2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Lexus ES lineup expanded to include the new ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). These models were priced equivalently to the ES 350, which came with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive (FWD). Available trims for both the ES 250 and ES 350 included Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury. Additionally, Lexus offered the ES 300h, a gas-electric hybrid version, which commanded a $1,910 premium and provided significant fuel economy gains.

Lexus made blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all versions except the base trim. A new limited-production Black Line Special Edition of the ES 350 debuted, featuring extra-cost paint, triple-beam LED headlights, and a host of luxury features. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition, with its adaptive variable suspension and Sport+ and Custom driving modes, had a loaded MSRP of $54,070, including destination charges.

The F Sport trim added 19-inch wheels, unique styling details, and a black headliner, while the Black Line Special Edition came in black, white, or Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 paint, with black wheels and a black and white interior. Lexus produced just 1,500 examples, each with a matching two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage. The ES’s dramatic grille required some acclimation, but the overall design was long, lean, and artfully detailed. The F Sport trim, with its black grille and larger wheels, was particularly appealing.

The test car’s black and white interior offered a striking contrast, in tune with the dramatic cabin design. Despite sharing a platform with the Toyota Avalon, the ES boasted quality materials and high design, making it unmistakably a Lexus.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as a flagship sedan, set the tone for other Nissan models with its bold styling elements, including a “floating” roofline and “V-Motion” grille. The Maxima distinguished itself with a steeply-angled front end and massive grille, giving it an Art Deco locomotive appearance. The 40th Anniversary Edition featured a two-tone exterior, Ruby Slate Gray Pearl paint, black roof, 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels, and black exterior trim. Inside, it had red semi-aniline leather upholstery, white gauge faces, and heated rear seats.

The 40th Anniversary Edition’s interior was dressed up with dark-red leather seats and stylish white gauge faces. The Maxima’s design was bold and distinctive, though subsequent models saw a toned-down approach. The Maxima’s interior was driver-focused, with a generous amount of space for the driver and front passenger, but at the expense of rear-seat passengers. The front seats, designed using NASA research, offered excellent support and comfort.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined. During testing, it averaged 22.9 mpg.

The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, though it struggled with front tire grip. The car’s firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism were impressive, though it was not an outright sports sedan. The ES 350 F Sport was a competent and enjoyable car to drive, with a bit of noise inside and a need for quicker steering response.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and FWD. The Maxima felt quick and the V6 engine sounded great. The CVT was responsive, meting out power effectively. The Maxima was agile for a big sedan, but the steering lacked feel and precision, and the front end lacked grip, leading to torque steer under heavy throttle.

The Maxima was enjoyable to drive at a relaxed pace, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride despite its stiff suspension. Compared to competitors, the Maxima was designed to be sporty from the beginning, unlike the Toyota Avalon TRD, which added sportiness after the fact. The Maxima’s performance was good, though it was outshined by the Kia Stinger, which offered RWD.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a daring interior layout that was still useful, with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent thigh support and comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, with supportive cushions and a comfortable seating position. The ES offered excellent outward visibility and plentiful storage, though the wireless smartphone charger was oddly placed under the center armrest. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with an optional hands-free power trunk.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima provided generous space for the driver and front passenger, but rear-seat passengers had limited headroom and legroom. The seats were positioned far inboard, creating a cramped feeling despite the generous front space. The Maxima featured Nissan’s “Zero Gravity” front seats, designed for optimum support, with eight-way power adjustment for the driver and four-way for the passenger. The Maxima had the least cargo space in its class, with a 14.3 cubic foot trunk.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a problematic touchpad interface, requiring drivers to look at the screen and track their fingertip, making it easy to overshoot targets. However, the climate and stereo controls were separate and easy to use, and the dynamic voice command technology was excellent. 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. A 10-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima’s infotainment system showed its age, with dated graphics and small icons making it difficult to navigate. The Maxima came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. An 11-speaker Bose audio system was available. The Maxima had plenty of analog controls, but the notification sounds were jarring and unavoidable.

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 beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the base trim. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and rear automatic emergency braking. Optional features included adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, a driver-alertness monitor, and a 360-degree camera system. The Maxima did not have the ProPilot Assist system available in other Nissan models.