2021 Lexus ES vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured a design that closely mirrored other models in Nissan’s lineup. It sported the signature V-Motion grille, standard jewel-like LED headlights, and distinctive daytime running lights. The floating-roof design, accented by a heavy beltline, led to the rear where quad-tip exhaust finishers were positioned. The Maxima SR models also included a sporty rear spoiler. The Maxima was the pioneer of this design era for Nissan sedans, influencing the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. The Maxima Platinum, as tested, came with 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels and Goodyear all-season tires, while the SR model had 19-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels.

Inside, the Maxima’s cabin was filled with materials typical of Nissan’s standard, with the Platinum trim level offering a premium feel. The SR model featured unique styling elements like a patterned seat insert and charcoal headliner and pillars. The Platinum Reserve Package added semi-aniline leather appointments and Satin Bronze faceted interior finishers. The thick center console created a segmented front row experience, but the cabin remained spacious. Standard features included an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of other modern conveniences.

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup to include the new ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive, was available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims. The ES 300h hybrid version offered significant fuel economy gains. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert became standard on all versions except the base trim. The Black Line Special Edition of the ES 350 debuted with unique styling elements and a limited production run of 1,500 units.

The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition, as tested, included extra-cost paint, triple-beam LED headlights, and a host of luxury features. The F Sport trim added 19-inch wheels, unique front and rear styling details, and a black headliner. The Black Line Special Edition featured black wheels, side mirrors, and a black and white interior. The ES’s dramatic grille and overall design were striking, with the F Sport trim adding a sporty appeal. The interior offered a striking contrast with quality materials and high design, making it a true Lexus.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), generating 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. While marketed as a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was more of a comfortable cruiser. The Sport drive mode and paddle shifters in the SR model made the drive more engaging, but the Maxima excelled in soaking up road imperfections and keeping noise at bay with active noise cancellation technology. The Maxima had front-wheel drive and an 18-gallon fuel tank, achieving an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and had an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined. The F Sport model included Sport+ and Custom driving modes, enhancing the driving experience. The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time and offered genuine driving enjoyment in Sport modes. The firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism were impressive for a car known for its comfort.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima offered spacious seating, a large trunk, and modern features. The thick center console limited the feeling of spaciousness up front, but the cabin remained comfortable. The Maxima had enough room for passengers to feel comfortable, though it was bested by competitors like the Kia Cadenza and Hyundai Sonata in legroom. The Maxima delivered more headroom than its rivals, with up to 39.4 inches. The trunk space was 14.3 cubic feet, less than the Sonata, Cadenza, Avalon, and Accord. Despite the numbers, the Maxima handled cargo and seating needs well during testing.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a daring interior layout that was still useful. The ES 350 F Sport featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats provided good foot and legroom, with 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, slightly more than a Toyota Corolla. The hands-free power trunk was a convenient feature.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, with NissanConnect Services available on the Platinum grade. The Maxima offered a Bose Premium Audio system, Around View Monitor camera system, power rear sunshade, and keyless entry. USB-A and USB-C ports were available in the front and rear, making charging on the go easy.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a touchpad interface that required attention to use, but the climate and stereo controls were separate and easy to reach. The ES’s dynamic voice command technology was excellent, allowing users to bypass the touchpad. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display looked terrific but needed to be a touchscreen. The ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services. The 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system was available and likely offered superior sound quality.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, intelligent forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, rear automatic braking, and a driver alertness monitor. Traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control were standard on all trims except the base model. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA safety tests, with top ratings in front crash prevention.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, with forward-collision warning, 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 ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.