Hyundai Sonata vs Nissan Sentra
Overview | |
Years produced1989-Present | Years produced1982-Present |
MSRP$26,900 | MSRP$22,400 |
Listings9543 | Listings9766 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews9.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryWhile its standout features are its value and safety ratings, in N Line trim the Sonata also offers some emotional appeal. Affordable sports sedans are increasingly rare, and aside from the Kia K5 GT and Subaru Legacy Sport, there’s little else in the 2025 Sonata N Line’s segment that gives you this much horsepower for this kind of price. Of course, there is a penalty to pay at the gas pump, but otherwise the N Line delivers. In general, new rear-seat air conditioning vents and improved crash-test ratings boost the 2025 Sonata’s appeal and while gas models aren’t very fuel-efficient, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fares better in this respect. Verdict: Hyundai refreshed the Sonata in 2024 and improved its safety rating in 2025, keeping it competitive against midsize sedan rivals. All versions offer compelling value and are impressively safe, while the N Line model is pleasantly sporty. | |
Reviews SummaryIf you’re hoping for a more powerful Sentra, the new 2026 model won’t bring you joy. However, if you have the need for speed, you’re likely not a typical Sentra buyer. Instead of focusing on what’s under the hood, Nissan has imbued the 2026 Sentra with tech and features that more and more shoppers are coming to value. Bright touchscreens, comfortable seats, and a stylish design make this the most appealing Sentra in recent memory. Verdict: The 2026 Nissan Sentra is a stylish and safe compact sedan that delivers impressive technology at an attractive, affordable price. It’s not the most thrilling car in its segment (look to the Honda Civic or Mazda3 for that honor), but it nevertheless delivers premium, in-demand features. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 191 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 149 hp I4 |
Torque181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque146 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower191 hp @ 6100 rpm | Horsepower149 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.0 cu ft | Cargo Space14.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight3232 lbs | Curb Weight3097 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height57.1 in |
Length193.3 in | Length183.3 in |
Width73.2 in | Width71.5 in |
Wheelbase111.8 in | Wheelbase106.5 in |
Maximum Payload1162 lbs | Maximum Payload982 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1989-Present | 1982-Present |
MSRP | $26,900 | $22,400 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 9.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.7 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | While its standout features are its value and safety ratings, in N Line trim the Sonata also offers some emotional appeal. Affordable sports sedans are increasingly rare, and aside from the Kia K5 GT and Subaru Legacy Sport, there’s little else in the 2025 Sonata N Line’s segment that gives you this much horsepower for this kind of price. Of course, there is a penalty to pay at the gas pump, but otherwise the N Line delivers. In general, new rear-seat air conditioning vents and improved crash-test ratings boost the 2025 Sonata’s appeal and while gas models aren’t very fuel-efficient, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fares better in this respect. Verdict: Hyundai refreshed the Sonata in 2024 and improved its safety rating in 2025, keeping it competitive against midsize sedan rivals. All versions offer compelling value and are impressively safe, while the N Line model is pleasantly sporty. | If you’re hoping for a more powerful Sentra, the new 2026 model won’t bring you joy. However, if you have the need for speed, you’re likely not a typical Sentra buyer. Instead of focusing on what’s under the hood, Nissan has imbued the 2026 Sentra with tech and features that more and more shoppers are coming to value. Bright touchscreens, comfortable seats, and a stylish design make this the most appealing Sentra in recent memory. Verdict: The 2026 Nissan Sentra is a stylish and safe compact sedan that delivers impressive technology at an attractive, affordable price. It’s not the most thrilling car in its segment (look to the Honda Civic or Mazda3 for that honor), but it nevertheless delivers premium, in-demand features. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 191 hp I4 | 2.0L 149 hp I4 |
Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 146 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 149 hp @ 6000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.0 cu ft | 14.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3232 lbs | 3097 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 57.1 in |
Length | 193.3 in | 183.3 in |
Width | 73.2 in | 71.5 in |
Wheelbase | 111.8 in | 106.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1162 lbs | 982 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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