2020 Lexus ES vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier reputation as a "boring" vehicle. By 2020, it featured a more aggressive design, highlighted by a large spindle grille that integrated well with the car's larger proportions. The rear of the vehicle was more understated, with sleek taillamps and a distinctive kink in the side windows. Inside, the ES offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen, seamlessly blending modern technology with an organic aesthetic. The ES 350 came in various trims, including the base, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport, each offering a range of standard and optional features to enhance comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2020 Nissan Altima presented a clean and contemporary design, with the Platinum trim showcasing 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels. The interior was ergonomically designed, with a high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system and clearly legible climate controls. The materials used were on par with the midsize sedan segment, though color options were limited to black or gray. The Altima's design was practical, with thoughtful details like grocery bag hooks in the trunk and illuminated doorsill kick plates, though some exterior elements, like the door handle placement and rear diffuser panel, were less appealing.

The 2020 Lexus ES was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the ES to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 131 mph. While not a high-performance vehicle, the ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for enhanced driving dynamics, including a Sport+ mode for a more engaging experience.

The 2020 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, offered a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The optional turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, available on SR and Platinum trims, delivered up to 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The Altima's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to features like Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control. The VC-Turbo engine provided a satisfying driving experience, with the CVT mimicking the feel of a traditional automatic transmission.

The 2020 Lexus ES boasted a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The front doors featured deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The trunk provided 16.7 cubic feet of space, though the rear seats did not fold down, limiting cargo flexibility.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's seats were designed for comfort, inspired by NASA's weightlessness concept. While lacking a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats, the Altima offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The trunk space measured 15.4 cubic feet, with practical features like grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlling either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch display. While not a touchscreen, the system was intuitive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a head-up display.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system was nearly perfect, with an 8-inch display, physical and virtual buttons, and standard features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available options included a 9-speaker Bose audio system and NissanConnect Services, offering connected services technology and door-to-door navigation.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Additional safety features included a full array of airbags, traction control, and stability control.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking standard on the base trim. Higher trims included pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, and more. ProPilot Assist offered semi-autonomous driving aids, though it was not entirely reliable. The Altima received a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.