- Compact sedan sales are expected to rise after years of decline.
- A variety of factors are at play, including consumers seeking value.
- The 2026 Nissan Sentra is positioned to take advantage of this shift.
The carpocalypse could be coming to a close as Nissan recently pointed to research suggesting compact sedans are growing in popularity and will continue to experience increased sales in the future. This would be a notable shift as crossovers dominate the landscape.
While SUVs aren’t going anywhere, 2026 could deliver a big boost for compact sedans. Growth is then expected to continue afterwards, but more gradually.
Review: The 2026 Nissan Sentra Feels Too Nice For Its Price, But One Familiar Flaw Remains
So what’s driving the change? A variety of factors, including consolidation around surviving sedans and younger consumers who don’t want to drive crossovers like their parents.
The latter is interesting to note as previous generations turned their noses at the station wagons their parents drove, only to buy minivans. Minivans then became passé, driving people to crossovers. It appears this effect is now pushing some consumers to compact sedans.
Michael Gauthier / Carscoops
However, one of the biggest drivers is the affordability crisis. The average new vehicle has an MSRP of $51,099 and that’s up more than 25% from just five years ago. Nissan also noted 40% of young working Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, so it’s probably not surprising that value is “more important to younger car buyers than ever before.”
Amid this background, the company is launching the 2026 Sentra. It features a bold new design, modern technology, and a truly impressive interior in the range-topping SL trim. It starts at $22,400 and can be pretty well-equipped for $24,160 before destination.
In the latter configuration, the model has 12.3-inch displays, remote start, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. It also sports an ambient lighting system, a wireless smartphone charger, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a six-speaker audio system.
Nissan sees the Sentra as an ideal vehicle for everyone from recent college grads to empty nesters. That’s a pretty diverse group, but the company believes the car will attract people seeking value and affordability.
We’re inclined to agree, and it’s worth noting the Sentra costs less than key rivals including the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. However, it also has to battle popular Korean sedans such as the Hyundai Elantra and Kia K4. The latter begins at $22,625, while the 2025 K4 starts at $21,990.
Michael Gauthier / Carscoops
