2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2020 Lexus ES

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier iterations, shedding its "boring" label for a more aggressive look. The large spindle grille, which had been growing since 2016, was even more prominent in the 2020 model, fitting well with the car's larger proportions. The rear design was more subdued, featuring thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows. Inside, the ES offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen, blending modern technology with an organic aesthetic. The trims ranged from the base 350 FWD to the sporty F Sport, each offering a variety of features and options.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, entering its eighth generation, sported an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. The car's design was a significant departure from its earlier, more conservative looks. Available in eight exterior paint colors, including vibrant options like Monarch Orange Metallic, the Sentra also offered three two-tone paint schemes for the SR trim. Inside, the Sentra featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and roomy second-row seating. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split rear seat for additional storage flexibility.

The 2020 Lexus ES came 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. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. The ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride, thanks to its Dynamic Control Shocks. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers and additional drive modes, including Sport+. While not a high-performance machine, the ES's upgraded suspension and paddle shifters enhanced the driving experience, making it more engaging.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a new 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, the Sentra offered adequate performance for commuting and city driving. Weighing between 3,036 and 3,084 pounds, the Sentra achieved fuel economy ratings of 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and slightly lower for the SR trim. The Sentra's suspension and dual-pinion electric steering provided tidy road manners and almost fun cornering, making it a well-rounded choice for everyday driving.

The 2020 Lexus ES boasted a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console featured multiple retractable panels for storage. The ES offered 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the ability to transport larger items.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-designed, with features like an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims, traditional gear selector lever, and open cupholders. The Sentra included two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a 12-volt port, along with big door pockets for additional storage. Nissan's Zero Gravity front bucket seats provided comfort on long rides, and the Premium Package on SV and SR models added power-adjustable seats, heated front seats, and a power-sliding glass moonroof.

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 Remote Touch pad was intuitive once presets were set. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the ES could be equipped with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a standard audio system that included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The S trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen. The SR trim offered an optional premium Bose system and NissanConnect services, including a WiFi hotspot and remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app. The system also supported Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice commands.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra included a comprehensive array of standard safety features, such as dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags, knee airbags, and curtain side-impact airbags. The Sentra also featured a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert and Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and more. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.