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Is the next-gen compact the first of many new Nissan cars to come?
Nissan’s lineup now mostly consists of SUVs, but the automaker knows cars matter, too. Offerings range from an affordable compact to an enthusiast-focused sports car, with a midsize option in between. Read about what’s new on every Nissan car for 2026 below.
The sole remaining subcompact sedan on sale in the United States has been discontinued: Production of the Nissan Versa ends in December 2025. Budget-conscious drivers should look to the new Sentra or Kicks subcompact SUV as the most affordable Nissan models—but the starting price for each of those is about $5,000 more than the Versa’s was.
MotorTrend Ranked: #1 in Subcompact Sedans
Read Our Experts’ Full Nissan Versa Review
A new version of the Nissan Sentra arrives for 2026, bringing sharp looks outside and a meaningfully upgraded interior. Slim LED lighting surrounds the broad grille, and a full-width rear taillight and new paint and wheel choices modernize the exterior. Inside, a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, available digital gauge cluster, touch-sensitive climate controls, and added soft-touch materials elevate the cabin, which Nissan says is quieter than before.
Safety and convenience tech expand with standard adaptive cruise control and USB-C ports; wireless charging and Bose audio are optional. The Sentra retains its 2.0-liter four-cylinder and CVT automatic, now retuned for smoother responses. The chassis is retuned for better ride quality, as well. Although the lack of a hybrid—for now—is a hindrance, a broad trim lineup and low starting price aim to keep the Sentra competitive.
MotorTrend Ranked: Not yet ranked
Read Our Experts’ Full Nissan Sentra Review
Although there was speculation that the Altima would be replaced with a new generation for 2026, the current model gets a tiny update instead.
The pared-down 2026 Altima lineup now consists only of the SV and SR trims; the base S and high-end SL grades have been discontinued.
However, there’s also a new SR Midnight package, which adds black exterior trim, black 19-inch wheels, and a black-painted roof.
MotorTrend Ranked: #6 in Midsize Sedans
Read Our Experts’ Full Nissan Altima Review
In a celebration of 1990s nostalgia, Nissan introduces a Heritage Edition package for the Z sports car. Offered only on the Performance trim, it specs bronze 19-inch Rays wheels, matching bronze side striping, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler wearing a retro “Twin Turbo” badge, and the bygone GT-R’s color-shifting Midnight Purple paint. Inside, the 2026 Z Heritage Edition gets unique door sills and floormats that honor the iconic Z32 300ZX from the early ’90s.
Additionally, Sport and Performance trims of the 2026 Nissan Z now offer Boulder Gray exterior paired with a contrasting black roof.
MotorTrend Ranked: #3 in Premium Sports Cars
Read Our Experts’ Full Nissan Z Review
In case you forgot, the R35 generation Nissan GT-R ceased production after 2024—a marathon run from its 2007 introduction. Nissan keeps hinting it will make a successor to its iconic sports car, but what it’ll look like, how it will be powered, and when it might arrive remain unknown.
Alex’s earliest memory is of a teal 1993 Ford Aspire, the car that sparked his automotive obsession. He’s never driven that tiny hatchback—at six feet, 10 inches tall, he likely wouldn’t fit—but has assessed hundreds of other vehicles, sharing his insights on MotorTrend as a writer and video host.
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