New 2026 Nissan Sentra SR – Let’s take a spin!

Change is good. And, so it goes with the new 2026 Nissan Sentra SR. All new, well, for the most part, it is back with a new look and new technology. Hop in with Napleton News as we take a look at the new Sentra.

What’s new with the Nissan Sentra SR? What’s not?

Let’s start with the “What’s Not?” part first. The new Nissan Sentra SR is a little light in the shorts when it comes to power. That’s because it uses the Sentra’s previous 2.0-liter, 149 horsepower inline four-cylinder engine. Sure, it’s a proven powerplant, but one that belongs in something smaller like a Nissan Kicks or other vehicle. The other piece of “What’s not?” is that the Sentra rocks Nissan’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). What’s a CVT? It’s a transmission that uses belts and pulleys to create an unlimited number of “gear ratios.”

The Sentra’s CVT offers smoother drive feel but is not particularly fast in the acceleration department. That’s unfortunate actually, considering its competition, which includes the Honda Civic. But hey, the 1975 Chevrolet Corvette was no brute either, considering it only offered 165 peak horsepower from its V8 engine.

Getting off the line with a zero to 60 mph time of 8.9 seconds won’t put you in the same neighborhood as Usain Bolt. Heck, you won’t even be in the same area code. Still, the Sentra will reward you not with fast getaway speeds but with a comfortable ride with great fuel economy to boot.

How about looks?

A freshened exterior brings the Sentra up to contemporary standards that the competition has had for several years now. Now in its ninth generation, some have called it more mature; still others have moved on to SUVs.

The grille is quite functional and now appears to bridge the gap between those found on EVs and others found on internal combustion engine-powered cars. We think it’s a good look that brings a sense of modernity to the traditional three-box designed vehicle.

Our tester featured a black over blue color scheme with chrome and black painted alloy wheels. A black trunklid spoiler wraps up the rear, which also includes razor-like LED taillights.

Inside the Sentra.

New for 2026 is a more mature (there’s that “M-word” again) interior featuring a better grade of materials including leatherette seat covers, audio system, upgraded HVAC controls and more. There’s even LED lighting inside the interior giving it a full “class-above” appearance.

The infotainment screen has grown to 12.3 inches as standard. There’s a Bose premium audio system, Nissan’s Pro Pilot Assist safety suite and a heated steering wheel that’s part of the optional Sentra Premium Package. Our sampler also featured a power tilt moonroof, which is available for an additional $650.

Behind the wheel of the Nissan Sentra SR

Loaded with the latest technology, the new Sentra SR is a vast improvement over the outgoing vehicle it replaces. But we still find the horsepower wanting. Perhaps it’s the fault of the engine’s output. Or the CVT itself. Regardless, it still managed to get out of its own way when urged on by a healthy shove to the accelerator from a size 12 foot.

The engine lets us know of its displeasure by the healthy grown emanating from under the hood. The interesting thing though is that even though this Sentra uses the continuously variable transmission, it has been calibrated to simulate a six-speed transmission as it bangs through the gears.

As a cruiser, the Sentra SR is a capable vehicle. While you may not break any land speed records, you can go for a long while between fill-ups. Handling is spritely for a smallish sedan like this. We could slice and dice our way through the lally-gaggers crowding the highways of South Florida.

It seems like “Season” is upon us, even though it’s a slight bit early for that, as we write this in early November.

2026 Nissan Sentra SR Specifications.