2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in S, SR, SV, SL, and Platinum trims, offered a sleek and modern design. The Platinum trim, equipped with a turbocharged engine, 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, and various additional features, was priced at $37,825, including destination charges. The redesign from the previous year improved the car's styling, though some details, like the door handles' placement and the rear diffuser panel, were questionable. The interior was clean and contemporary, with an ergonomic layout, high-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, and clearly legible climate controls. The materials quality was on par with the midsize sedan segment, with matte chrome detailing and simulated wood trim adding a touch of elegance.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and elegant design. The car's stance and fast roofline gave it a sporty and compact look, while the new spindle grille and narrow headlights added an assertive touch. The interior matched the exterior's boldness, with a tastefully simple dash and a retro hi-fi feel to the center stack. The build quality and modern aesthetic were impressive, though the analog clock felt outdated. Overall, the IS exuded a sense of motion and elegance, making it a standout in its class.

The 2020 Nissan Altima featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing up to 188 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive was an option with this engine. The test car, however, 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. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving, though the test car averaged 26.2 mpg. The Altima's ride and handling were impressive, thanks to its strut front, multi-link rear suspension, dual-pinion electric steering, and 4-wheel-disc brakes. The car's Active Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control further enhanced the driving experience, making it quick, sharp, and responsive.

The 2021 Lexus IS, designed with the "Lexus Driving Signature" philosophy, offered a range of engine options. The IS 300 RWD had a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the IS 300 AWD featured a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The IS 350 models, both AWD and RWD, had the same V6 engine, tuned to produce 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The RWD models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS 350 RWD accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The car's double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, along with electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering, provided a crisp, precise, and balanced driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD rated at 25 mpg combined and the IS 350 AWD at 22 mpg combined.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's interior was designed for comfort, with NASA-inspired front and back seats. However, the lack of a front passenger's seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats was a drawback. The car offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote engine starter with climate control operation, but heated rear seats were not available. In-cabin storage was substantial, though there was no wireless smartphone charging pad. The trunk space measured 15.4 cubic feet, with optional grocery bag hooks and an interior grab handle for convenience.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on a driver-centered design, with an easily adjustable driver position and comfortable, supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS featured perforated NuLuxe fabric, a synthetic upholstery that was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage space was ample, with an open cubby, twin cupholders, big door pockets, and a decent glovebox. The second row was comfortable for two passengers but cramped for three. The trunk space was 10.8 cubic feet, with a deep configuration and a temporary spare stored beneath the load floor.

The 2020 Nissan Altima offered an almost perfect infotainment system with an 8-inch display, stereo volume and tuning knobs, and physical and virtual buttons for easy use. Standard features included Bluetooth connectivity, 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 was free for the first six months, with various plans available afterward. The door-to-door navigation function was particularly helpful, though the voice recognition technology needed improvement.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touchpad remained but was no longer the default option. Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote were included with free trial periods. The Navigation Package, starting at $1,670, included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for the first three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system, starting at $1,080, was a recommended option for audiophiles. The system included a CD player and provided an exceptional audio experience.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, 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 also available but proved difficult to trust. The Altima received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it was expected to receive good ratings based on the previous generation's performance. The IS came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, enhanced lane-tracing assist, full-speed dynamic adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Other safety features included vehicle dynamic integrated management, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, LED headlamps, taillamps, and running lights, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect with a three-year trial.