Review by Veeno Dewan.
The Nissan Sentra sedan is a popular seller in Canada – and for 2026 see’s minor revised exterior design touches; they include a new grille and new slim projector LED headlights up front. The rear trunk and rear fenders get a new design to help with drag reduction. A flat underfloor and tire deflectors also aid aerodynamics. Taut, muscular and athletic- the result is one of the best-looking sedans in the compact lass. There is also a mild interior restyle, a new dash and improved fuel economy. Also note, that there is no longer a manual transmission equipped car for Canada. Also new is a Sport drive mode for the CVT.
The Sentra remains with a single 2;0L MR 4 -cylinder gasoline engine. Producing 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. There is no EV or hybrid version as yest. The transmission is an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has been returned to deliver a more linear acceleration. The Nissan Sentra arrives with an MSRP of $27,887 – $34,617 plus destination and handling at $1,850. There are three trims: S, SV, and SR. The SV and SR also have optional Premium Package with extra features. It is $34,617 for the top SR Premium version as tested.
The as tested Sentra SR is the flashy sporty sibling in the line-up – delineated with an exclusive large gloss-black insert grille, contrasting black roof option 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. Gloss black sporty elements are repeated on the front and rear fascia, V-motion grille, side sills and rear spoiler.
The Sentra cabin looks very upscale for its price point. There are plenty of soft touch plastics, and premium looking materials quality. The new dashboard has been completely redesigned with the base S model has a 7-inch instrument screen in the new layout, while SV and SR trims now feature a single gloss-black panel housing two 12.3-inch displays. Premium-equipped models include a wireless phone charger at the base of the console. S and SV get grey fabric upholstery, while the SR features leatherette seats with attractive red accents.
Depending on trim, ambient lighting offers up to 64 colours. A. four speaker audio system is standard , while the SR Premium includes the upgraded 8-speaker Bose system. The nice chunky flat bottomed two-spoke steering wheel with red stitching on SR models. Nissans excellent “Zero Gravity” front seats provide excellent comfort and firm lumbar support. Storage is good with many cubbyholes and compartments. Rear seat room is decent; however, the seats could be little less rigid. In the cushioning department. Rear legroom remains good. Trunk space s405 litres, with new lower, wider aperture allowing easier loading for bulky items.
Safety is extremely high with as standard Nissan Safety Shield® 360, a suite of six advanced driver-assist systems including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking.
Additional driver-assist technology includes Intelligent Driver Alertness4, available Intelligent Around View® Monitor, available Intelligent Cruise Control5 and standard Easy-Fill Tire Alert system. Adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking camera system are options.
On the road, the 2.0L engine is adequate, but tuned heavily toward fuel economy. The handling is good, with nice reflexes thanks to a tuned The suspension that smooths out rough surfaces well. Steering is nicely balanced and overall, the Sentra is a fun to drive sedan. With 149 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft of torque available, Sport mode option delivers a more invigorating driving experience. In routine driving, the Sentra’s continuously variable automatic transmission is unobtrusive. The Sentra delivers Nissan-estimated fuel economy of up to 7.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.1 L/100 km combined.
Negatives are few – rear seat comfort could be better, also it’s a shame there is no manual transmission – not even on the SR version which was one of favourite compact sports cars. However, the pros outweigh everything. The car looks better than its competitors with its sleek muscularity. It represents excellent value and the interior cabin, materials are mid -level luxury standard for what is an entry level compact price. The 2026 Nissan Sentra offers compelling value. with loads of standard tech and safety features for the family. The SR Premium version is genuinely nice and although fully loaded is still reasonably priced. Highly recommended.
2026 Nissan Sentra priced from: $27,887 – $34,617 plus destination and handling at $1,850. SR Premium CVT (As tested ) $34,617
More info at www.nissan.ca