2026 Nissan Sentra Gets New Styling, Better Tech, Familiar Power

In a reassuring twist, we have the pleasure of reporting that an affordable compact sedan is not being discontinued. Indeed, Nissan just took the wraps off the all-new 2026 Sentra.

Seeking to serve the growing ranks of Canadian buyers who are on the hunt for an affordable new vehicle, the 2026 Sentra gets bold new styling, a more up-to-date technology suite, and an improved chassis, albeit the powertrain remains mostly unchanged.

Power will yet again come from a 2.0L, four-cylinder engine that makes a modest 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, the exact same figures as the 2025 model. Unfortunately, the six-speed manual transmission will no longer be offered, but the continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been tuned for more responsive acceleration.

Nissan has also worked to make the chassis 25 per cent stiffer than the outgoing model. To ensure that doesn’t translate to discomfort, the automaker has equipped the car with new shocks that are designed to reduce impact harshness from bumps. It has also equipped the steering wheel with an enlarged dynamic damper to reduce vibrations from the road.

On top of being comfortable, the 2026 Sentra will also offer more luxury with available dual 12.3-inch displays, though that does also mean a touch-sensitive climate control panel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, though they’re only wireless in the higher trim levels.

For the first time ever in a Sentra, the 2026 model will be available with wireless smartphone charging and three standard USB-C ports. In another first, it will come equipped with Nissan’s smart cruise control system, ProPilot Assist, which aids the driver with acceleration, braking, and steering.

From a safety standpoint, the Sentra will also come standard with emergency braking, pedestrian detection, collision warning, lane departure prevention, and, in a first for the model, blind spot intervention, which attempts to avoid a collision with a vehicle in its blind spot.

Aesthetically, Nissan says that its designers wanted the new Sentra to be “daring, vitalizing, and resonating.” That means a larger grille, slimmer headlights, and a lightbar across the width of the trunk lid.

The 2026 Sentra will be available in a trio of trim levels: S, SV Premium, and SR Premium. The last trim gets a unique rear bumper, a darkened grille, a rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, and cloth seats with accent stitching.

Nissan has yet to announce prices or fuel economy figures for the 2026 Sentra, but has confirmed that will reach showrooms in late 2025.