Two reputable sedans offering affordable, fuel-efficient traits may tempt buyers away from bigger SUVs. For first-time car buyers or those looking for a more cost-effective vehicle, the 2025 Sentra and 2026 Corolla are both standout choices. Here’s how they compare.
2025 Nissan Sentra
Starting at $22,730 for the base S model, the 2025 Nissan Sentra comes in three trim levels: S, SV, and SR. The Sentra earns an EPA-estimated 34 mpg in combined city/highway driving and 33 mpg for the SR trim. Another cost-saving perk of the Sentra: All trim levels get up to three free oil changes within the first two years or 24,000 miles. While there is an all-new Sentra coming for the 2026 model year, this 2025 version still has a lot to like.
Nissan Sentra Highlights
Tech talk: The midgrade SV trim includes NissanConnect Services with Wi-Fi hot spot, adaptive cruise control, and SiriusXM Radio. The infotainment system offers wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 7-inch display in the base model and an 8-inch display for SV and SR trims. Nissan Active Ride Control improves ride comfort by automatically applying the brakes and adjusting engine torque for a smoother drive. Intelligent Trace Control helps the Sentra hold its cornering by slowing an inside wheel if necessary.
Safety shield: The standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 offers drivers six advanced assist technologies that monitor a vehicle’s surroundings and can intervene to help prevent collisions. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and high-beam assist. This generation earned a 5-Star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Sensible styling: Cloth seats come standard on the S trim, while leather and sport cloth seats are an option for the higher trim levels. Rear legroom measures an acceptable 34.9 inches, and trunk space comes in at a useful 14.3 cubic feet. The rear seats split and fold for extra versatility. Zero Gravity seats up front feel especially comfortable and come standard across all trim levels.
Read our 2025 Nissan Sentra Expert Review or see Nissan Sentra models available near you.
2026 Toyota Corolla
Pricing for the 2026 Corolla starts at $23,920 for the base LE trim. The SE and XSE levels see a roughly $3,000 price increase per trim. The LE trim has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 35 mpg. Upper trims rate 34 mpg. Buyers also get a 2-year/25,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan. Like the Sentra, the Corolla is front-wheel-drive. However, all-wheel drive is available if you go with the Corolla Hybrid variant.
Toyota Corolla Highlights
Intelligent assistance: Toyota’s Intelligent Assistant responds to voice commands to keep all attention on the road. Simply say, “Hey, Toyota,” to get directions, control the audio, and more. A 7-inch digital gauge cluster comes standard in the 2026 Corolla, with a 12.3-inch version available for higher trim levels. Drivers also get blind-spot monitoring on all trims. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard on the Corolla as well. Keyless entry allows the Corolla to unlock automatically. An 8-inch touchscreen houses Smartphone and Bluetooth connectivity. Buyers can opt for a 10.5-inch screen on higher trims.
Safety sense: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard across the entire trim lineup and includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane-tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The current generation is still in testing, but in the past, it has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick and received a 5-Star score from the NHTSA.
Stylish treatment: Standard cloth seats provide comfort, while upper trims get an attractive but durable SofTex Faux Leather treatment. The rear seats have 34.8 inches of legroom, and the trunk offers 13.1 cubic feet of space.
Read our 2026 Toyota Corolla Expert Review or see Toyota Corolla models available near you.
Similarities
Both the Sentra and Corolla have a subtle exterior and similar interior dimensions. Upper trim levels offer a slightly sportier look. When it comes down to it, both cars aren’t about looks as much as they’re about getting solid fuel economy and safety features without breaking the bank.
Pricing
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Nissan Sentra vehicles and New 2026 Toyota Corolla vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Nissan Sentra | 2026 Toyota Corolla | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 149 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 169 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Xtronic | Automatic, CVT w/Dynamic Shift |
| Fuel Economy | 30 city/40 highway/34 combined mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.6 inches | 106.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 182.9 inches | 182.3 inches |
| Width | 71.5 inches | 70.1 inches |
| Height | 56.9 inches | 56.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.1 feet | 35.6 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.9 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 36.7 inches | 37.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 43.8 inches | 42.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 34.9 inches | 34.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.4 inches | 54.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 54.5 inches | 51.7 inches |
| Cargo capacity | 14.3 cubic feet | 13.1 cubic feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Sentra and Corolla have a lot in common. Both are good values, with the Sentra being slightly less expensive on the base trim. The Corolla, meanwhile, offers a more robust set of standard driver-assistance features and a history of better resale value. The Corolla is also available as a hatchback and in hybrid sedan forms. Both of these compact sedans are solid choices; we recommend test-driving both, setting your budget, and seeing which one best fits your situation.
