A New Look, a Higher Price
The Nissan Sentra gets a fresh start for 2026, introducing a sharper design, new interior tech, and more premium touches throughout. Nissan says it wants to re-energize the compact sedan segment, and it’s doing that with class-above features – like dual 12.3-inch screens, wireless smartphone integration, and segment-first capacitive-touch HVAC controls.
The trade-off is in the pricing. The 2026 Sentra starts at $22,400 for the base S trim, a bump from the 2025 model’s $21,590 sticker. The SV goes for $23,170, the SR for $25,000, and a returning SL trim tops the lineup at $27,990, before the $1,245 destination fee.
That may not sound dramatic, but when you consider that dealerships are slashing thousands off 2025 models to clear inventory, it changes the equation. For buyers watching their budgets, the newer Sentra’s premium positioning might not be an instant win.
2025 Sentras Are Going Dirt Cheap
A quick look at national listings on Cars.comshows the 2025 Sentra is being heavily discounted. S trims can be found for as low as $16,600, with $4,000–$5,000 off MSRP being typical. The SV sits around $17,500, and even the sportier SR starts at about $19,700.
That means a loaded 2025 SR is roughly the same price as a base 2026 S, at least while supply lasts. For value-focused shoppers, that’s tough to ignore. The 2025 Sentra still brings solid efficiency (up to 39 mpg highway), a comfortable ride, and features like smartphone mirroring and advanced driver assists – all the essentials most daily commuters need.
If the priority is getting a dependable, modern sedan without stretching your budget, the outgoing Sentra makes a strong case as long as inventory remains.
Nissan
What You’ll Miss Skipping the 2026
The 2026 redesign does push the Sentra forward in meaningful ways. Beyond the new styling, buyers get features never before offered in this class – like dual 12.3-inch displays, ProPILOT Assist, Blind Spot Intervention, and even 64-color ambient lighting on higher trims.
There’s also a more upscale SR with gloss-black detailing and a revived SL trim offering quilted TailorFit seating and a Bose audio system. Add in the segment’s first capacitive-touch climate controls, and the 2026 Sentra clearly aims for a more premium feel.
In short, if you value newer features and a more refined interior, the new model’s extra cost might be worth it. But if you’re chasing value, the 2025 Sentra’s deep discounts make it a hard deal to beat before stocks disappear.
Cole Attisha
