2025 Nissan Sentra vs 2026 Honda Civic

$21,590 · Sedan

$24,595 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a brand-new 2026 Honda Civic and the slightly older 2025 Nissan Sentra often boils down to prioritizing immediate savings versus refined efficiency. That $3,005 price difference is significant, placing the Sentra's MSRP at a sharp $21,590 against the Civic's $24,595 entry point. While both offer competent performance, the Civic pulls ahead slightly in fuel economy, achieving 36 MPG combined versus the Sentra's 34 MPG combined. Horsepower is nearly a wash, with the Civic at 150 hp compared to the Sentra's 149 hp, though the Sentra surprisingly packs a bit more pulling power with 146 lb-ft of torque versus the Civic's 133 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Civic offers marginally more space with 14.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sentra's 14.3 cu ft. Your choice rests on whether that minor efficiency and space bump is worth the premium over the significantly cheaper Sentra.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Honda Civic

The 2026 Honda Civic wins for commuters due to its superior efficiency, achieving 32/41 MPG city/highway compared to the Sentra's 30/40 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda Civic

Families will prefer the Civic as it offers slightly more storage with 14.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sentra's 14.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Sentra

Despite similar horsepower, the 2025 Nissan Sentra offers better torque at 146 lb-ft, which aids in everyday responsiveness.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Sentra

The 2025 Nissan Sentra offers excellent basic sedan utility while saving the buyer $3,005 right off the bat.

Choose the Nissan Sentra if...

You need the lowest possible entry price, with an MSRP starting at just $21,590.
You prioritize slightly better pulling power, as the Sentra delivers 146 lb-ft of torque.
You want a slightly smaller footprint for easier city parking, measuring 182.7 inches long.

Choose the Honda Civic if...

You value slightly better long-term running costs due to its marginally better combined 36 MPG rating.
You need the maximum usable trunk space, as it offers 14.8 cu ft versus Car 1's 14.3 cu ft.
You prefer a slightly lower overall profile, as the Civic is 1.0 inch lower in height at 55.7 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Sentra	Honda Civic
Length	182.7"	184.8"
Width	71.5"	70.9"
Height	56.9"	55.7"
Wheelbase	106.6"	107.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Drum Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	149 hp @ 6400 rpm	150 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	146 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	133 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/40 MPG	32/41 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	34 MPG	36 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	372.0/496.0 mi.	396.8/508.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	160W

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Front Head Room	38.9 in.	39.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.0 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	57.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Rear Head Room	36.7 in.	37.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.7 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	56.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	48.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Wheel Material	Steel	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	Full	Full
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	215/55R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	16 in

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Honda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Sentra and 2026 Honda Civic.

How big is the difference in fuel economy between these two sedans?

The 2026 Honda Civic has a slight edge, boasting 36 MPG combined compared to the 2025 Nissan Sentra's 34 MPG combined. This difference might translate to savings of a few gallons per year depending on your driving habits.

Is the 2026 Honda Civic significantly more powerful than the 2025 Nissan Sentra?

Not really; the power difference is negligible, with the Civic rated at 150 hp and the Sentra at 149 hp. However, the Sentra offers more low-end grunt with 146 lb-ft of torque versus the Civic's 133 lb-ft.

What is the primary deciding factor when comparing the price tag?

The most straightforward differentiator is the initial purchase price; the Sentra starts $3,005 cheaper than the Civic. For budget-conscious buyers, this initial saving is substantial.

Do both cars use the same type of fuel?

Yes, happily both the 2025 Nissan Sentra and the 2026 Honda Civic are compatible with regular unleaded fuel, meaning no need for premium gasoline at the pump for either option.

Which sedan provides more room for luggage?

The 2026 Honda Civic has a slight advantage in cargo capacity, offering 14.8 cubic feet versus the 2025 Nissan Sentra's 14.3 cubic feet.

Are the driving dynamics very different since both use CVTs?

While both utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, the Civic's slightly higher horsepower (150 hp) and tighter handling dynamics (often referenced in reviews) might appeal more to driving enthusiasts despite the Sentra's torque advantage.