2026 Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra compact sedan is the poster child for a Pretty Good Car. While it doesn't excel in any particular area, if you're looking for a value-priority choice that's comfortable enough, roomy enough, and pleasant enough to drive, the Sentra has you covered. The fact that it's stylish and inexpensive only sweetens the deal. The problem is the current eighth-generation Sentra has been around since 2020, and the competition has largely passed it by in terms of driving dynamics and refinement, neither of which was a Sentra strength to begin with. Luckily for fans of Nissan's compact, an all-new Sentra is due for 2026.

Edmunds spotlight: A new Sentra!

In late March, Nissan unveiled plans for a number of its future products, including the next-generation Sentra. While Nissan hasn't detailed all the new changes yet — the automaker will reveal the car later this year — expect to see an interior design inspired by the new Murano. It'll be marginally larger than the outgoing Sentra, though we believe the powertrain will carry over largely unchanged. That'll help Nissan keep the redesigned Sentra an affordable and practical entry-level sedan with an emphasis on value and features. So expect standard driver assist systems, smartphone integration, and styling that punches a bit above its weight.

Competitors to consider

The Sentra's competition is numerous, but as small SUVs take over the entry-level spot for more and more manufacturers, choices for affordable small sedans are starting to get limited. The Honda Civic remains the benchmark in the class, and our Edmunds Top Rated Best of the Best pick for 2025. The Toyota Corolla is another solid choice, as are the Kia K4 and Hyundai Elantra. Note that all of those have a higher base price than today's Sentra.

We hope that the next-generation Sentra adds back some of the zazz that made the Sentra a darling to enthusiast drivers on a budget so many years ago.