{"id":35325,"date":"2025-11-30T15:57:59","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T19:57:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=35325"},"modified":"2025-11-30T15:57:59","modified_gmt":"2025-11-30T19:57:59","slug":"payne-nissan-sentra-serves-some-sizzle-in-the-simple-sedan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2025\/11\/payne-nissan-sentra-serves-some-sizzle-in-the-simple-sedan","title":{"rendered":"Payne: Nissan Sentra serves some sizzle in the simple sedan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Phoenix<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 Nissan\u2019s luxury brand, Infiniti, no longer offers the Q50 compact sedan. But no worries, the Nissan Sentra SR will do the trick.<\/p>\n

Twin 12.5-inch digital instrument and infotainment displays in a 15-inch hoodless screen. Chromed climate vents. Wireless Android Auto and charging pad. Eighteen-inch machined wheels. Stitched leather steering wheel. Fashionable black front fascia and rear diffuser.<\/p>\n

I pulled into a service station in my Bluestone Pearl Nissan and a local pulled me aside as I rounded the pumps.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The 2026 Nissan Sentra starts at $23,645 and is one of the most affordable models on the market.<\/em><\/div>\n

JAMES LIPMAN, James Lipman<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, but what is that you\u2019re driving?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe new 2026 Nissan Sentra.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s gorgeous.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s $26,000.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven better.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"The<\/figure>\n
\n
The 2026 Nissan Sentra is the brand’s entry-level model – but makes significant upgrades with exterior design and interior tech.<\/em><\/div>\n

Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n

If you\u2019ve been on Mars for the last 10 years, you would have missed the tech \u2018n\u2019 design transformation of the compact car class into the best bargain segment in the industry. Not just the hot hatches that readers of this column know I adore, but sub-$30,000 bargains with technology and design that once was exclusive to luxury cars like Infiniti, BMW, Audi.<\/p>\n

Cars like the Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza and Honda Civic. Sadly, Motown badges like Focus and Cruze long ago left the playing field. In SUV Nation, small sedans have separated themselves from the average ute box with eye-catching design. Add Sentra to that list.<\/p>\n

Always a bargain buy, the wallflower Sentra has upped its game for 2026 with a premium wardrobe makeover.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/figure>\n
\n
The 2026 Nissan Sentra boasts one of the segment’s roomiest interiors. It comes only in front-wheel-drive.<\/em><\/div>\n

James Lipman<\/em><\/div>\n

Styling is subjective and my design tastes lean iPhone simple \u2014 Mazda3, Tesla Model 3, Porsche 911. My Sentra SR\u2019s signature blacked-out grille lean in the other direction like the Hyundai Elantra N. The Sentra comes at you with attitude \u2014 the expressive design sweeps rearward with a McLaren-like (yes, McLaren) blacked-out greenhouse, distinct shoulder line, horizonal taillights and black diffuser. That\u2019s a lot of makeup.<\/p>\n

The Sentra saves simplicity for its powertrain.\u00a0HRRRRRRGGGHHHH!<\/em><\/p>\n

I flattened the throttle pedal and the ol\u2019 nail, 2.0-liter four-cylinder awoke and we merged into afternoon traffic on the Arizona-101. No turbos here. Or even a higher-output 2.5-liter, 181-horse option like Subie Impreza offers.<\/p>\n

You shall have 149 horsepower and 146 torque and you shall like it. That\u2019s half the power of a luxury offering like the discontinued Infiniti Q50. In the digital era, powertrains are the biggest difference between mainstream and premium models.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/figure>\n
\n
The 2026 Nissan Sentra boasts an upscale, digital interior to attract young buyers.<\/em><\/div>\n

Henry Payne, The Detroit News<\/em><\/div>\n

Even in its mainstream class, Sentra\u2019s four-banger is a reminder that Nissan is about value. While competitors like Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Toyota and Volkswagen offer multiple engine options, transmission choices and performance models with racy badges like N, Type R, GTI, GR and Turbo, Nissan sticks to its bread \u2018n\u2019 butter.<\/p>\n