At a time in the auto industry where the sedan doesn’t get the attention it once did, Nissan’s 2026 Nissan Sentra, available in S, SV, SR and top-tier SL trims, delivers big value with thoughtful updates and an overall driving experience that helped it earn the title of Top Compact Car in J.D. Power’s 2025 Initial Quality Study.

After spending time behind the wheel of the Sentra SL model, it’s clear Nissan has worked to elevate refinement while keeping the Sentra very approachable for budget-minded buyers. This is a lot of car for about $30K, and that’s the top-tier trim SL.

On the outside, my Sentra SL tester was immediately impressive with its aerodynamic lines and balanced proportions, which make the car look more athletic than many of its competitors. I enjoyed Sentra’s energetic stance and big 18-inch wheels.

One design element that really stood out for me was the slim projector LED headlights. They’re more than just stylish; their enhanced output improves nighttime visibility, and the slender housings blend seamlessly into the vehicle’s low nose. The overall effect is clean, sophisticated and modern (small details can make a big difference).

Wheel options range from 16 to 18 inches, and each choice brings its own design personality. The intersecting-line patterns create a sense of motion even when the car is parked. While the SL has the premium wheel design, buyers across all trims will find a look that matches their taste without drifting into overstyled territory.

Under the hood, every 2026 Sentra carries the same powertrain: a 2.0-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine delivering 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with Nissan’s familiar Continuously Variable Transmission, which combines tuning that’s both efficient and reliable for daily driving. The only knock on the system is that it really does not have an upgrade for more spirited acceleration.

Around town, I found my Sentra SL tester to be composed and easygoing. The CVT behaves smoothly under light throttle. Drivers can toggle between Eco, Standard and Sport to match their environment. Eco mode stretches fuel savings, while Sport mode helps the car feel a bit more responsive – though even Sport can’t completely mask the powertrain’s limitations. A confident highway merge requires a firm push on the accelerator, and the CVT can drone under heavy load.

Fuel economy is a clear strength with the Sentra SL providing 28/city, 36/highway, and 32/combined – competitive numbers that will especially appeal to drivers who have a daily commute.

Based on my expectations, ride quality may be the Sentra’s biggest surprise. The suspension smooths out typical Midwest pavement imperfections without feeling floaty, and the cabin remains quiet enough for conversations at highway speeds.

The 2026 Sentra SL offers a well-organized, comfortable cabin that feels more premium than its price might suggest. Materials are soft-touch, and controls are easy to reach and understand, something I can say firsthand, not all compact sedans can claim.

Maybe the biggest highlight was my effortless tech experience. The SL offers available dual 12.3-inch screens, creating a sleek digital cockpit that feels lifted from a more expensive vehicle. Graphics are crisp, menus are straightforward, and the customizable layout allows drivers to arrange information the way they prefer.

The Sentra also includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which worked flawlessly during testing. Pairing took seconds, and connections stayed stable, even during long trips. Speaking of long trips, Nissan’s ProPILOT Assist is a standout feature in this class. By combining adaptive cruise control and steering assistance, it works to reduce fatigue on extended drives. While it’s not a hands-free system, its easy inputs make highway journeys far more relaxing.

While I found the front seats to offer good support and visibility, rear legroom was merely adequate, especially if taller passengers occupy the front row. Some hard plastics remain on lower surfaces, which slightly detracts from the otherwise clean, upscale feel. Cargo space is average for the class; practical, but not exceptional.

If there’s a theme to the Sentra SL, it is that there are no surprises, no quirks, no moments that make you wonder what the car is trying to do. For many drivers, that’s exactly the appeal. Yes, the Sentra gets the job done, but there’s no moment of excitement, and passing at highway speeds requires planning.

My Sentra SL had a base price of $27,990, with a final as-tested price of $30,375. For that money, buyers get a host of comfort, safety and convenience features that typically cost more elsewhere. Nissan has packed meaningful technology and premium touches into the SL package without pushing the sticker into uncomfortable territory.

The 2026 Nissan Sentra SL isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s a thoughtfully designed compact sedan built for real-world drivers who value reliability, modern tech, comfort and strong fuel economy. The award from J.D. Power reinforces its strengths in initial quality, and Nissan’s refinements make it an easy car to live with day after day.

• John Stein is a freelance journalist based in Chicago. He has more than 25 years of experience driving, testing and writing about the automotive industry, its latest innovations and vehicle performance.