A New Car for Under $24,000? Check Out the 2026 Nissan Sentra.

A New Car for Under $24,000? Check Out the 2026 Nissan Sentra. Driven Car Reviews · Jun 23, 2026

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Car

Nissan Sentra

This is the Nissan Sentra, a compact car. The host is reviewing the 2026 model and comparing it to other affordable sedans to see if it’s a good deal—especially in the higher trim versions.

Car

The Kia K4 is a small four-door sedan built for everyday driving. It’s in the same general category as other compact cars, so it gets compared when people are shopping for a practical, affordable sedan. The podcast likely brings it up as one of the main choices in that group.

Car

Honda Civic

The Civic is a direct competitor to the Sentra in the same affordable compact-car category. The host brings it up to compare what you get for the money.

Car

Toyota Corolla

The Corolla is one of the cars the Sentra is being compared to. In this episode, it’s used as a benchmark for engine power in the same price class.

Car

Volkswagen Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car (a sedan) meant for daily driving. People compare it to other similar cars because it’s practical and easy to live with. It comes up when someone asks what else is available in the same price and size range.

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body rigidity

Body rigidity is how “stiff” the car’s structure is. A stiffer body can make the car feel more stable and controlled when you drive.

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pro-pilot assist semi-autonomous driving tech

This is Nissan’s system that helps the car drive more on its own, mainly by assisting with steering and staying in lane. You still have to pay attention and be ready to take over.

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surround view camera system

This is the “top-down” style camera view that shows what’s around the car. It makes parking and tight maneuvers easier because you can see obstacles better.

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naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder

Naturally aspirated means the engine doesn’t have a turbo. It gets air in normally, and the power comes on differently than a turbo engine.

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Xtronic continuously variable transmission

Xtronic is Nissan’s automatic transmission type. Instead of fixed gears, it smoothly changes ratios, and the review says this one feels more natural and less “rubbery” than older CVTs.

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simulated manual shifts

Simulated manual shifts are CVT features that try to mimic traditional gear changes by creating stepped “shift points” when you use a manual-style mode. The host says the Sentra doesn’t use this kind of behavior, which matters because some drivers prefer a CVT that stays fully automatic rather than pretending to be a geared transmission.

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0-60

0-60 is how long it takes a car to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour. The host is using it to judge whether the Sentra feels quick.

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independent strut with coil springs up front

This describes the front suspension design. It’s meant to help the wheels move independently over bumps so the ride stays smoother.

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multi-link independent in back

This is the rear suspension setup. Using multiple links with independent movement helps the car stay stable and comfortable over rough roads.

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18-inch wheels with lower profile tires

Bigger wheels usually mean shorter tire sidewalls. That can make the car feel more responsive, but it may feel a bit firmer over bumps.

Car

Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is another compact car people compare to the Sentra. The host mentions it for drivers who want a more fun driving experience.

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ADAS Active Safety Tech Safety Shield 360

ADAS are safety systems that use sensors to help you avoid crashes. Safety Shield 360 is Nissan’s package of features like automatic braking, lane warnings, and blind-spot alerts.

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automatic emergency braking

Automatic emergency braking is a safety system that can brake for you if it thinks you’re about to crash.

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adaptive cruise

Adaptive cruise control keeps a safe distance from the car in front and can slow down or speed up to match traffic.

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lane departure prevention

Lane departure prevention helps keep the car from drifting out of its lane. If you start to cross a line, it can step in to help correct you.

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blind spot warning

Blind spot warning tells you when there’s a car in your blind spot, so you’re less likely to accidentally change lanes into it.

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auto height beams

Auto height beams adjust your headlights automatically so you can see better without blinding other drivers.

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miles per gallon

Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far the car can go on a gallon of gas. Higher MPG usually means you spend less on fuel.

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limited hybrid

“Limited hybrid” means a nicer version of the car that also uses a hybrid system. The hybrid setup helps it use less fuel than a regular gas-only car.

Car

Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is another compact sedan the host brings up to compare efficiency and pricing. They mention a hybrid version that gets very good gas mileage.

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dual-zone automatic climate control

Dual-zone climate control means the driver and passenger can each pick their own temperature. The car then automatically works to keep those temps steady.

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12.3 inch gauge cluster screen

Instead of classic dials, the car uses a big screen to show speed and other driving info. The host says it’s customizable.

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ambient lighting

Ambient lighting is the colored light inside the cabin that sets a certain vibe. This one can switch between many colors.

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Nissan has finally updated its rudimentary user interface

This is about the car’s touchscreen/menu system—how easy it is to use and how responsive it feels. The host says Nissan improved it a lot.

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BMW iDrive

BMW iDrive is BMW’s in-car screen and menu system for things like navigation and media. The host is saying Nissan’s system feels different, even if it’s still easy to use.

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haptic panel

A haptic panel gives you a physical-feeling response when you touch the controls. In this case, it’s for the heating and air-conditioning settings.

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carplay, which is wireless

CarPlay lets you use your iPhone in the car—like maps and music—through the car’s screen. Wireless CarPlay means you don’t have to plug your phone in, though the first connection can be a little annoying.

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boot

A “boot” is just the trunk area at the back of the car where you put bags and other cargo.

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cubic feet

Cubic feet is a way to measure how much space something has. In cars, it’s commonly used to describe how much you can fit in the trunk.

Car

Qoros 3 Sedan

The Qoros 3 Sedan is a compact four-door car. The podcast is talking about how much space it has in the trunk, which affects how much you can carry. It’s being compared to other similar-sized sedans using that cargo-space number.

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repair kit

Instead of a spare tire, some cars come with a tire repair kit. It’s designed to help you temporarily fix a flat and get going again.

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remote seat releases

Remote seat releases are buttons or levers that let you fold the back seats from the front seat area. It’s meant to make loading cargo easier.

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two-tone treatment

Two-tone treatment means the car has two different colors or shades on the outside. It’s usually a cosmetic option that changes the look for a price.

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energetic ember paint

Energetic ember is the name of a specific paint color. The host is saying it looks like an orange color in practice.

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drag

Drag is the force of air pushing against the car as it drives. If designers reduce drag, the car can use less energy, especially at speed.

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wake

The “wake” is the messy air left behind the car as it moves. If engineers can smooth that airflow, the car can be more efficient.

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SR

“SR” is a trim level—basically a version of the car with a certain set of features and styling. Here, it’s mentioned because it changes the grille and exterior appearance.

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Luxo badge

A badge is the little name/emblem on the car that shows what version it is. The host is saying this one doesn’t have the higher-end “Luxo” branding.

LIVE

It seems affordable transportation is hard to find these days, right?

This is the new Nissan Sentra. How does it stack up against the competition?

Well, I'm here to find that out, and I promise I won't waste your time. Plus,

watch this video on the big screen. It looks great.

Any discussion about cars these days turns to how expensive they are. For sure,

they're more sophisticated than they were 10 or 15 years ago. The army of sensors and airbags

stuffed into them have to bump the price, tariffs don't help, and buyers, with friends that drive

BMWs and Lexus' expect comfort and features. Nissan's new ninth generation Sentra starts at

just under $24,000, including shipping. This fully loaded SR is 32 grand as tested.

The only way to drive the price higher would be to fall for paint sealant and undercoating.

Don't do that. It competes with Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen

Jetta. An alternative to anything in this class? A more upscale vehicle that somebody has owned

before. Thing is, not everybody knows how to buy a dependable used car. It can be tricky.

Some people just need reliable transportation, and if it's new with a warranty, all the better.

Nissan has kept the price down by using the previous generation's architecture,

a playbook used by Toyota for years. There are changes, extra bracing means body rigidity is

up by 6%, there's more sound insulation. The steering rack, springs, and dampers are retuned,

though there are no suspension changes between trims, only different wheel sizes.

Sentra's competition clusters in a similar price range, it's the features that make the difference.

SL is the value proposition. It comes standard with the same 8-speaker Bose sound,

surround view camera system, powered sunroof, and pro-pilot assist semi-autonomous driving tech

found on this optioned-up SR, and it's nearly 3,000 bucks less, which is more than pocket change.

Moving SR's 3,180 pounds is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. It makes 149 horsepower

and 146 pound-feet of torque. That's slightly more powerful than the base Corolla, Civic,

K4, and Elantra 2.0-liter engines. Only the Jetta's turbo 1.5-liter 4-cylinder makes

significantly more oomph, and Nissan doesn't offer a hybrid.

Sentra is front-drive only. Nissan has massaged its

Xtronic continuously variable transmission. The lever is smooth and familiar, no simulated manual

shifts if you think SR is supposed to be the sportier Sentra. There are basic drive modes,

with some differences between them. Nothing huge, though.

Is Sentra a fast car? No. Is it a slow car? Not really. 0-60 spools up in just over 8 seconds.

That's similar to the competition.

This is not a performance car. It's not meant to be one. I did have this filled with passengers

going up and down steep hills. There was no issues with power.

Sentra goes down the road nicely. Independent strut with coil springs up front,

and multi-link independent in back. The suspension soaks up bumps like this

without drama. Everyone inside will be comfy, and the SR has larger 18-inch wheels with lower

profile tires. SV and SL versions with smaller ones should be better at keeping sharp thumps away

from back sides. SR's suspension isn't any sportier than other Sentras. It's a mainstream

driving dynamic. It's quiet. It's comfortable. It's exactly what the masses want. Also, visibility

quite good. No real blind spots. Enthusiasts will want to cross-shop Honda Civic and Mazda 3 for

more fun in the twisties, but Sentra is no slouch. The driving dynamic is well-sorted.

Nissan has improved its continuously variable transmission. It feels a little bit more like

a regular gearbox. There's less of that CVT rubber bandiness now.

Nissan calls it suite of ADAS Active Safety Tech Safety Shield 360. There's a lot of standard kits,

adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, lane departure prevention,

auto height beams, and blind spot warning. Pretty good for an inexpensive car.

According to the EPA, this Sentra averages 32 miles per gallon, which is pretty good,

though not quite as efficient as Corolla, K4, Civic, and Elantra. Those average 34,

and this is not available as a hybrid. That's Sentra's disadvantage. For example,

a high-end Hyundai Elantra limited hybrid that averages 50 miles per gallon can be had for the

price as this SR.

Compact sedans have decent room these days. Sentra's cabin isn't trimmed like a Mercedes,

but it's hardly a penalty box. Shiny black plastic has been banished. Elbows have soft

places to land. Eyes get real stitching to gaze upon. As equipped, there are supportive synthetic

hide seats. They're heated, so is the wheel. Dual-zone automatic climate control is a long

for the ride. The Bose sound could be the best in class. All but the base S trim get this 12.3

inch gauge cluster screen that can be changed up to a driver's liking. Ambient lighting,

once reserved for luxury cars, is a thing with 64 colors. Nissan has finally updated its

rudimentary user interface. It won't be confused for BMW iDrive, because once off the main menu,

the graphics are kind of plain, but it's easy to use with good touch response.

And not everything is on the screen. There are some hard buttons. The HVAC system gets a haptic

panel. This one works pretty well. All in all, it's a good balance. The phone charge pad works

well, and not all of them do. Initially, connecting to carplay, which is wireless,

was much more fussy than most cars. But once linked, things were better.

Back some 20 years ago, my brother owned a Centro, which was a very small car with a tight back seat.

Those days are over. I am 5'9". I've got decent headroom, knee, leg, and footroom.

Are quite good in class. The cushions are exceptionally comfortable with great thigh

support. The door openings, and those are a little bit tight, getting my size 11s in and out.

There are door pockets, but not a lot of amenities. For example, no seat back pockets on either chair.

Boo. No adjustable air vents. There's a power port, and you can add optional ones to this

section here. If you need a drink holder, you will be using the armrest. At least it has one.

The spine here, not too big. It doesn't intrude on foot space too much. Centro will hold five adults.

I did it. We all went out to dinner, and it was just fine. Obviously, this space would be a lot

more comfortable with just two back here, but it's surprisingly roomy. But come on, Nissan,

how about a couple seat back pockets? Sorry, no TP Tron test. I'm shooting this the week of Christmas,

and it would take me 45 minutes to find a parking spot at Costco. And then I'd have to

endure the crush of people inside the store. No thank you. I have no problems stashing my gear

bags in the boot. It measures out at just over 14 cubic feet. That's similar to Civic and Mazda

3 sedans, and they take on six packs of the two-ply. No spare tire, only a repair kit. Sadly,

that's pretty common. I'm impressed that there are remote seat releases, though the backs either

need to be pushed down by something long, or you have to run around to the back doors to drop them.

Centro isn't an SUV or a hatch, but it is useful.

As for design, the outgoing Centro was not a bad-looking sedan. Now, overall,

it looks heavier and more substantial. I find the seat pillar to be a little fussy looking because

of the black plastic fill panels. This has the optional $800 two-tone treatment. The only way

to get energetic ember paint, you might call it orange. Nissan says the new sheet metal,

especially the trunk and rear fenders, helps to lower the wake behind the car,

side view mirrors reduce drag. SR gets some cosmetic changes, especially the grille.

The whole thing is blacked out. The back is different, too. This is not a premium vehicle

with a Luxo badge, but it delivers the goods at a reasonable price.

Something Centro up? I think this is worth a look. It's got its own style. The interior is nice.

It's comfortable. It drives well. Features and tech are well done. Plus,

it's affordable, and that's important these days. Could it use more power? Of course,

everybody wants more power. Plus, efficiency could be a smidge better. Nissan, how about a hybrid?

Thanks for watching, folks. Hey, you're here at the end. I'm assuming that you enjoyed the video,

so hey, sign up. If you want to follow me on social media, I'm on all the major platforms.

And if you have a question, leave it in the comments. If I can't get back to you,

one of my followers will. This has become a great community. Check it out, okay?

All right. That's Driven. I'm Tom Volk.

About this episode

Nissan’s ninth-generation 2026 Sentra targets mainstream buyers with a starting price just under $24,000 (including shipping) and a well-equipped top trim. The host highlights structural and sound updates, a more “regular gearbox” feel from the massaged Xtronic CVT, and a standard Safety Shield 360 ADAS suite. Inside, the Sentra leans on comfort and modern tech like a customizable 12.3-inch cluster, 64-color ambient lighting, and mostly smooth wireless CarPlay. Practical notes include about 14 cubic feet of trunk space and no spare tire.

0-60 12.3 inch gauge cluster screen 18-inch wheels with lower profile tires adaptive cruise ADAS Active Safety Tech Safety Shield 360 ambient lighting automatic emergency braking blind spot warning BMW iDrive body rigidity

Honda Civic Hyundai Elantra Kia K4 Mazda RX-3 Nissan Sentra Qoros 3 Sedan Toyota Corolla Volkswagen Jetta

Original notes

Can't afford luxury transportation? The new 9th generation Nissan Sentra offers the luxury of transportation, starting at $23,845 (yup, with destination). That's something of a unicorn in today's new-car market.

Tom Voelk checks out a fully loaded SR at just under $32K, but know that all Sentras come with the same engine, transmission, and suspension. For buyers that need the peace of mind a new car with a warranty brings, Sentra might be the answer. Of course, there are others to cross shop- Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta. Pro tip, a loaded SL is the sweet spot at $29,235.

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