There is a lot of talk about affordability in 2026, and it can certainly apply to new vehicles.Many of the latest SUVs and electric vehicles are simply too expensive for people.
Buying used is an option, but that means you’ll lose out on getting a full warranty and, of course, that new-car smell.Thankfully, a few automakers still offer inexpensive new sedans priced under $25,000.Nissan has redesigned its 2026 Sentra, which is the smallest and least expensive sedan in the brand’s lineup.
Nissan has given the car a new look and an interior makeover, featuring improved materials and a large digital display atop the dashboard.It’s a prime competitor to the venerable Toyota Corolla.
The latest Corolla generation has been around for a while, but Toyota has spruced up the 2026 version with a few more standard features.Which of these small sedans is the better buy? Edmunds’ auto experts have tested both to find out.
The Corolla and Sentra come with four-cylinder engines, but the Corolla’s makes more power.Rated at 169 horsepower, the Corolla hustled from zero to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds in Edmunds’ testing.
That’s a bit leisurely but still nearly 1 second quicker than the 149-horsepower Sentra, which requires a heavy foot to keep up with highway traffic.The slower Sentra is also less efficient than its Toyota rival.
It gets up to an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in combined city/highway driving.The Corolla gets up to 35 mpg combined and delivered even better results in Edmunds’ real-world driving.The Corolla has other advantages, too.
It’s also available as the Corolla Hybrid, which gets up to an EPA-estimated 50 mpg combined.All-wheel drive is also available.
It’s only offered with the Corolla Hybrid, but it may appeal to you if you have to frequently drive in wintry conditions.The Sentra doesn’t offer a hybrid powertrain or all-wheel drive.Winner: CorollaFor 2026, Nissan overhauled the Sentra’s interior, adding dual 12.3-inch displays for digital gaug...