10 Biggest News Stories of the Week: Nissan Sentra Sells Itself, Toyota Corolla Cross Costs Creep Up
Despite a surprisingly strong U.S. economy, consumer confidence isn’t commensurate as Americans remain circumspect amid a turbulent political climate. Uncertain economic times bring cautious spending, but when you need a car, you need a car. (How else are you gonna get to work to earn that paycheck you’re trying so hard not to spend?) Luckily, despite the greatly diminished popularity of the sedan body style in favor of SUV-like vehicles, good ol’ four-door commuter cars still exist for those pragmatic souls who want or need them — and in addition to offering a comparatively inexpensive alternative to SUVs, appealing options do exist. Case in point: the Nissan Sentra, redesigned for 2026 and making a compelling argument for buying a budget-friendly sedan.
Related: 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Review: Modest Changes, Modest Results
In one of Cars.com’s most popular news stories of the past week, we bring you a full preview of the all-new version of Nissan’s compact sedan ahead of its expected arrival at dealerships later this year. The 2026 Sentra boasts exciting new exterior appearance that takes its sleek, swoopy styling cues from its SUV cousins while managing to maintain the integrity of its sedan structure; enticing upgrade options across its expanded trim lineup; a retuned and refined version of the same adequately powered engine with continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive; an overhauled and upgraded interior featuring two new 12.3-inch displays depending on trim level; and available ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous driving capability.
For full details on the 2026 Sentra — including what we know about pricing for the small sedan, which currently starts under $23,000 for the 2025 model — follow the link below to the No. 2 news story on this week’s countdown of most read articles.
In other well-read news, an SUV with a compact-sedan-sounding name — the Toyota Corolla Cross — is back for 2026 with some updates and upgrades, as well as a slightly to moderately higher price. For that extra money (a $500 bump at the base and up to $1,350 on top trims over the outgoing model), you’ll get redesigned grilles differentiating gas-only and hybrid models, as well as expanded tech and convenience options, and new exterior colors and wheel choices. Gas-only Corolla Crosses start at $26,085 for the entry-level L trim, and Corolla Cross Hybrids start at $30,445 for the base S trim (all prices include a destination charge).
For everything you need to know about pricing on the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross — including a trim-by-trim breakdown of features and equipment, as well as powertrain specs and fuel economy estimates — follow the link below to the No. 5 news story of the week.
Beyond all that, we’ve got headlines on the Lexus LS 500, Honda Prelude, cheap new cars, cheap electric cars, cheap SUVs and much more — so don’t stop reading till the digits double. Here are the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past week:
1. Cars.com’s Top EV Picks of 2026
2. 2026 Nissan Sentra: Updated for the Masses
3. Which Electric Cars Are Still Eligible for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit?
4. Here Are the 10 Cheapest New Cars You Can Buy Right Now
5. How Much Is the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross?
6. 2026 Lexus LS 500 Takes Last Spin With Special AWD Heritage Edition
7. 2026 Honda Prelude Up Close: Putting the Green in Grand Touring
8. What to Know Before Purchasing an Electric Vehicle: A Buying Guide
9. Here Are the 11 Cheapest Electric Vehicles You Can Buy
10. Here Are the 10 Cheapest New SUVs You Can Buy Right Now
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
