2020 Lexus ES vs 2020 Nissan Versa

The 2020 Nissan Versa had evolved significantly from its predecessor, shedding its "big car" styling details for a more refined look. It adopted design cues from its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima, resulting in a relatively handsome appearance without oversized headlights or grilles. Inside, the cabin was straightforward yet stylish, featuring a two-tone theme with dark charcoal and grayish cream colors. The seats had a neat design, and the overall interior space was ample for a subcompact sedan, thanks to the Nissan V platform.

In contrast, the 2020 Lexus ES had undergone a transformation from being labeled "boring" to adopting a more aggressive look. The large spindle grille, introduced in 2016, had grown even larger, fitting well with the car's larger proportions. The rear featured thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows, adding to its rakishness. Inside, the ES blended modern technology with soft-touch materials, creating an elegant and luxurious cabin. The center of the dash was dominated by a large infotainment screen, seamlessly integrated into the design.

The 2020 Nissan Versa was powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine sent power to the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT, standard on the SV and SR trims, managed power well and offered a Sport mode for livelier performance. The Versa's acceleration had improved, making it more capable of highway speeds. Fuel economy was decent, with the CVT version returning 32 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined.

The 2020 Lexus ES came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. The ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers, enhancing the driving experience with modes like Sport+ for stiffer suspension and quicker steering response. The ES's ride was hushed and smooth, thanks to Dynamic Control Shocks.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained its predecessor's trunk size, offering 15 cubic feet of space, one of the largest in its class. However, it lost 6 inches of rear legroom, making the backseat less spacious for adult passengers. The front seats had ample legroom, even for taller drivers, making it a suitable personal commuter car.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with plenty of head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could slide back significantly without compromising rear-seat legroom. The trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of space, mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the ability to carry larger items.

The 2020 Nissan Versa stepped up its game with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri Eyes Free, and a hands-free text-messaging assistant as standard features. The SV trim added the NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an upgraded instrument panel featuring a digital screen for various functions.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlling either an 8-inch or available 12.3-inch display. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the CarPlay screen taking up the entire display. The ES also came with a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and a head-up display for crisp graphics and customization.

The 2020 Nissan Versa added a host of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Other standard safety features included a reversing camera, front- and side-impact airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, lane-tracing assist, front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.