2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

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 similarly to the ES 350, which came with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive (FWD). The ES 250 and ES 350 were available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims. Additionally, Lexus offered the ES 300h, a gas-electric hybrid version, which commanded a premium of $1,910 and provided significant fuel economy gains. The ES 300h came in Standard, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims. Lexus also 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 unique styling elements and a matching two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra carried over largely unchanged from its 2020 redesign. Its exterior resembled a downsized Altima, with a low-slung, coupe-like, and modern design. The Sentra was a significant improvement over its predecessors, aligning with Nissan's current design language. The test model came in a sedate gray paint scheme, but the Sentra was also available in bold colors like blue, burnt orange, and "Scarlet Ember," with four colors offering a contrasting black roof. The interior featured a modern yet simple layout, combining form and function. The front cabin design was highlighted by a touchscreen that served as the visual centerpiece. Trims included S, SV, and SR, each offering progressively more features and amenities.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission delivered power to the front wheels, with driving modes including Normal, Eco, and Sport. The F Sport trim added Sport+ and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive damping suspension. Lexus claimed the ES 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined. During testing, the ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, though it averaged 22.9 mpg. The car's firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism were impressive, though it was not an outright sports sedan.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The engine provided solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and cornering was sharp for a non-performance car. The suspension handled most bumps well but struggled with harsher conditions. Overall, the Sentra was suitable for commuting, driving around town, and occasional road trips.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a daring interior layout that remained functional, with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, with supportive cushions and a comfortable seating angle. The ES offered rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. Outward visibility was excellent, and storage was plentiful, though oddly configured. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with an optional hands-free power trunk.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. However, the rear bench created a ledge that could make loading larger items difficult. The trunk could be remotely opened via the key fob or a button on the dash. The Sentra's front seats offered plenty of headroom and legroom, with comfortable seating. The rear seats provided solid legroom and decent headroom. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, with ample cupholders and trays in the center console.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a problematic touchpad interface that required looking at the screen to navigate, making it easy to overshoot targets. However, climate and primary stereo controls were separate, with a combination volume and tuning knob within reach. The ES's dynamic voice command technology was excellent, allowing users to bypass the touchpad. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display looked terrific but needed to be a touchscreen. All trims included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services. The 12.3-inch display added dynamic navigation and Destination Assist connected services. A 10-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims featured a larger 8-inch touchscreen. Menu navigation was easy, with conventional hard buttons and volume and tuning dials. The system's graphics could use updating, and it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were becoming more common in non-luxury vehicles.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0 (LSS 2.0), which bundled advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims except the base. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came with standard driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, driver drowsiness monitoring, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. Additional features included a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, along with a "Superior" rating for driver-assistance features, earning it a Top Safety Pick award.