A sharper design, rumored hybrid powertrain, and possible US production shift put Nissan’s compact sedan back in the spotlight
Nissan’s long-serving compact sedan is about to step into a new chapter. What you see here is the Chinese-market 2026 Sylphy, which serves as the near-identical twin to the next-generation Sentra headed to North America.
Based on the teaser Nissan released earlier this year, and recent prototype photos sightings in the States, it’s clear the two cars are basically one and the same. While we expect the global debut to happen later this year, likely at the LA Auto Show in late November, we’re showing it to you now before it arrives as a 2026 or 2027 model.
A Sharper Face with Fangs
An application filed with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology highlights the Sylphy’s fresh exterior redesign. At the front, a full-width LED light bar stretches across the nose, tying into slim headlamps. Just beneath them sit what appear to be vertical daytime running lights, a look once popularized by Peugeot’s “fang” motif, though that styling cue is now being phased out by the French brand.
The overall design echoes the Murano, just as we noted back in March. It comes across sharper and sportier, aligning more closely with Nissan’s future design direction.
Read: Nissan May Move Sentra Production To America, But You’ll Pay For It
In terms of size, the car grows ever so slightly compared to today’s Sentra. The Chinese spec measures 4,656 mm (183.3 inches) long, 1,825 mm (71.9 in) wide, and 1,448 mm (57 in) tall, with an unchanged 2,712 mm (106.7 in) wheelbase. That makes it a few millimeters longer and wider than the outgoing model, suggesting a slightly roomier cabin and a more planted stance.
Because the wheelbase remains unchanged and many details, such as the hood lines, carry over, it appears Nissan has followed a strategy similar to Toyota with their latest Camry. Rather than starting from scratch, the company appears to be rolling out a significant redesign built on the existing platform, a cost-conscious approach that comes at a time when Nissan could surely use the savings.
Engines in Transition
In China, the Sylphy will continue with a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder making 99 kW (135 hp / 137 PS) and 159 Nm (117 lb-ft), paired to a CVT.
We’ll have to wait to see exactly what North American buyers get, but the current 149 hp (111 kW / 151 PS) 2.0-liter four-cylinder is expected to remain the base option. Nissan insiders, however, suggest there could be more on the way. The Rogue’s 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder is a strong candidate, and the brand’s e-Power hybrid system is also being considered for North America.
A Sedan in Survival Mode
The Versa and Altima will likely bow out after 2025. That means that the Sentra could soon be Nissan’s only sedan in the US and Canada. Put another way, this redesign is more than a simple refresh. It’s how Nissan plans to battle against rivals like the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, and Kia K4.
We expect pricing to stay close to the current range, starting at around $22,000 and topping out in the mid-$25,000s. With its sharper styling, slightly larger footprint, and potentially more advanced powertrains, the new Sentra aims to stay relevant in a shrinking but still competitive sedan segment.
Made in the USA?
One more point worth mentioning is that Nissan is reportedly considering shifting Sentra production from Mexico to the United States, a move intended to stabilize its finances while avoiding the 25 percent import tariffs introduced under the Trump administration.
We liked the outgoing version, so hopefully, this one plays at the next level. Maybe it’s time for the revival of the SE-R Spec V. What do you think of the new styling? Let us know in the comments below!
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