2025 Nissan Sentra vs 2026 Toyota Corolla

$21,590 · Sedan

$22,725 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The showdown between the 2025 Nissan Sentra and the 2026 Toyota Corolla pits efficiency against raw output in the compact sedan arena. The Sentra excites with its lower entry cost, starting at just $21,590, making budget-conscious driving immediately accessible, while offering a slightly more spacious 14.3 cu ft of cargo. Conversely, the new Corolla steps up the performance ante, boasting 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Sentra's 149 hp and 146 lb-ft. Although both are remarkably frugal, the Corolla nudges ahead in mileage with a 35 MPG combined versus the Sentra's 34 MPG combined. While dimensionally similar—the Sentra is marginally longer at 182.7 inches—the Corolla focuses its engineering on delivering a more spirited feel, even if it carries a slightly higher MSRP of $22,725.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Sentra

The Sentra wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $21,590, providing excellent daily driving economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Sentra

The Sentra offers slightly better utility for families with its 14.3 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Corolla's 13.1 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Corolla

Enthusiasts will prefer the Corolla's superior output, offering 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Sentra

The Sentra provides a compelling overall package at a lower starting price point.

Choose the Nissan Sentra if...

Your primary focus is minimizing initial purchase cost, as the MSRP is $21,590.
You prioritize maximum cargo room, as its 14.3 cu ft beats the Corolla's 13.1 cu ft.
You are satisfied with 149 hp and need solid, predictable front-wheel-drive commuting efficiency.

Choose the Toyota Corolla if...

You demand more immediate power with 169 hp under the hood.
You prioritize slightly better fuel economy, achieving 35 MPG combined versus 34 MPG.
You prefer a slightly narrower and lower stance for potentially tighter handling dynamics.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Sentra	Toyota Corolla
Length	182.7"	182.5"
Width	71.5"	70.1"
Height	56.9"	56.5"
Wheelbase	106.6"	106.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
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	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
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	169 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque	146 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm	151 lb-ft @ 4400 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	Toyota
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	30/40 MPG	32/41 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	34 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	372.0/496.0 mi.	422.4/541.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
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	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Front Head Room	38.9 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.0 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	54.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	53.9 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Rear Head Room	36.7 in.	37.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.7 in.	34.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	51.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	51.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
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	P205/55R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	16 in

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Toyota
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.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Sentra and 2026 Toyota Corolla.

Which car is faster in a straight line based on specs?

The 2026 Toyota Corolla is definitively faster, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, outperforming the Sentra's 149 hp and 146 lb-ft.

Is the fuel economy difference between these two sedans significant?

The difference is minimal; the Corolla gets 35 MPG combined, while the Sentra achieves 34 MPG combined, both using regular unleaded fuel.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Toyota Corolla?

The Corolla has a starting MSRP of $22,725, making it $1,135 more expensive than the 2025 Nissan Sentra's entry price of $21,590.

Which vehicle offers more space for luggage?

The 2025 Nissan Sentra provides superior cargo volume with 14.3 cubic feet compared to the 2026 Toyota Corolla's 13.1 cubic feet.

Do either of these cars offer all-wheel drive?

No, based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Nissan Sentra and the 2026 Toyota Corolla utilize a standard front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration.

Are there any notable differences in physical size?

The cars are nearly identical, though the Sentra is slightly longer at 182.7 inches versus 182.5 inches, and the Corolla is marginally lower and narrower.