 Sentra.”
“Remote trunk key is too sensitive. I have accidentally opened trunk from inside of buildings with keys in my pocket on several occasions. I am afraid to leave anything in trunk for fear of it being stolen. I use car for a lot of business trips so this is very inconvenient.”
“Nice reliable vehicle, good gas mileage and small enough to zoom in and out of cars.”
Sources
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2026 / 2026 Nissan Sentra Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2025 / 2025 Nissan Sentra Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicles / Cars / 2025 Sentra
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2024 / 2024 Nissan Sentra Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2023 / 2023 Nissan Sentra Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Cars / 2025 Sentra / Midnight Edition
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2022 / 2022 Nissan Sentra Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2021 / 2021 Nissan Sentra Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2020 / 2020 Nissan Sentra Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2019 / 2019 Sentra Brochure En
- nissanusa.com — Vehicle Brochures / 2018 / 2018 Sentra Brochure En
- nissannews.com — Usa / Presskits / Us 2017 Nissan Sentra Press Kit