2027 Nissan Sentra: Starts at $24,135, Adds Midnight Edition & Retuned CVT

Quick Facts:

• Still One of the Cheapest Cars: Starting at $24,135, the 2027 Nissan Sentra remains one of the most affordable new cars on the market.
• Xtronic CVT Remains, but Gets a New Tune: Nissan says the Sentra's CVT will feel more refined and natural thanks to revised software mapping.
• SR Trim Adds Midnight Edition: The 2027 Sentra SR joins the Midnight Edition lineup alongside the Altima SR.
• Qi2 Charging Is Available: The 2027 update introduces Qi2 wireless charging for devices with higher power demands.

Although it is not quite as old as its Toyota Corolla rival, the Sentra holds a special place in Nissan's history as one of the first true sport compact cars imported from Japan during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It showed Americans that compact cars could do more than save fuel; they could also be fun to drive. Today, the Sentra remains one of the most affordable new vehicles available, even with a slight price bump to $24,135. The SR adds a Midnight Edition package, and the CVT receives what Nissan calls a more "natural-feeling" tune.

A Retuned CVT

Key Facts: CVT Remains the Sentra's Sole Transmission | New Calibration Promotes Smoother Shifts | Achieves up to 38 mpg

One chief complaint about the Nissan Sentra has long centered on its Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and unrefined behavior. Responding to owner feedback, Nissan recalibrated the transmission for the 2027 model year to deliver smoother operation and a more linear acceleration curve. This update helps the Sentra respond more accurately to throttle input, making power delivery more predictable. Long-term reliability of this calibration remains to be seen, especially given the Xtronic's historic reputation, but internal cooling upgrades, reduced friction, and reinforced steel belts have bolstered the unit since the start of the ninth generation.

Nissan retains the CVT primarily for fuel efficiency. Paired with a 2.0-liter MR20DD engine generating 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque, the Sentra S, SV, and SL trims return an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The sportier SR returns 29/36/32 mpg. That drop stems from its 18x6.5-inch wheels wrapped in P215/45R18 all-season tires, alongside standard aerodynamic aero parts including lower body side sill extensions and a rear spoiler that add both curb weight and aerodynamic drag.

The Midnight Edition Package

Key Facts: Restyles the SR Trim | Adds Gloss-Black Badging | Includes Super Black Two-Tone Roof

For 2027, Nissan introduces the Midnight Edition package to the Sentra SR, lending a darker visual profile to the sporty trim. The package comes standard in Super Black but can also get a Super Black two-tone roof over the $950 premium body colors, Energetic Ember, Bluestone Pearl, Atlantic Gray Metallic, and Aspen White TriCoat. The package will also replace its traditional bright chrome exterior badges with gloss-black trim. Black 18-inch alloy wheels and matching window surrounds finish off the aesthetic for $650 over the standard SR starting MSRP of $29,235.

New Qi2 Wireless Charger

Key Facts: Qi2 Standard on SR and SL | Optional on SV | Offers Faster Inductive Charging

Aside from trim packaging, the 2027 Nissan Sentra carries over largely unchanged with the notable exception of an upgraded Qi2 wireless charging pad. Positioned ahead of the center console beneath the USB-C and 12-volt ports, this updated system delivers faster charging rates than legacy Qi hardware and ensures seamless compatibility with next-generation devices like the iPhone 17 and Google Pixel 10. It's optional on the SV trim and standard on the SR and SL models.

The 2027 Sentra also features standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, paired with a 12.3-inch center touchscreen and a base 4-speaker audio setup. The SR upgrades to a 6-speaker array with an optional 8-speaker Bose Premium audio system (standard on the SL). Drivers get a 7-inch digital cluster on base S models, while SV trims and above feature a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

Nissan's ProPilot Assist system (SAE Level 2 driver assistance) remains optional on the SR and standard on the SL, with all other trims utilizing standard adaptive cruise control. The standard safety suite also includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, and Blind Spot Warning with Intervention.

Available Now

The 2027 Nissan Sentra is arriving at Nissan dealerships nationwide and available now.

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