Compare the2026 Subaru ImprezaVS 2026 Nissan Sentra

The Impreza has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Sentra doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Impreza has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Sentra doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the Impreza and the Sentra have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Nissan With 3 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Subaru higher than Nissan.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Nissan is ranked 12th.

The Impreza’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 3 more horsepower (152 vs. 149) than the Sentra’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Impreza RS’ standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 31 more horsepower (180 vs. 149) and 32 lbs.-ft. more torque (178 vs. 146) than the Sentra’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Impreza lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The Sentra doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

The Impreza has 4.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sentra (16.6 vs. 12.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

For better stopping power the Impreza’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Sentra:

The Impreza’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Sentra are solid, not vented.

For better traction, the Impreza has larger tires than the Sentra (225/40R18 vs. 205/60R16). The Impreza’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Sentra (225/40R18 vs. 215/50R17).

The Impreza’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sentra S/SV’s standard 60 series tires. The Impreza’s tires are lower profile than the Sentra SR’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Impreza has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Sentra S/SV.

The Impreza is 7.1 inches shorter than the Sentra, making the Impreza easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the Impreza a Large car, while the Sentra is rated a Mid-size.

The Impreza has 4.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Sentra (100.5 vs. 96.1).

The Impreza has .9 inches more front headroom, 1.8 inches more front hip room, .6 inches more front shoulder room, 1.3 inches more rear headroom, 1.7 inches more rear legroom, .2 inches more rear hip room and .7 inches more rear shoulder room than the Sentra.

The engine in the Impreza is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Sentra. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Nissan. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, Nissan is ranked 10th.

The Impreza’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Sentra’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Impreza’s exterior PIN entry system. The Sentra doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Impreza’s standard Keyless Entry and Start allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Push Button Start standard on the Sentra only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car. Push Button Start is not available on the Sentra SV/SR/SL.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Impreza has a standard rear wiper. The Sentra doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Impreza has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Sentra doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The Impreza’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Sentra offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Impreza has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Sentra and isn’t available on the Sentra S/SV.

Compared to traditional radio, the Subaru Impreza’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Sentra.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Subaru Impreza retains 66.09% of its original value after 5 years, more than the 59.34% resale value of the 2026 Nissan Sentra after five years, which can save the Subaru’s owner.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Subaru Impreza, based on reliability, safety and performance.