Nissan Altima vs. Sentra
The Altima and Sentra both wear the Nissan badge, but they're built for different budgets and different: needs. The Sentra is the compact entry point — a smaller footprint, a smaller engine, and a starting price nearly $5,000 below the Altima's. The Altima moves up to a midsize sedan with a bigger 2.5-liter engine, a roomier cabin, a larger trunk, and the option of all-wheel drive that the Sentra doesn't offer at all. Neither is the wrong choice — the Sentra is the smarter buy if you want the lowest price of entry into a new Nissan, and the Altima is the one to step up to once you want more space, more power, or AWD.
| Model |  2026 Nissan Altima |
 2026 Nissan Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $27,580 | $22,600 |
| Body Style | Midsize Sedan | Compact Sedan |
| Engine | 2.5L I-4, 188 hp / 180 lb-ft (FWD) | 2.0L I-4, 149 hp / 146 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD available | FWD Only |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 30 mpg (FWD) | 32–33 mpg |
| Standard Touchscreen | 8-in, available 12.3-in | Dual 12.3-in displays, every trim |
| Available driver-assist tech | Nissan Safety Shield® 360, standard | Nissan Safety Shield® 360, standard; ProPILOT Assist® on SL |
Altima or Sentra: Which one is Right for Yakima Drivers?
Same brand, two different budgets. Here's how shoppers usually sort themselves.
Best for Space and Capability: Nissan Altima
The Altima costs more to start, but it answers with a bigger engine, a larger trunk, and the one thing the Sentra can't offer at any price: all-wheel drive.
- 188 hp — nearly 40 more than any Sentra trim
- Available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive for wet or wintry roads
- Larger trunk at 15.4 cu ft for road-trip luggage and gear
- Roomier midsize cabin for taller drivers and rear-seat passengers
- Ideal for drivers who want more size and capability day to day
Best for Budget and Efficiency: Nissan Sentra
The Sentra is for buyers who want the lowest price of entry into a new Nissan sedan without giving up modern tech and safety features.
- Lowest starting price of any new Nissan sedan
- Better fuel economy than the Altima, up to 33 mpg combined
- Dual 12.3-inch displays standard on every trim, including the base S
- Four trims span a wide range of budgets, from S to SL
- Ideal for first-time buyers and budget-focused commuters
What they Share in Common
Underneath the differences, both models lean on the same Nissan safety and connectivity foundation.
NissanConnect® infotainment
Both models pair wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ through NissanConnect®, with larger available touchscreens as you move up each trim ladder.
Nissan Safety Shield® 360, standard
Automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning come standard across every trim of both the Altima and Sentra.
CVT-tuned efficiency
Both sedans pair their engine to a continuously variable transmission, favoring smooth, efficient daily driving over sport-sedan drama.
Speck Nissan
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