First Drive: 2026 Nissan Sentra: A New Generation? Not So Fast…

 The ninth-generation Nissan Sentra arrives with a fresh body and updated cabin, but it’s still missing key ingredients to stay competitive in the compact sedan segment: no hybrid, no performance model, no hatchback.

Pros
• Spacious cabin
• Proven mechanical reliability
• Successfully updated interior

Cons
• Only one powertrain, no hybrid option
• Uninspiring drive
• High fuel consumption

Things are turbulent at Nissan these days — major financial and structural issues, plant closures, the split from the Renault–Mitsubishi Alliance, and, to top it off, Trump’s tariffs complicating matters further. In short, it’s not smooth sailing.

The Sentra’s Place in the Market

In 2024, with 3,270 units sold, the B18-generation Sentra ranked fifth among compact sedans, behind the Civic, Corolla, Elantra, and Jetta. In the first half of 2025, it slipped to seventh. The 2026 refresh should help it recover some ground. Since its debut in 1982, around 200,000 Sentras have been sold in Québec alone, and roughly 7 million across North America.

The 2026 B19 model is largely derived from the B18. Let’s be honest — despite Nissan calling it a “new generation,” it’s more of a major design refresh inside and out. Mechanically, it’s the same car.

Styling in Line with the Murano, Ariya, and LEAF

I had the chance to speak with Lihao Yu, the designer behind the 2026 Sentra. He told me that designing a sedan is always a challenge, its proportions are trickier than an SUV’s.

For the Sentra, he had to work within strict limits, such as keeping the exact same wheelbase. His goal was clear: to give the new Sentra a sleeker, more dynamic profile. In Japanese, this design philosophy is called Shun. It’s especially relevant in North America, where the sportier SR trim takes the spotlight.

The entire body has been redesigned — not a single panel carries over from the B18. Canada will offer three trims: S, SV, and SR. The latter two can be equipped with the Premium Package for added features. The front end is sleeker with a more aggressive, downward-sloping nose. The SR stands out with a large gloss-black insert forming the grille and part of the bumper. You can also see the influence of the new LEAF in the V-Motion lighting signature. SV models get a more traditional look with a smaller grille and body-colour bumper.

From the side, Nissan keeps the SR’s contrasting black roof option for a more upscale look. Wheel sizes range from 16-inch steel covers on the S to 16-inch alloys on the SV, and 18-inch two-tone wheels on the SR. At the rear, a new single LED light bar spans the trunk, while the SR adds a black spoiler for improved aerodynamics and sportier style. The SR also gets a black rear bumper insert and a chrome exhaust tip.

A Modern, Updated Cabin

The dashboard has been completely redesigned in Nissan’s latest layout. Gone is the standalone instrument cluster pod — SV and SR trims now feature a single gloss-black panel housing two 12.3-inch displays. The base S makes do with a 7-inch instrument screen.

The driver display offers multiple layouts with various data sets. It’s well executed but lacks visual flair due to its monotone graphics. Nissan’s latest infotainment system is intuitive and comprehensive, though again, some extra colour would help it feel livelier.

The centre dash carries three main zones accented with satin-grey trim: two air vents and a section for audio controls. Below sit simple, ergonomic haptic climate-control buttons.

Premium-equipped models include a wireless phone charger at the base of the console. The rest — gear selector, cupholders, small storage — carries over from the B18.

Interior materials vary by trim: S and SV get grey fabric upholstery, while the SR features leather seats with attractive red accents. Depending on trim, ambient lighting offers up to 64 colours. All versions get four speakers; the SR Premium includes an 8-speaker Bose system of acceptable quality. Fit and finish have improved, and attention to detail is evident. Some hard plastics remain, but most touchpoints are soft-surfaced.

The new two-spoke steering wheel has a solid feel and red stitching on SR models. The “Zero Gravity” seats provide excellent comfort and firm lumbar support.

Rear legroom remains one of the Sentra’s strengths, giving it real family appeal. Trunk space stays at 405 litres, but the lower, wider opening makes loading bulky items easier.

Mechanically, the Same Story

While many competitors now offer hybrid or performance variants, the Sentra sticks with a single powertrain — the same third-generation MR 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine as before.

Output remains 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a CVT; the manual transmission disappears for 2026. The engine is adequate but tuned heavily toward fuel economy. Unless you switch to Sport mode, acceleration enthusiasm is limited.

Nissan claims improved cabin insulation, but the engine still sounds coarse, and the CVT’s “rubber-band” feel persists. Sport mode adds steering weight and sharpens throttle and transmission response, but overall performance remains modest. After my test, I averaged 7.5 L/100 km — on the high side. A truly modern compact, hybrid or not, should stay below 6.5 L/100 km.

Suspension tuning carries over, though Nissan says it’s been refined — without specifying how. Ride quality is generally good, with stable road manners thanks to the long wheelbase, but the setup feels firm over rough pavement. Nissan also claims a 6 percent increase in chassis rigidity — we’ll take their word for it.

Depending on trim, the Sentra includes a full suite of driver-assist technologies. The SR Premium features Nissan’s semi-autonomous ProPilot Assist system, one of the best in the segment.

Conclusion

Nissan builds a solid, reliable car here. Given the company’s current situation, there’s no reason to expect major technical issues. However, behind the wheel, it still feels just like it did back in 2019.

In today’s market, where rivals multiply powertrain and body-style choices, a single engine and sedan-only lineup aren’t enough to stand out. The 2026 Sentra remains a dependable option — just not a diverse or exciting one.

Expect it in Canadian showrooms by year-end 2025. Pricing will be announced closer to launch, with a slight increase likely. Built in Mexico, it avoids U.S. tariffs. For 2025, pricing ranged from $26,515 to $32,665 CAD.