Nissan Sentra generations: 1982 to the 2027 Sentra

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Nissan Sentra debuted for the 1982 model year and is now in its ninth generation, redesigned for 2026. Recent generations ran 2000–2006, 2007–2012, 2013–2019 and 2020–2025. The 2027 Sentra costs $22,990 to $27,990 before destination and uses a 149-hp 2.0L four-cylinder with a CVT, rated up to 33 mpg combined.

Type
Compact sedan (FWD)
Price (MSRP)
$22,990–$27,990 (2027 MY) · MSRP excl. $1,275 destination. Low = S; high = SL. The SR Midnight Edition package adds $650.[1]
Powertrains
Sentra 2.0L (S, SV, SL), Sentra SR · 149 hp
Current generation
Ninth generation, 2026–present

2027 Nissan Sentra price and trims

The all-new 2026 Sentra brought dual 12.3-inch displays, ProPILOT Assist and the return of the SL grade. For 2027 Nissan retuned the CVT and added an SR Midnight Edition package and a Qi2 wireless charger.[12][13][14]

Nissan Sentra trims with 2027 model-year base MSRP (USD) and powertrains
TrimMSRP (2027)Powertrain
S$22,990Excl. $1,275 destination (2027 MY)2.0L 4-cylinder (149 hp, 146 lb-ft), Xtronic CVT[12][14]
SV$23,990Excl. $1,275 destination (2027 MY)2.0L 4-cylinder (149 hp, 146 lb-ft), Xtronic CVT[12][14]
SR$24,990Excl. $1,275 destination; Midnight Edition package +$6502.0L 4-cylinder (149 hp, 146 lb-ft), Xtronic CVT[12][14]
SL$27,990Excl. $1,275 destination (2027 MY)2.0L 4-cylinder (149 hp, 146 lb-ft), Xtronic CVT[12][14]

Every Sentra trim compared, with standard equipment and previous-generation prices →

Nissan Sentra engines, horsepower and mpg

EPA lists two otherwise identical 2027 versions, with Normal/Eco and Sport/Normal/Eco drive modes; both are rated 30/38/33 mpg.

Nissan Sentra powertrains with Nissan-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Sentra 2.0L (S, SV, SL)S, SV, SL2.0L 4-cylinder[2][3][4]149146Xtronic CVTFWD30/38/332027 MY[4]
Sentra SRSR2.0L 4-cylinder[2][5]149146Xtronic CVTFWD29/36/322027 MY[5]

Output is as rated by Nissan; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

What's new on the 2027 Sentra

The 2027 Sentra is the second year of the ninth generation. Nissan gave it more responsive CVT tuning, an available Qi2 magnetic wireless charger and a $650 Midnight Edition package for the SR with black badges, black window trim, 18-inch black wheels and a Super Black two-tone roof.

Prices rose $390 at the S grade, to $22,990, while the SL stayed at $27,990.[1][6]

Xtronic CVT basics

Every Sentra since 2020 uses Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission. Nissan describes it as working like “one gear”: a belt runs between two pulleys whose working diameters vary, so there are no steps between ratios. EPA lists the Sentra with a CVT from 2007; the manual gearbox ended with the 2019 model year.[11][7]

2.5L, turbo and NISMO: the quicker Sentras

EPA listings show a larger 2.5-liter Sentra alongside the base engine from 2002 through 2012, and a 1.6-liter turbo for 2017–2019, the years EPA also lists a Sentra NISMO. Since 2020 every Sentra uses the same 149-hp 2.0L, so the current SR is distinguished by styling and tuning rather than a different engine. EPA rates the 2027 SR at 32 mpg combined, 1 mpg below other grades.[7][5][2]

Nissan Sentra generations by year

Every US Nissan Sentra generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Ninth generation2026–present2.0L 4-cylinder (149 hp, 146 lb-ft) with Xtronic CVTAll-new for 2026 from $22,600, with available dual 12.3-inch displays, Sentra-first ProPILOT Assist and Blind Spot Intervention, 64-color ambient lighting and the return of an SL grade. For 2027 Nissan retuned the CVT and added an SR Midnight Edition package and a Qi2 wireless charger.[6][1][7]
Eighth generation2020–20252.0L 4-cylinder (149 hp, 146 lb-ft) with Xtronic CVTA new platform about two inches lower and wider than before, with independent rear suspension. The 2.0L replaced the 1.8L with 20% more horsepower and 17% more torque. EPA lists only the CVT for this generation.[8][7]
Seventh generation2013–20191.8L 4-cylinder (130 hp, 128 lb-ft), CVT or 6-speed manual; 1.6L turbo (2017–2019)About 150 lb lighter than the car it replaced, with a 0.6-inch longer wheelbase and up to 40 mpg highway in FE+ versions. EPA lists a 1.6L turbo Sentra, including the Sentra NISMO, for 2017–2019.[9][7]
Sixth generation2007–20122.0L 4-cylinder; 2.5L 4-cylinder; CVT or 6-speed manualEPA lists a 2.0L and a 2.5L Sentra in every year of this span, with Xtronic CVT replacing the old 4-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual available.[7]
Fifth generation2000–20061.8L 4-cylinder; 2.0L (2000–2001); 2.5L (2002–2006); 4-speed automatic, 5- or 6-speed manualIn 2000 Nissan began selling a super-ultra-low-emission Sentra CA in California. EPA lists a 2.5L Sentra with a 6-speed manual from 2002.[10][7]
Fourth generation1995–19991.6L and 2.0L 4-cylinder; 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manualNissan introduced the all-new fourth-generation Sentra in 1995, alongside the 200SX coupe that EPA lists with it as “Sentra/200SX”.[10][7]
First to third generations1982–19941.6L and 1.7L 4-cylinder (1980s); 2.0L from 1991The Sentra debuted for the 1982 model year, and US production began at Smyrna, Tennessee, in March 1985. EPA lists sedan, coupe and wagon versions in the 1980s. By 1992 Sentra had passed two million US sales.[10][8][7]

Nissan Sentra problems and recalls

The most widespread documented Sentra problems are bending tie rods on 2020–2022 cars (recall 23V581), brake light switches that fail on 2016–2019 cars, Takata passenger air bag recalls on 2002–2006 cars, and driveshafts not seated in the CVT on some 2024–2025 cars. CVT warranty coverage was extended on 2007–2010 and 2013–2017 Sentras.

Documented Nissan Sentra issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Left driveshaft may not be fully seated in the CVT (2025) (recall 26V410)[15]Eighth generation (2020 onward)2025Recall 26V410
Left driveshaft may not be fully seated in the CVT (2024) (recall 24V304)[16]Eighth generation (2020 onward)2024Recall 24V304
Windshield may contain air bubbles (recall 25V807)[17]Eighth generation (2020 onward)2025Recall 25V807
Door strikers may be poorly welded and break (recall 26V023)[18]Eighth generation (2020 onward)2025Recall 26V023
Driver air bag inflator may absorb moisture (recall 24V154)[19]Eighth generation (2020 onward)2023–2024Recall 24V154
Tie rods may bend (expanded recall) (recall 23V581)[20][21]Eighth generation (2020 onward)2020–2022Recall 23V581
Rearview camera harness damage can distort the image (recall 23V628)[22]Eighth generation (2020 onward)2020–2021Recall 23V628
Brake light switch may get contaminated (recall 21V135)[23]Seventh generation (2013–2019)2016–2019Recall 21V135

All 21 documented Sentra issues and 19 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

MSRP is the starting point, not the transaction price. These CarWhere pages show buyer-reported prices and dealer invoice estimates for the Nissan Sentra.

More Sentra research

See how a Sentra was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Nissan build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Nissan build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

How many generations of Nissan Sentra are there?

Nine. Nissan called the 2020 Sentra the eighth generation, and the all-new 2026 Sentra began the ninth. The nameplate debuted for the 1982 model year.

When was the Nissan Sentra last redesigned?

For the 2026 model year, when the all-new Sentra launched from $22,600 with available dual 12.3-inch displays and ProPILOT Assist.

What engine is in the 2027 Sentra?

A 2.0L four-cylinder rated at 149 hp and 146 lb-ft with an Xtronic CVT, on every grade.

What gas mileage does the 2027 Sentra get?

EPA rates the S, SV and SL at 30 city / 38 highway / 33 combined mpg and the SR at 29/36/32.

Can you get a manual Sentra?

Not new. EPA lists manual-transmission Sentras through 2019; every Sentra since 2020 has a CVT.

How much does the 2027 Sentra cost?

S $22,990, SV $23,990, SR $24,990 and SL $27,990, before $1,275 destination.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Nissan for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2027 Nissan Sentra priced from $22,990, adds bold new Midnight Edition package (Aug 18, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  2. 2027 Nissan Sentra Specs & Trims — Nissan USA (nissanusa.com)
  3. Nissan Vehicle Questions & Answers (Aug 24, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Nissan Sentra (Normal/Eco modes) — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  5. EPA fuel economy: 2027 Nissan Sentra SR — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  6. All-new 2026 Nissan Sentra offers incredible value with pricing from $22,600 (Nov 10, 2025) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  7. EPA model-year listings: Nissan Sentra 1984–2027 — fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE / EPA)
  8. 2020 Nissan Sentra Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  9. All-New 2013 Nissan Sentra moves up in style, sophistication, refinement and range (Aug 1, 2012) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  10. Nissan Heritage: 1910 – 2009 — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  11. 2003 Nissan Murano Press Kit — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  12. 2027 Nissan Sentra priced from $22,990, adds bold new Midnight Edition package (Aug 18, 2026) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  13. All-new 2026 Nissan Sentra offers incredible value with pricing from $22,600 (Nov 10, 2025) — Nissan USA Newsroom (usa.nissannews.com)
  14. 2027 Nissan Sentra Specs & Trims — Nissan USA (nissanusa.com)
  15. Recall 26V410: Incorrectly Installed Driveshaft — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  16. Recall 24V304: Incorrectly Installed Driveshaft — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  17. Recall 25V807: Windshield Air Bubbles Can Obscure Visibility/FMVSS 205 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  18. Recall 26V023: Improperly Welded Door Strikers/FMVSS 206 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. Recall 24V154: Inflator May Deploy Improperly — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. Recall 23V581: Tie Rod May Bend — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  21. Recall 21V461: Tie Rods May Be Bent — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  22. Recall 23V628: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  23. Recall 21V135: Brake Lights May Not Illuminate — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan North America, Inc. or Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. Nissan and the model names are trademarks of their owners.