The 2026 Sentra just debuted, built on the same architecture and underpinnings as its predecessor. Sounds more like a re-skin, right? Although that may seem the case at first glance, it’s not a bad thing. When I first drove the B18 or eighth-generation 2021 Nissan Sentra, I came away impressed by its glow-up. Finally, a Nissan compact car that turns heads and comes packed with plenty of substance. Heck, it’s one of the better driving cars in its class. With the latest B19 or ninth-generation Sentra just around the corner, I figure, let’s look back at the car that set the bar for this new one to follow and learn why it’s such a great platform to start with.
2021 Nissan Sentra: The Right Bones
Among compact sedans, the eighth-generation Nissan Sentra made some of the biggest leaps forward. By moving to the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-C/D platform, the Sentra morphed into a refined and pleasant small car. It drove with the stability of a larger vehicle, and its multilink rear suspension gave it a smooth, polished ride.
The 2021 Nissan Sentra handled well, too. While not as athletic as a Honda Civic or Mazda3, the Sentra took turns confidently. Good body control made it predictable and easy to drive. It even featured brake-based torque vectoring to help enhance its agility. Meanwhile, the steering felt light and could use a little more communication.
Power-wise, the eighth-generation Sentra uses a 2.0-liter I-4 with 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. The same engine carries over to the 2026 model. Despite its modest output, it feels perfectly fine in the Sentra. Power builds smoothly and never leaves you wanting. It also uses one of the better CVTs around. It’s responsive and does a great job keeping the engine in its power band, allowing the Sentra to climb grades and pass slower traffic confidently. In 2024, Nissan introduced a new CVT that operates smoothly and improves fuel efficiency, too.
Packed With Value
When it arrived for the 2020 model year, the eighth-generation Sentra immediately turned into a swan. Out with the stubby and bubbly exterior, in with a sleek and modern look. The SR trim spices things up with some sporty details and 18-inch wheels.
Inside, the B18 Sentra goes all in on the clean interior layout for the premium feel. It’s surprisingly quiet, too, with minimal noise on the move. Supremely comfortable front seats and roomy rear seats make this compact sedan surprisingly roomy. Upping the value proposition are available features like quilted leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Plus, a user-friendly infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen made the B18 Sentra approachable. On the other hand, its eight-speaker Bose audio system offers a solid and clear listening experience.
Rounding out the 2021 Sentra’s value is its suite of driver assistance features. All the essentials come standard, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitor, and more. Higher trims amp this up with available technologies like a surround view camera and adaptive cruise control. Most work well, too, and don’t get too intrusive. The only exception to this rule is the available rear parking sensors and the standard rear automatic braking, which are overly aggressive.
2021 Nissan Sentra: The Right Foundations
To put it simply, the 2021 Nissan Sentra brought the nameplate up to a new standard. It became one of the class leaders through strategic tweaks that gave the car the right foundations to strengthen its value. From a smooth drive to great fuel economy and a well-appointed interior, the 2021 Sentra showed that Nissan still knows how to make excellent compact cars. That these underpinnings also underpin the ninth-generation 2026 model isn’t a bad thing. It builds on the inherent goodness of the old car with the latest tech, as seen in the Kicks and Rogue. I can’t wait to drive the 2026 Sentra and experience how this well-rounded formula evolves and strengthens the value of a compact sedan packed with plenty of bang for the buck.
