Nissan has updated the Sentra for 2026. The SV trim we purchased for our test program delivers solid comfort, smooth performance, and upscale-feeling tech, but a harsh ride, touch-sensitive climate controls, and the absence of a hybrid option may hold it back from class-leading status.
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Test Results: 2026 Nissan Sentra
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/nissan/sentra/2026/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Who Makes the Most Reliable New Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-reliability-owner-satisfaction/who-makes-the-most-reliable-cars-a7824554938/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Which Brands Make the Best Cars?
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/which-car-brands-make-the-best-vehicles-a6159221985/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
How Car Brands Stack Up on Repair Costs
https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-maintenance/the-cost-of-car-ownership-a1854979198/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Really?? Having a Jatco transmission in your car is "A fine thing." Literally the most unreliable CVT in the car industry is "A fine thing??" That is hilarious for anyone who plans on keeping one of these long-term, when it is out of warranty after a few of years.
Please forthe love of god stop saying "Price Point." Its just the PRICE.
Nowadays a car starting at 23k seems unreal. Ever since American manufacturers killed the sedan and forced people to buy expensive SUVs, it’s hard finding a car everyone can afford
The black molding in the bottom rear bumper should of been black gloss to match the front black gloss. All trims should of been a 1000 dollars less starting price, making it real competitive with other brands to boost Nissan's selling point.
CVT and Nissan, enough said.
Come up with &4K more and get a Chevy bolt EV save a bunch of money on gas and oil changes. $5 or 6K Moore would get you a Nissan Leaf.
Weird seeing one without a bunch of dents all over😂
Look at that Tahoe sized center tunnel up front.
Why?
Is it so hard to put a nub above any "button"?
I have a 2017 Nissan Sentra with 170,000 miles on it and looking to get a new car soon. Not sure what I want to get but this looks promising for sure if they indeed made the CVT transmission and fuel systems more reliable. I never had a issue with my cvt but have had issues with my fuel system over the years.
Here for the Nissan CVT hate comments.
*Gets Out The Popcorn*
wheels look amazing
Nice review, Honda Pro Jason. The rear kinda look like the Accords
It's very difficult to take CR seriously when any car with a CVT is praised for reliability. It will be the first thing to fail in the drivetrain, and it will fail before 200k miles. Do you guys consider the long term reliability of the technology, or the string of problems that plague the second owners of these cars?
It's not that ugly with the black mask removed!
I thought I would buy the 2026 but got a great deal on a 2025. I routinely get 40+ MPG without really trying. I like that the 25 has more analog controls and speedo but I wouldn’t let the digital changes in the new one stop me.
If you wash your wheels by hand, the ones on this model look like a PIA
I have a 2023 Sentra and love it. 53,000 miles, no problems, and I've averaged 39.5 mpg through the years on mostly highway miles commuting to work and back. Very quiet and comfortable.
Hybrid systems add significant mechanical and electrical complexity to a vehicle. IE costly repairs WHEN something gos wrong. I would never buy a hybrid for this reason. The simple, proven, non-hybrid drivetrain of the Sentra is a selling point for many.
They don't sell these in Japan. If they Japanese don't want to drive this then why would I?
It always amuses me that reviewers comment on the backup camera.
You're not watching your favorite show; it's a fisheye that shows you what's behind you, and it does that.
How is that gasoline savings translate on a hybrid? Does that hybrid battery replacement after its life expectancy save you money?
Nice, positive Sentra review. I have a 2020 SV. I really like mine. Being the last gen mine has a spare tire and a rear arm rest. However mine doesn’t have good lighting so I’m glad LED headlights are now standard. Overall nice upgrade.
So much nicer than my 1999 Sentra.
I remember a new Sentra would cost 16,000 in 1996.
Great review. I love the basicness of it — physical buttons (except the climate controls), lack of shiny interior crap, comfy seats, independent rear suspension, etc. Some reviewers say the ride is soft, but you say it's firm. Higher trims can get surround camera and heated steering wheel. Just wish it had more power, was a little quieter on the freeway, and lumbar support in the base trims. It's not much better than a 20 year old economy car in terms of that. A touchy throttle is a big negative too. Oh, and hey – just one old guy helping out another old guy: I just realized skinny jeans are out now – gotta start wearing loose fitting pants again. Back to the 90s we go. Next review you should be wearing Jnco Jeans, OK? = )
There are many features on the SL that are not on the SV. The SL is loaded.
Fake upshifts and downshifts in a CVT are silly and just reduce efficiency (and probably long-term reliability). Automakers should let CVTs be CVTs.
I’m trading in my 2011 Sentra for a 2026 Sentra SL.
12:53 thank you captain obvious 😂 how does it compared to the Civic, Corolla and the Korean cousins?
Future Nissan cars should be one platform: Sentra sedan, Altima coupe, Maxima wagon.
I would take the base model just to have the physical climate controls. The ambient lighting on higher trims isn't going to make my drive more enjoyable than being able to adjust my temp and fan with ease.
Hard pass with capacitve buttons. Not worth the daily annoyance.
The Peugeot Sentra
fuel economy suffers especially in cold weather with a hybrid so it may not make as much of a difference depending on the climate that you live in.
Seeing a lot of the discontinued Mazda6 from the A pillar and back
Nice for the price. And the rear end reminds me of the Honda Accord-11th gen.
Are those Peugeot parts ? On that front end 😂
Replacing physical buttons for a touch screen is definitely a deal breaker for me