2021 Lexus ES vs 2020 Nissan Sentra

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had a significant design overhaul, making it more appealing than its predecessors. The Electric Blue paint on the mid-level SV model, with its 16-inch alloy wheels and halogen headlights, gave it a fresh and modern look. The Sentra's design was inspired by the larger Altima, making it feel more substantial. The car was 2 inches lower and wider than the previous version, with detailed stampings and a V-shaped grille that added to its mature and recognizable appearance. The interior featured a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, white-stitched leatherette dash, and knurled climate knobs, giving it a premium feel. The SV Premium Package offered quilted tan leather seats and Infiniti-grade materials, making the Sentra's interior close to the class-leading Mazda3.

The 2021 Lexus ES, particularly the ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition, had a striking design with 19-inch wheels, unique front and rear styling details, and a black and white interior. The ES lineup included the new ES 250 series with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard AWD, as well as the ES 300h hybrid. The ES 350 F Sport featured an adaptive variable suspension, Sport+ and Custom driving modes, and a host of luxury features like triple-beam LED headlights and a head-up display. The Black Line Special Edition came in black, white, or Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 paint, with black wheels and side mirrors, and a matching two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage. The ES's dramatic grille and overall design made it a standout in its class.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Sentra's acceleration tapered off after 30 mph, partly due to an overly sensitive throttle pedal. The CVT mimicked gear changes smoothly, and the independent rear suspension improved handling and ride quality. The Sentra's steering was quick with good on-center feel, making it a competent, if not sporty, compact sedan. Fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 29 mpg city, 39 highway, and 33 combined. During testing, the Sentra averaged about 30 mpg over 300 miles of mixed driving.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 had a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined. During testing, the ES 350 averaged 22.9 mpg. The F Sport trim added Sport+ and Custom driving modes, enhancing the car's dynamic performance. The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, with a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism. However, it was not an outright sports sedan, as the Lexus IS models filled that role.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra's backseat was spacious, accommodating a 5-foot-11 passenger without any issues. The front seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity cushioning, providing comfort on long drives. The lowered body profile improved side visibility, but the rear window's rake limited the rear view. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, with foldable seatbacks for added versatility. The driving position and controls were user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning, making it easy to operate.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport had sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent comfort, and the rear seats offered good foot and legroom. The ES's interior featured 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 a hands-free power trunk for added convenience.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra did not offer ProPilot, navigation, or wireless charging, but it came standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi on the mid-level SV. The SV also included dual-zone climate control, proximity-entry key, adaptive cruise control, and remote engine start. The SV Premium Package added bright LED headlights, a Bose stereo, sunroof, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and 360-degree cameras. The Sentra's infotainment system was basic but functional for its price.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a problematic touchpad interface, requiring attention to operate. However, the climate and stereo controls were separate and easy to use. The ES featured dynamic voice command technology, a 12.3-inch widescreen display, and a 10-speaker premium sound system. The larger screen added dynamic navigation and connected services, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system available. The ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services with varying trial periods.

The 2020 Nissan Sentra had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it was expected to receive top ratings. It included rear side airbags, knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, forward and reverse emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, and a driver attention monitor as standard.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, which bundled 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 ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.