2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the introduction of the ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive. The ES 250 and ES 350 were available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims. Additionally, the ES 300h hybrid offered improved fuel economy at a premium. Lexus made blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on most trims, and introduced a limited-production Black Line Special Edition for the ES 350. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition boasted features like triple-beam LED headlights, adaptive suspension, and a Navigation Package, with a striking black and white interior. The ES's design, with its dramatic grille and sleek lines, was complemented by the F Sport's sporty enhancements, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a stylish sedan.

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued its evolution with a sporty design, featuring Nissan's V-Motion grille and a low, wide stance. Available in five trims—S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum—the Altima offered a Midnight Edition package on the SR trim, enhancing its sporty appeal with gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels. The Altima's interior was praised for its comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and well-organized controls, though lower trims lacked the premium feel of higher ones. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 15.4 cubic-foot trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. While the Altima's rear visibility was compromised by its high rear shelf and sloping roofline, its overall design and practicality made it a solid choice for families and commuters.

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. It offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available on the F Sport trim. 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 impressed with its dynamic performance, offering a firm ride and flat cornering stance, though it was not an outright sports sedan. The adaptive damping suspension and driving modes provided genuine driving enjoyment, making it a surprisingly athletic choice for a luxury sedan.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered two four-cylinder engine options: a 2.5-liter engine with 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo engine with 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was limited to the SR trim with FWD. All Altimas featured a CVT, with paddle shifters on the SR trim. The VC-Turbo engine, with its variable compression ratio, provided a balance of power and efficiency. However, the base engine's performance was lackluster, with mediocre acceleration and noticeable engine noise. Despite this, the Altima's suspension delivered a smooth and composed ride, with a quiet cabin and refined road manners.

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 luxurious feel, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom and comfort. The ES offered excellent outward visibility and plentiful storage, though the trunk space was limited to 13.9 cubic feet. The hands-free power trunk was a convenient feature, enhancing the car's practicality.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four, with easy-to-use controls and a decent-sized trunk. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its class, with a 15.4 cubic-foot trunk and a 16.2-gallon fuel tank. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima's practicality and comfort made it a reliable choice for families and commuters.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required attention to operate, but offered separate climate and stereo controls for convenience. The dynamic voice command technology was a highlight, allowing drivers to bypass the touchpad. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display, though not a touchscreen, provided a visually appealing interface. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker sound system, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system for audiophiles.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's entry-level S trim came with a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch touchscreen audio system. Higher trims featured an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a nine-speaker Bose audio system on the SL trim. The advanced drive-assist display offered convenient access to various functions, while active noise cancellation and ProPilot Assist added to the Altima's technological appeal. The infotainment system performed well during testing, providing seamless connectivity and quality sound.

The 2021 Lexus ES came equipped with Lexus Safety System 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. 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, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Safety Shield 360, available on higher trims, added rear automatic braking, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, making it a safe choice for families.