2021 Lexus ES vs 2020 Nissan Versa

The 2020 Nissan Versa shed its previous "big car" styling quirks, adopting a more refined and handsome design reminiscent of its larger siblings, the Maxima and Altima. This new look was a welcome change, as it avoided oversized elements like headlights and grilles, instead opting for a more balanced aesthetic. Inside, the Versa's cabin shared similarities with the Nissan Kicks, thanks to the shared V platform, offering ample space for a subcompact sedan. The interior was straightforward yet stylish, featuring a two-tone theme and unique seat designs, adding a touch of flair to the economy-car segment. The Versa came in three trims: S, SV, and SR, with the SV trim offering the best blend of price and features, despite some cost-cutting measures like harsh plastics and manual seat adjustments.

The 2021 Lexus ES, particularly in the F Sport Black Line Special Edition, boasted a striking design with unique styling elements and a dramatic grille that required some getting used to. The ES was a long, lean sedan with artful detailing, and the F Sport trim added 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and aluminum interior trim, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the black and white interior provided a striking contrast, and the cabin was filled with quality materials and high design, living up to the Lexus reputation. The ES shared a platform with the Toyota Avalon but maintained its luxury status with thoughtful design and attention to detail.

The 2020 Nissan Versa featured a revised 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over its predecessor. This engine powered the front wheels through either a 5-speed manual or a CVT, with the latter standard on the SV and SR trims. The Versa's acceleration improved, making it more capable on highways, and the CVT managed power well, especially in Sport mode. The driving experience was engaging, with responsive steering and decent fuel economy, achieving 32/40/35 mpg with the CVT.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ES offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 F Sport accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined. The driving experience was unexpectedly competent, with firm ride quality and flat cornering, though it wasn't a full-fledged sports sedan. The ES excelled in providing a balance of comfort and sportiness.

The 2020 Nissan Versa retained a large trunk size of 15 cubic feet, one of the largest in its class, but lost 6 inches of rear legroom compared to its predecessor. While the backseat space was reduced, the front seats offered ample legroom, even for taller drivers. The Versa was suitable as a personal commuter car, though less ideal for carpooling or ridesharing due to the smaller rear space.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring interior layout that was both unusual and useful. The ES 350 F Sport featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, providing excellent comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, with supportive cushions and rear air conditioning vents. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, slightly more than a Toyota Corolla, and the test car's hands-free power trunk added convenience.

The 2020 Nissan Versa stepped up its technology game with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and Siri Eyes Free. The SV trim added the NissanConnect system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an upgraded instrument panel featuring a digital screen. This setup offered a range of functionalities, integrating technology seamlessly into the driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus ES faced challenges with its touchpad interface, requiring drivers to look at the screen while navigating. However, the ES offered positive features like separate climate and stereo controls, dynamic voice command technology, and an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display. The ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services, with a 10-speaker premium sound system standard and an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2020 Nissan Versa included standard driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. While these features democratized safety technology, they also increased repair costs due to sensor-laden bumpers. The Versa also had a reversing camera, airbags, and Nissan's Easy Fill Tire Alert.

The 2021 Lexus ES came with Lexus Safety System 2.0, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received high safety ratings, with the IIHS naming it a Top Safety Pick+ and the NHTSA giving it a five-star overall rating.