Nissan isn't giving up on small cars. Even though the tiny Versa is rumored to be on the chopping block, the company is currently working on a brand-new version of the Sentra in an attempt to dethrone compact sedan staples like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
The current version of the Sentra won't survive past the current 2025 model year, which means a new one should arrive sooner rather than later. Expect it before the end of the year with an on-sale date of 2026.
We've already seen the spy photos and heard many of the rumors, but here's everything you need to know about Nissan's next compact sedan.
What Will the New Sentra Look Like?
Nissan's new design language will extend to every one of its vehicles, Sentra included. Many of the cues we've already seen on SUVs like the Kicks and Murano, as well as the upcoming Leaf, should trickle down to the compact sedan.
Based on the spy photos and teasers we've already seen, the new Sentra will look much sharper—and it could be slightly longer than the current car. The compact sedan will have a new face highlighted by the brand's latest angular headlight treatment. A light bar should run across the hood line just above the V-shaped grille (though, don't call it a V-Motion grille).
The back end will likely have a similarly svelte design with an LED taillight treatment that extends across the trunk lid. Those same spy photos also show a subtle ducktail spoiler jutting out from the trunk lid, which should give the Sentra a slightly sportier look.
Our artist brought those spy photos to life in the renderings you see here.
What Kind of Technology Will It Have?
If you’ve been in any of Nissan’s latest SUVs, the Sentra’s interior should look familiar. We expect a streamlined, screen-heavy design with a few touch-capacitive controls. Don’t worry, though, Nissan won’t ditch buttons entirely. The company’s latest products do still have centralized volume knobs and a few tactile controls.
The Sentra’s current 7.0- and 8.0-inch touchscreen displays should both grow in size, and Nissan will undoubtedly offer a digital instrument cluster to go with it. The company currently offers dual 12.3-inch screens in most of its cars, which should carry over to the Sentra.
What Engine Will the New Sentra Have?
The current Nissan Sentra has a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine making 149 horsepower, and we don't expect much to change. The base model will likely keep its 2.0-liter engine, with minor upgrades in power and efficiency. That said, the Rogue's turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine could also carry over.
Nissan has also been vocal about its lack of hybrids. The company could remedy that with its next-generation Sentra. Even though the automaker doesn't currently offer a hybrid powertrain in the US, Nissan does have a range of e-Power hybrids in Japan that could make their way Stateside—or at least, a version of those powertrains.
The Sentra spy photos show a prototype with tailpipes, which leads us to believe that the Sentra won't go all-electric, as others have speculated. In fact, we don't expect Nissan to offer an electric version at all. The new Sentra will likely hit the market with a naturally aspirated gas engine and a hybrid option.
What Will the New Sentra Compete Against?
Even though the 2026 Sentra may grow in size, it will remain in the compact sedan space. That will put it up against current competitors like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, and Toyota Corolla.
How Much Will the New Sentra Cost?
Don’t expect the 2026 Sentra to get a major price hike. The current Sentra starts at just $22,730 for the base SV model, while even the most expensive trim—the SR Midnight Edition—is only $26,425.
As a brand-new model, the 2026 Sentra will undoubtedly see a price increase over the current version. We wouldn’t be surprised to see a base price of around $25,000. The Sentra could even move production from Mexico to the US to avoid President Trump’s proposed tariffs.
That said, we expect the new Sentra to remain competitive with the Honda Civic in terms of price, which starts at just over $25,000 for the 2025 model year.
When Will We See It?
Nissan has already confirmed that the 2026 Sentra will debut later this year before going on sale sometime in 2025. Exact timing is still to be determined.
