2026 Nissan Sentra: Updated for the Masses

• Competes with: Hyundai Elantra, Kia K4, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla
• Looks like: The Murano’s sedanlike younger cousin
• Powertrain: 149-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; continuously variable automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
• Release date: Late 2025

2026 Nissan Sentra SL | Cars.com photo by Aaron Bragman

“They” say that nobody wants small cars. “They” say that sedans are dead. But “they” apparently haven’t tried to buy a new car for less than $30,000 recently, so the fact that Nissan is keeping its venerable Sentra compact sedan alive with a redesigned ninth-generation version is significant — because somebody still wants small cars, somebody still likes sedans, and nobody wants to pay a fortune for it.

So, here we have the 2026 Sentra, which wears a new body and updated interior, is flush with new technology and (hopefully) comes in around the same starting price that the 2025 version enjoyed. Affordability is important in this struggling time, and a spacious, stylish, well-equipped compact sedan would be welcomed by many. Here is one — and it looks fantastic.

Related: Is the 2025 Nissan Sentra a Good Car? 5 Pros, 2 Cons

1 / 102026 Nissan Sentra SL | Cars.com photo by Aaron Bragman

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A New, Swoopier Silhouette

• Key takeaway: The all-new Sentra gets new exterior styling that brings it more in line with that of Nissan’s SUVs, with a swoopier wedge look and a new version of the brand’s signature V-Motion grille.

The Sentra gets an all-new look, one that more closely brings the styling of the Ariya and Murano SUVs into the sedan lineup. The new styling isn’t as out there as the Kicks, but it does improve the Sentra’s shape to become a more fastback-style sedan. But it is still a sedan — not a hatchback — maintaining a traditional trunk opening that’s now wider and lower than before.

Nissan updated the Sentra’s grille with a new “digitized” version that moves the V-Motion look into an animated LED welcome light show. Out back, the taillights are now a panel that spans the width of the rear end. Overall, it gives the Sentra a swoopier silhouette, with a wedge look that doesn’t quite come through in pictures but is prominent in person.

There are now four trim levels again: S, SV, SR and the return of the SL. Wheel choices depend on the trim level; 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheels can be had, with the SR getting the biggest ones and the more luxurious SL getting the 17s. The SR is the sporty-looking variant (though without any actual sporting equipment), with a blacked-out grille, dark-chrome accents, black side sills, a unique rear bumper, rear spoiler and optional two-tone black roof.

What the new Sentra does have are some pretty fantastic paint colors, which include Imperial Bronze, Gun Metallic, Atlantic Gray Metallic, Super Black, Scarlett Ember, Aspen White and Fresh Powder. In addition, four colors are available with a black roof: Aspen White, Bluestone Pearl, Atlantic Gray and Energetic Ember.

1 / 102026 Nissan Sentra SR | Cars.com photo by Aaron Bragman

Still the Same Under the Hood

• Key takeaway: The Sentra keeps the same powerplant as the outgoing model but gets some refinements to its suspension and steering system.

Powering the ‘26 Sentra is the same powerplant as in the outgoing variant: a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission powering the front wheels. It makes 149 horsepower and 146 pounds-feet of torque, which isn’t terribly much in this day of common turbocharged engines, but the focus of the Sentra isn’t performance — it’s efficient, comfortable, affordable transportation. The engine and transmission should be adequate, but fuel-economy numbers are not yet available. The new Sentra does get some refinements, though, such as retuned shock absorbers, additional structural rigidity and a new dynamic damper on the steering system to reduce road vibration.

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1 / 172026 Nissan Sentra SL | Cars.com photo by Aaron Bragman

Thoughtful Interior, Luxury Optional

• Key takeaway: Nissan updated the Sentra’s interior for 2026, adding two 12.3-inch screens in some trim levels and moving some controls into the touchscreen.

The new Sentra gets a new interior, as well, and it’s an excellent upgrade from the old model’s. The design and shapes are new but still pay homage to the outgoing car, with three rectangular air vents in the center stack replacing the circular ones owners are familiar with. Certain trims will have a dashboard dominated by twin 12.3-inch screens, the center one being a touchscreen that Nissan says is twice as bright as the outgoing one.

The touchscreen also now houses several functions, and the climate controls follow the new Nissan standard of being a touch panel. However, Nissan did retain some core buttons for frequently used functions. So far in the Nissans we’ve sampled with this mixture of touch-sensitive controls, dedicated buttons and capacitive panels, we’ve found the systems to be decently easy to use and a good compromise between all screens or all buttons.

Depending on the trim level, you get different looks for your Sentra. The Sentra SL is genuinely nice, with touches pushing it toward being a budget luxury vehicle, including an actual interior color instead of just econocar greige. The upholstery isn’t genuine leather, but it feels upscale with its asymmetrical quilting. The SL also brings a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a power moonroof and more. Meanwhile, the sporty SR has an appropriately racier cloth interior with orange accent stitching. Both have excellent comfort in the front and backseats, and they offer overall adequate room in back for two adults with plenty of legroom.

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Plenty of the Latest Tech

Along with the styling and interior upgrades, the Sentra gets some new standard and optional technology, most notably being the debut of ProPilot Assist, which is optional and can handle stop-and-go traffic as well as steering inputs (with drivers keeping their hands on the wheel). Adaptive cruise control is standard on all trim levels. Blind spot intervention also debuts on the Sentra, as does an integrated MyQ universal garage door opener and passive lock/unlock upon approach and departure.

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In terms of entertainment, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but are only wireless on the SV trim and up. A Bose eight-speaker premium audio system is available, as is a 360-degree camera system with moving object detection.

1 / 52026 Nissan Sentra SR | Cars.com photo by Aaron Bragman

Release Date and Pricing

The 2026 Nissan Sentra will be arriving in showrooms later in 2025, with pricing to be announced closer to its on-sale date.

Read More Nissan Sentra Coverage:

• 2024 Nissan Sentra Review: A Lot for a Little
• IIHS Crash-Tests 11 More Vehicles, 3 Earn Top Safety Pick+ Awards
• Here Are the 10 Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy Right Now
• 2025 Cars.com Affordability Report: Best Value New Cars
• Research the Nissan Sentra

Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.

How Much Is the 2026 Kia Sorento?

By Jared Gall

September 22, 2025

Share2026 Kia Sorento | Manufacturer image

Key Points:

• The 2026 Kia Sorento starts at $33,635 (all prices include $1,445 destination charge) and gets more standard luxury equipment on the X-Line and SX trim levels.
• Standard Terrain Modes for all-wheel-drive variants include settings for mud, sand and snow.
• X-Line trims now feature standard black exterior accents.

After a refresh two model years ago to bring its styling more in line with the larger Telluride, the Kia Sorento is little changed for 2026. The uplevel X-Line trims feature updated black exterior accents, and all AWD Sorentos now include Terrain Modes with unique powertrain and traction control settings for mud, sand and snow. There’s also more standard luxury equipment on the X-Line EX, which gains a 12-speaker Bose sound system, and the SX, which gets the Bose audio system, a heated steering wheel and rear window shades.

Related: 2024 Kia Sorento Review: There Isn’t Only 1 Highlander

Release Date and Pricing

The 2026 Kia Sorento is on sale now. Full pricing is as follows:

• LX: $33,635
• S: $36,535
• EX: $39,735
• SX: $43,535
• X-Line EX: $44,035
• X-Line SX: $45,335
• X-Line SX Prestige: $48,035
• X-Pro SX Prestige: $49,035

Shop the 2026 Kia Sorento near you

New

2026 Kia Sorento S

$35,047 MSRP $36,800

New

2026 Kia Sorento SX

$46,065 MSRP $46,065

View all 2026 Kia Sorento models for sale near 60606

Trim Levels

The entry-level Sorento LX rides on 17-inch wheels and features LED front lighting, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and start, and remote start. Inside are cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, six speakers, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The S trim level upgrades to 18-inch wheels and adds synthetic-leather seating, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation and a wireless phone charger.

Buyers who step up to the EX receive 20-inch wheels, LED foglights, a power liftgate and an eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat. The X-Line package is available on the EX and SX; it includes a torque-vectoring AWD system with a locking center differential, black 20-inch wheels, black lower trim on the front and rear bumpers, a black grille surround, dark-chrome window trim and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Available in standard and X-Line forms, the SX includes LED taillights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a panoramic moonroof. Its cabin features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, second-row captain’s chairs, second-row window shades and the 12-speaker Bose audio system.

Buyers seeking the most luxurious Sorento can choose between the X-Line SX Prestige and the X-Pro SX Prestige. Both feature the X-Line’s black exterior trim, as well as Digital Key 2.0, which allows owners to use their smartphone as a vehicle key and monitor the vehicle remotely. Inside, the SX Prestige is upgraded with perforated leather upholstery, a 14-way power driver’s seat with adjustable thigh support, a 10-way adjustable passenger seat and heated outboard second-row seats. The X-Pro swaps out the 20-inch wheels for matte-black 17-inch pieces wearing all-terrain tires.

Standard and Available Safety Features

Kia’s Drive Wise safety suite is standard on every 2026 Sorento. It includes forward collision warning with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, oncoming traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and steering assist, lane-centering steering, blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, a driver attention monitor and automatic high beams.

The S trim level adds front and rear parking sensors, and the SX includes front cross-traffic alert, blind spot cameras and blind spot intervention steering assist, a 360-degree camera system, and Kia’s Highway Driving Assist 2 hands-on semi-autonomous driving technology.

Read More About the Kia Sorento:

• 2025 Kia Sorento Named IIHS Top Safety Pick, Mixed Results in Grab-Bag Test Session
• How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2024 Kia Sorento?
• Which 3-Row SUVs Offer Captain’s Chairs?
• 2025 Cars.com Affordability Report: Best Value New Cars
• Research the Kia Sorento

Powertrain Specs and MPG

The Sorento LX and S are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower and 195 pounds-feet of torque and paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EX, SX and SX Prestige get a turbocharged version of the same four-cylinder, boosted to 281 hp and 312 pounds-feet and mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic. The entry-level LX trim is only available with front-wheel drive; AWD is optional on the S and EX (for $2,000 on the S and $1,500 on the EX) and standard on all X-Line trims.

With the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder, Kia says the Sorento returns an EPA-rated 23/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined with FWD and 23/28/25 mpg with AWD (official EPA estimates for the 2026 model are not yet available). The turbocharged four-cylinder is rated at 20/29/23 mpg with FWD and 20/27/23 with AWD.

With the base engine, the 2026 Kia Sorento is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds; with the optional towing package, the turbo can lug up to 3,500 pounds with FWD and up to 4,500 with AWD.

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Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.BMW to Launch Hydrogen-Powered iX5 SUV in 2028

By Jared Gall

September 22, 2025

ShareBMW iX5 Hydrogen | Manufacturer image

Key Points:

• Hydrogen powertrain co-developed with Toyota will join gas, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric as the X5’s fifth available powertrain.
• Launching first in Germany and France.

The X5 SUV is not only BMW’s bestselling model in the U.S., it also boasts the most diverse powertrain lineup of any vehicle in the brand’s showrooms. We don’t just mean the selection of inline-six engines with or without plug-in hybrid assistance and the twin-turbocharged V-8 currently available in the U.S.; the X5 is also offered overseas with diesel power, and an electric version is coming soon. To that portfolio, BMW is preparing to add a fifth motivating technology: a hydrogen fuel cell.

Related: 2024 BMW X5 M60i Review: The Brute From Bavaria

Since fuel cells use hydrogen to generate electricity and drive their wheels with electric motors, the technology is frequently abbreviated FCEV, for fuel-cell electric vehicle. BMW has been experimenting with hydrogen for decades, but the iX5 Hydrogen will be its first production model powered by the gas and will use fuel-cell technology developed in tandem with Toyota. At this point, BMW is not sharing any details yet on the iX5’s output or range, but it says the third-generation fuel cell will be smaller, more powerful and more efficient than Toyota’s current technology.

Shop the 2025 BMW X5 near you

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2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i

4,158 mi.

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Severely Limited Availability

Toyota has been selling its hydrogen-fuel-cell-powered Mirai in the U.S. since the 2016 model year. Well, in just one of the United States: California, which has the best — but still woefully underdeveloped — public hydrogen refueling infrastructure anywhere in the country. Similarly, the iX5 Hydrogen will launch first in Germany and France. BMW is simultaneously launching its Hydrogen Mobility at Scale initiative, which seeks to support existing hydrogen-mobility ecosystems and foster future expansion and growth of the necessary infrastructure in other countries.

Whether the U.S. is one of those countries remains to be seen, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see the iX5 join the Mirai, Honda CR-V e:FCEV and Hyundai Nexo on the menu for early hydrogen adopters in California.

Read More BMW News Coverage:

• 2027 BMW iX3: First of Brand’s New Generation of Vehicles Revealed With 400-Mile Range
• BMW Announces Updates for 5 Series, X6 and X7
• 2025 BMW X5 Celebrates Its Silver Anniversary, X6 Carries Over
• BMW Drops Base XM for 2026, 738-HP XM Label Now Sole Offering
• 2025 BMW X3 M50 Quick Spin: What Happened?

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Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.