2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Nissan Maxima

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was a testament to Nissan's signature design language, featuring the recognizable V-Motion grille and jewel-like LED headlights. Its floating-roof design, accentuated by a heavy beltline, gave it a distinctive look, while the sporty rear spoiler on the SR model added a touch of flair. The Maxima was the pioneer of this design era for Nissan sedans, influencing models like the Altima, Sentra, and Versa. Available in various trims, the Maxima Platinum stood out with its premium materials and semi-aniline leather appointments, offering a near-luxury experience. The cabin was spacious, with a thick center console that created a segmented front row, and it came equipped with a host of standard features, including an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and Apple CarPlay.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and elegant design. The car's stance and the distance between the front axle and dashboard conveyed a sense of elegance, while the fast roofline and spindle grille added to its sporty appeal. The interior was tastefully simple, with a retro hi-fi feel to the center stack and a modern aesthetic throughout. Despite the presence of a vestigial analog clock, the IS's interior was characterized by bold, assertive choices and high build quality. The IS's design was a reflection of its driver's personality, offering a compact and sporty cabin that was both stylish and functional.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. While marketed as a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was more of a comfortable cruiser, with Sport drive mode and paddle shifters available only in the SR model. It offered a smooth ride, thanks to active noise cancellation and enhancement technologies, and felt planted in most driving situations despite its front-wheel-drive configuration. The Maxima's fuel economy was competitive, with EPA estimates of 20 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lexus IS, on the other hand, offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 241 horsepower for the IS 300 RWD, and a 3.5-liter V6 with up to 311 horsepower for the IS 350 models. The IS was developed with the "Lexus Driving Signature" philosophy, ensuring a linear and responsive driving experience. The IS 350 RWD, with its 54/46 front/rear balance and independent suspension, provided a crisp and balanced ride. Fuel efficiency varied by model, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 25 mpg combined and the IS 350 RWD rated at 23 mpg combined.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima offered spacious seating and a large trunk, with a cabin designed for comfort and modern features. The thick center console, while limiting some space, provided a sense of stability, and the front seats were comfortable for long trips. However, the Maxima lagged behind competitors like the Honda Accord and Toyota Avalon in terms of legroom and cargo space, with only 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space. Despite this, the Maxima proved capable of handling everyday cargo and seating needs.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on driver-centered form and function, with a comfortable and supportive seat that was easily adjustable. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat was standard in IS 350 models, offering heating and ventilation. The IS provided ample storage space, including a deep trunk with 10.8 cubic feet of space. While the second row was comfortable for two passengers, it was cramped for three, and legroom required negotiation with front-seat occupants.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima came standard with an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7-inch driver information display, though they were not the most modern in appearance. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and buyers could upgrade to a Bose Premium Audio system. The Maxima offered features like the Around View Monitor camera system and keyless entry, with USB ports available in both the front and rear.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, moving away from the touchpad as the default option. Lexus Enform services were available, with free trial periods for features like Safety Connect and Service Connect. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a recommended option for audiophiles, providing a superb listening experience.

The 2020 Nissan Maxima featured Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard across all trims, offering a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assist technologies. It included features like blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. The Maxima performed well in IIHS and NHTSA crash tests, with a top "superior" rating for front crash prevention.

The 2021 Lexus IS came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and LED lighting. While the IS had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, it was expected to perform well based on its platform.