2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup to include the new ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive. The ES 300h hybrid version offered improved fuel economy at a premium. The ES lineup included Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert becoming standard on most versions. The Black Line Special Edition of the ES 350 debuted with unique styling elements and limited production. The ES's design was characterized by its dramatic grille and sleek, artful detailing, with the F Sport trim adding sporty features like 19-inch wheels and unique styling accents. The interior of the ES was luxurious, with quality materials and a striking black and white contrast in the test car.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. It offered eight exterior paint colors, including vibrant options like Monarch Orange Metallic and Electric Blue Metallic. The SR trim featured two-tone paint schemes, enhancing its design appeal. The Sentra's interior was spacious, with a layered dash and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims. The flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch, and the second row provided ample room for two passengers. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a split-folding rear seat for added versatility. Overall, the Sentra's design and interior features made it a practical and stylish choice in the compact sedan segment.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It offered 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 provided a dynamic driving experience, with a firm ride and flat cornering stance, though it was not a true sports sedan. The ES was praised for its unexpected competence and driving enjoyment, despite some noise and steering response issues.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT. Weighing between 3,036 and 3,084 pounds, the Sentra SR offered adequate performance for commuting and city driving. Fuel economy was rated at 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway/32 mpg combined for SR models. The Sentra's driving experience was enhanced by its well-sorted CVT, four-wheel independent suspension, and dual-pinion electric steering, providing tidy road manners and almost fun cornering. The 149 horsepower felt appropriate for its balance of fuel economy and purpose.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a daring interior layout with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided a premium feel, and the rear seats offered good legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power sunshade. Visibility was excellent, and storage was plentiful, though oddly configured. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with a hands-free power trunk option for convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-organized, with a user-friendly infotainment touchscreen and traditional controls. It offered ample storage, including big door pockets and a roomy glove compartment. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long rides, with power-adjustable options available in higher trims. The Sentra's trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a split-folding rear seat for added versatility. Overall, the Sentra's interior was practical and comfortable for everyday use.

The 2021 Lexus ES faced challenges with its touchpad interface, requiring attention to navigate. However, it offered separate climate and stereo controls, dynamic voice command technology, and an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services, with a 10-speaker premium sound system and an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a standard audio system featuring AM/FM/USB and four speakers, upgraded to six speakers and SiriusXM in higher trims. An optional Bose system with eight speakers was available in the SR. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with an 8-inch touchscreen on SV and SR trims. NissanConnect services offered navigation, a WiFi hotspot, and remote access features, though some were limited to SR models.

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

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a comprehensive safety package, including advanced airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.