2026 Nissan Sentra vs. Nissan Altima: Find Your Drive at Hudson Nissan

White 2026 Nissan Sentra Driving on Road

Nissan is committed to changing how you move through the world, delivering vehicles driven by an unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, durability, and enhanced safety for every mile, every journey. When you need a dependable sedan for navigating the busy streets of Jersey City or cruising down the Pulaski Skyway toward Newark, the choice often comes down to the 2026 Nissan Sentra vs. Nissan Altima.

Both models offer exceptional value, impressive fuel efficiency, and seamless technology. Compare the Nissan Sentra vs. Altima below to see which vehicle perfectly matches your daily life, and let our knowledgeable team at Hudson Nissan help you make a confident buying decision.

 

2026 Nissan Sentra Feature 2026 Nissan Altima
2.0L 4-cylinder Standard Engine 2.5L 4-cylinder
149 hp Maximum Horsepower 188 hp
Unavailable All-Wheel Drive Available
5 Seating Capacity 5
14.3 cubic feet Trunk Volume 15.4 cubic feet
Standard Nissan Intelligent Key® Standard

 


Performance & Capability: Powering Your New Jersey Commute

Evaluating the Nissan Sentra vs. Nissan Altima starts with what sits under the hood. The Nissan Altima engine provides more robust power, making highway merging on the New Jersey Turnpike smoother and more confident. Furthermore, the 2026 Altima offers Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, giving you essential traction and control during unpredictable East Coast weather.

The Sentra, on the other hand, excels as a highly efficient front-wheel-drive companion, perfect for tight city driving around Bayonne and North Bergen. Explore the standard performance specs for both sedans:

Nissan Sentra: Standard Powertrain

  • Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • Horsepower (FWD/AWD): 149 hp
  • Torque (FWD/AWD): 146 lb-ft

Nissan Altima: Standard Powertrain

  • Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain (Standard/Available): Front-wheel drive / Intelligent All-Wheel Drive
  • Horsepower (FWD/AWD): 188 hp / 182 hp
  • Torque (FWD/AWD): 180 lb-ft / 178 lb-ft

Nissan Altima vs. Sentra: Seating & Cargo Space for the Whole Family

Whether you’re loading up for a relaxing afternoon at Stephen R. Gregg Park or managing the daily carpool from Hillside to Staten Island, a comfortable, accommodating cabin elevates every mile of your journey. As the largest sedan in the Nissan lineup, the 2026 Altima provides noticeably more shoulder and hip room for your passengers, alongside slightly more trunk capacity for your gear.

However, both the Sentra and Altima seat five passengers comfortably and offer generous front legroom.

Nissan Sentra: Interior Dimensions

  • Headroom Without Sunroof (Front/Rear): 38.9 inches / 36.7 inches
  • Headroom With Moonroof (Front/Rear): 37.7 inches / 36.7 inches
  • Shoulder Room (Front/Rear): 56.4 inches / 54.5 inches
  • Hip Room (Front/Rear): 53.5 inches / 53.3 inches
  • Legroom (Front/Rear): 43.8 inches / 34.9 inches
  • Maximum Cargo Volume: 14.3 cubic feet

Nissan Altima: Interior Dimensions

  • Headroom Without Sunroof (Front/Rear): 39.1 inches / 36.9 inches
  • Headroom With Moonroof (Front/Rear): 38 inches / 36.7 inches
  • Shoulder Room(Front/Rear): 58.2 inches / 57.1 inches
  • Hip Room (Front/Rear): 54.7 inches / 54.5 inches
  • Legroom (Front/Rear): 43.8 inches / 35.2 inches
  • Maximum Cargo Volume: 15.4 cubic feet

Shared Amenities: Innovation That Excites

Nissan values people-first innovation, meaning that regardless of the size or performance differences between these two sedans, both are equipped with modern convenience and technology to enhance your daily life. Standard features across both the 2026 Sentra and Altima include:

  • Nissan Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition
  • NissanConnect® infotainment display
  • Apple CarPlay® integration and Android Auto™ compatibility
  • Rear parking sensors

Continue Your Nissan Sedan Comparison at Hudson Nissan

We respect your time and want to deliver a personalized experience that helps you choose the right vehicle. Ready to feel the difference behind the wheel? Contact Hudson Nissan online or call our sales team to schedule a test drive at our Jersey City dealership. Our professional guides are ready to help you explore true strength, reliability, and the future of mobility.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, Hudson Nissan is not responsible for typographical, photographic, or technical errors. All vehicle specifications, features, and equipment are based on the latest Nissan product information available at the time of publishing. Actual vehicle specifications may differ.

Vehicle availability, trims, options, and colors are subject to change without notice and may not be currently in stock. Please contact Hudson Nissan directly to verify the exact availability of specific 2026 Nissan Sentra and Altima models.

Any implied or linked prices exclude tax, title, license, dealership fees, and optional equipment. See dealer for complete details and final pricing.

Fuel efficiency claims are based on EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, and other factors.

2023 Nissan Sentra and Altima side by side

 

2024 Nissan Sentra S vs. 2024 Nissan Altima S
$20,630 MSRP* Starting Price $25,730 MSRP*
3 Trim Levels 5
2.0-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine Engine 2.5-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
149 hp/146 lb-ft Horsepower/Torque 188 hp/180 lb-ft
Not Available AWD Capabilities Available
14.3 cubic feet Cargo Space 15.4 cubic feet

Ready to elevate your Newark-area driving experience with a sleek, reliable, and affordable sedan? Either the Nissan Altima or Nissan Sentra could be the right choice for you. Both come with a budget-friendly sticker price, powerful and efficient performance, and a wide array of interior features that will keep you comfortable, connected, and secure wherever you drive. However, when comparing the Nissan Sentra vs. Nissan Altima you’ll find that there are some key differences between these two Nissan 4-doors. In this Nissan Sentra vs. Nissan Altima comparison from Hudson Nissan we’ll take a closer look at the starting price, features, and performance specs of each model to help you decide which will best suit your lifestyle and budget.

 


Nissan Sentra vs. Altima: Starting Price

While both of these sedans sedans are competitively priced, the entry-level 2024 Nissan Sentra S is a bit more affordable with its starting price of $20,630 MSRP*, as compared to the starting $25,730 MSRP* of the base Nissan Altima S trim. As you might expect, with the higher price tag of the Altima you’ll get more features, a more powerful engine, and more configurations to choose from.

Nissan Sentra vs. Altima: Interior Features

Whether you’re cruising around Staten Island or taking an extended road trip, the Nissan Altima and Sentra can provide comfortable seating for up to five. The midsize Altima sedan has a bit more space in the trunk, with 15.4 cubic feet as opposed to the 14.3 cubic feet you’ll have with the Sentra. Compare the interior features of the 2024 Nissan Sentra vs. Nissan Altima below:

2024 Nissan Sentra S Interior Features

  • 6-way adjustable driver’s seat
  • 60/40-split fold-down rear seatback
  • 7-inch Color Touch-Screen Display
  • Steering wheel-mounted controls
  • Android Auto™/Apple CarPlay® Integration
  • Bluetooth®
  • 4-speaker sound system
  • And more!

2024 Nissan Altima S Interior Features

  • 6-way adjustable driver’s seat
  • 60/40-split fold-down rear seatbacks
  • 7-inch Color Touch-Screen Display
  • Steering wheel-mounted controls
  • Android Auto™/Apple CarPlay® Integration
  • Bluetooth®
  • Siri Eyes Free
  • 6-speaker sound system
  • Intelligent Key® with Push Button Ignition
  • And more!

Nissan Sentra vs. Altima: Performance

Any Nissan Sentra vs. Nissan Altima comparison will have to take into account the performance specs of each model. Both sedans come equipped with a 4-cylinder engine paired with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT), and standard FWD. But the Altima engine is tuned for higher output and has the option of Intelligent AWD which can add enhanced traction and control in all kinds of Bayonne weather and road conditions. Compare the performance specs of the Nissan Sentra vs. Altima to see which will best serve your driving needs:

2024 Nissan Sentra S

  • 2.0-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
  • Xtronic CVT®
  • Standard front-wheel drive
  • 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque

2024 Nissan Altima S

  • 2.5-liter Direct Injection Gasoline (DIG) DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine
  • Xtronic CVT®
  • Standard front-wheel drive (Intelligent AWD available on upper trims)
  • 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque
  • 28 mpg city / 39 mpg highway***

Compare the Nissan Sentra vs. Altima at Hudson Nissan

The best way to find out which sedan is right for you is to visit our dealership in Jersey City to conduct your own Nissan Sentra vs. Nissan Altima comparison. We have a great selection of new vehicle specials available, as well as Altima lease deals and Sentra lease offers, so you’re sure to get the best deal possible when you shop with us. If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule a test drive, please contact us online or call us at (551) 205-8802.

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