2021 Lexus ES vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima came in various trims, including the base S, sporty SR, SV, SL, and Platinum. The test car was a Platinum model with a turbocharged engine, extra-cost paint, a rear spoiler, splash guards, floor and trunk mats, grocery bag hooks, and illuminated doorsill kick plates, totaling $37,825 with destination charges. The Altima Platinum featured 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, enhancing its appearance. The redesign from the previous year improved the car's styling, though some details like the door handles' placement and the body-color lower diffuser panel could have been better.

Inside, the Altima's design was clean and contemporary, with an ergonomic layout. The high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system included stereo knobs, and the climate controls were easy to read and use. The traditional PRNDL transmission shifter added to the simplicity. The materials quality was on par with the midsize sedan segment, with matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim adding a touch of elegance. However, the interior color options were limited to black or gray.

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup to include the new ES 250 series with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive (FWD). The ES 300h hybrid version offered better fuel economy for a premium of $1,910. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition featured extra-cost paint, triple-beam LED headlights, an adaptive variable suspension, Sport+ and Custom driving modes, a Navigation Package, wireless smartphone charging, a head-up display, a power rear window shade, a hands-free power trunk opener, and a protective film on the rear bumper, totaling $54,070 with destination charges.

The F Sport trim added 19-inch wheels, unique styling details, a rear spoiler, aluminum interior trim, F Sport instrumentation, and a black headliner. The Black Line Special Edition came in black, white, or Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 paint, with black wheels, side mirrors, a rear spoiler, and a black and white interior. Lexus produced only 1,500 units, each with a matching two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage. The ES's dramatic grille required some acclimation, but the overall design was long, lean, and artfully detailed, with the F Sport trim being particularly appealing.

The 2020 Nissan Altima mostly featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing up to 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) powering the front wheels, with AWD as an option. The test car had the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the VC-Turbo, which delivered 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel (236 hp and 267 lb-ft on regular gas). The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving, but the test car averaged 26.2 mpg.

The Altima's suspension included a strut front and multi-link rear setup, with dual-pinion electric steering and 4-wheel-disc brakes. The SR and Platinum trims featured 19-inch wheels, with the SR getting sports suspension tuning. The Altima's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control. The VC-Turbo engine provided a satisfying driving experience, with quick, sharp, and responsive performance in various settings. The CVT mimicked a traditional automatic but could produce sudden power surges.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 had a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg in combined driving, though the test car averaged 22.9 mpg.

The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, with the front tires easily breaking loose. The car would benefit from a torque-vectoring AWD system. The test car's performance in Normal and Sport modes, with a short mountain run in Sport+ mode, showed discernable differences and genuine driving enjoyment. The ES 350 F Sport was a dynamically competent car, with a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism, though it was not an outright sports sedan.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's seats were designed for superior comfort, inspired by NASA. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, and ventilated front seats were unavailable. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote engine starter with climate control were available, but heated rear seats were not. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage space, though it lacked a wireless smartphone charging pad. The trunk measured 15.4 cubic feet, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle.

The 2021 Lexus ES's interior layout was daring yet useful, with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, with supportive cushions, a comfortable backrest angle, rear air conditioning vents, and an available power rear window sunshade. Outward visibility was excellent, and storage was plentiful, though oddly configured. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with an optional hands-free power trunk.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system featured an 8-inch display, stereo volume and tuning knobs, and physical and virtual buttons for easy use. Standard features included Bluetooth, a text-messaging assistant, Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Available features included satellite radio, a navigation system, a 9-speaker Bose premium audio system, and NissanConnect Services. The connected services technology offered various plans, with highlights like automatic collision notification and emergency calling. The door-to-door navigation function was especially helpful, though the voice recognition technology could be improved.

The 2021 Lexus ES's infotainment system had a problematic touchpad, requiring attention to the screen while using it. However, the climate and primary stereo controls were separate, with a combination volume and tuning knob within reach. The dynamic voice command technology was excellent, and the optional 12.3-inch widescreen display looked terrific but needed to be a touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services. The 12.3-inch display added dynamic navigation and Destination Assist, with a 10-speaker premium sound system standard and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2020 Nissan Altima included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking standard on the base S trim. Other trims received additional features like pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, and automatic high-beam assistance. Additional safety systems included a driver monitoring system, road-sign recognition, and a surround-view camera. ProPilot Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving aid, was available but proved hard to trust. The Altima received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims except the base. The ADAS proved effective, though the lane-centering technology occasionally struggled. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.