Nissan Refines the Sentra’s Transmission for 2027
Nissan is wasting no time refreshing the Sentra, which is already moving into its second model year. For 2027, the compact sedan receives a revised CVT designed to deliver smoother behavior and a more natural-feeling surge of acceleration.
The company also says throttle response has been sharpened. Even so, with just 149 horsepower on tap, the Sentra is still very much a commuter-focused car rather than a performance machine. Nissan says the early changes were made in response to customer input, suggesting the brand is paying attention to how owners actually use the car.
Looking ahead, many buyers will likely hope for a stronger engine option or even a hybrid version to better compete with electrified rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. For now, the most efficient Sentra is rated at 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
What’s New for 2027
Transmission revisions are only part of the story. Nissan is also adding a Midnight Edition package, which gives the SR trim a darker appearance for an extra $650. The bundle includes special 18-inch wheels, a two-tone paint treatment, and a black rear spoiler.
Another update is Qi2 wireless charging, which expands compatibility and improves charging performance. It comes standard on the SR and SL trims, while SV buyers can add it as an option.
Pricing and Availability
The Sentra becomes slightly more expensive for 2027, though it still remains one of the more affordable choices in the compact sedan class.
S Sentra: $24,135
SV Sentra: $24,835
SR Sentra: $26,235
SL Sentra: $29,235
Nissan has also confirmed that the Altima will continue into the 2027 model year, despite earlier speculation that the midsize sedan might be discontinued.
Overall, the updated Sentra keeps its value-first formula intact while adding a few meaningful improvements. It may not be a dramatic overhaul, but the changes should make the car a little more polished and a bit more appealing to everyday buyers.
