The Nissan Sentra has been one of Canada’s most dependable compact sedans for decades, offering a rare mix of style, efficiency, and everyday value. With the all-new 2026 Nissan Sentra set to arrive later this year, drivers across Vancouver Island are wondering — how does it compare to the 2025 model currently on our lot?
At Nissan of Nanaimo, we’re breaking down the biggest updates so you can decide whether to take advantage of incredible clearout pricing on the 2025 Sentra or wait for the redesigned 2026 model.
Exterior Design: Evolution Meets Edge
The 2025 Nissan Sentra has long been praised for its sporty, balanced styling, especially in the SR trim with its bold front fascia and distinctive alloy wheels. However, the 2026 Sentra takes that design language even further — blending futuristic cues with a sleek, athletic silhouette.
Nissan’s design team set out to make the new model “daring, vitalizing, and resonating” — and it shows. The 2026 Sentra features:
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A more dynamic V-motion grille that flows seamlessly into the headlight signature.
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Slim LED projector headlights that deliver improved illumination with a subtle, high-end look.
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Sculpted fenders and a more aerodynamic body to reduce drag and improve efficiency.
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A new lineup of colours, including Imperial Bronze, Atlantic Gray Metallic, Energetic Ember, and several two-tone options with a contrasting black roof.
While the 2025 Sentra already stood out in the compact segment, the 2026 model introduces a sharper, more futuristic design that gives it genuine curb appeal — the kind of look that turns heads in downtown Nanaimo traffic.
Interior Upgrades: A Smarter, More Connected Cabin
Inside, the 2026 Nissan Sentra represents one of the biggest leaps forward the model has ever seen. The cabin has been redesigned to feel more open, modern, and connected — ideal for today’s tech-savvy drivers.
Key interior updates in the 2026 Sentra include:
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Dual 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment and driver display, delivering crisp visuals and twice the brightness of the outgoing system.
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Touch-sensitive climate controls with a minimalist, high-end feel.
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Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ on SV Premium and SR Premium trims (the 2025 Sentra requires a wired connection).
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Bose® premium sound system on SR Premium for a more immersive listening experience.
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Wireless phone charging, a first for the Sentra lineup.
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Enhanced interior materials, ambient lighting, and more soft-touch surfaces for a premium feel.
In comparison, the 2025 Sentra’s interior is still comfortable, practical, and well-equipped — especially in the SR trim — but it lacks the digital sophistication and seamless connectivity of the 2026 redesign.
Performance and Driving Experience
Both the 2025 and 2026 Sentra are powered by Nissan’s proven 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. This setup is paired with a refined Xtronic CVT® transmission designed for smooth, efficient driving.
What’s new for 2026 is a retuned CVT that provides a more natural acceleration feel and an optional Sport Mode (standard on SV Premium and SR Premium) for sharper throttle response and livelier shifting.
Additional upgrades to the suspension and body structure mean the 2026 Sentra offers a quieter, more composed ride, with a 6% increase in rigidity and better shock absorption.
If you’re looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient daily driver, the 2025 Sentra still delivers exactly that — but the 2026 Sentra adds refinement, responsiveness, and a more engaging feel behind the wheel.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Both the 2025 and 2026 Sentra include Nissan Safety Shield® 360, which bundles key active safety features such as:
However, the 2026 Sentra takes driver confidence even further with additional technology:
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Blind Spot Intervention, which can actively steer the vehicle away from potential collisions.
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ProPILOT Assist, available on SR Premium, which helps manage acceleration, braking, and steering on long highway drives.
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Intelligent Cruise Control, now standard across all trims.
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Digital Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection, helping drivers park and maneuver with ease.
These new systems make the 2026 Sentra one of the most technologically advanced sedans in its class — perfect for families, commuters, and anyone navigating Vancouver Island’s mix of city and coastal highways.
Value and Trim Lineup
The 2025 Nissan Sentra is known for its exceptional value, offering premium features at an affordable price point. With clearout incentives now available at Nissan of Nanaimo, it’s also the most budget-friendly way to get behind the wheel of a stylish, reliable sedan.
The 2026 Sentra, meanwhile, raises the bar for both style and substance. Available in S, SV Premium, and SR Premium trims, it offers more advanced technology and a premium aesthetic while still maintaining the Sentra’s reputation for affordability.
With the 2025 Sentra recently recognized as the #1 Compact Car in J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Initial Quality Study, both model years deliver proven reliability — but the 2026 edition gives you the future-ready design and tech many drivers are waiting for.
Which Sentra Should You Choose?
If you want the newest technology, sportier styling, and enhanced safety features, waiting for the 2026 Nissan Sentra could be the right move. Its modernized design and advanced connectivity make it one of the most exciting compact sedans Nissan has ever built.
However, if you prefer exceptional value and immediate availability, the 2025 Nissan Sentra remains one of the smartest purchases you can make. With 0% financing options and clearance pricing available, it’s the perfect time to save before the 2026 models arrive.
Explore the 2025 Nissan Sentra at Nissan of Nanaimo
We currently have 9 remaining 2025 Nissan Sentra models in stock, including popular SV and SR trims. Each delivers excellent performance, advanced safety, and great value — and every model is eligible for our construction clearance offers.
Visit us at Nissan of Nanaimo, located at 3612 Island Highway North, or view our available Sentra inventory online.
[Check out our remaining 2025 Nissan Sentra models here.]
The Bottom Line
The 2026 Nissan Sentra represents a bold step forward in design, technology, and safety, while the 2025 Sentra continues to deliver outstanding value and dependability. No matter which model you choose, Nissan of Nanaimo makes it easy to drive home in the Sentra that fits your lifestyle — with transparent pricing, trusted service, and Vancouver Island’s best selection of new and pre-owned Nissans.
