2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Lexus IS was a statement of elegance and athleticism, reflecting the personality of its driver. Its design was characterized by a dynamic stance and a fast roofline that balanced between a coupe-like dome and a fastback. The IS featured a distinctive spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights that gave it an assertive look. Inside, the dashboard was simple yet bold, with a retro hi-fi feel. The interior matched the exterior's modern aesthetic, though the analog clock felt outdated. The IS was a blend of elegance and sportiness, with flawless paint, chrome, and panel gaps.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Sentra sported an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. It offered a variety of vibrant paint colors and two-tone options for the SR trim. The Sentra's design included a bulging hood, fast roofline, and muscular wheel arches, giving it an agile appearance. Inside, the Sentra featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The second row was spacious for two passengers, and the trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sentra's interior was practical and comfortable, with thoughtful placement of features and storage options.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for performance, with a focus on the "Lexus Driving Signature" for seamless transitions in various driving situations. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 241 horsepower, while the AWD version had a 3.5-liter V6 producing 260 hp. The IS 350 models boasted 311 hp from the same V6 engine. The IS offered a top speed of 143 mph, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 149 horsepower. It featured front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT, providing adequate performance for daily driving. The Sentra's lightweight design contributed to its efficiency, with fuel economy ratings of 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway for S and SV models. The Sentra's driving experience was enhanced by its independent suspension and dual-pinion electric steering, offering tidy road manners and cornering. While not as powerful as the Lexus IS, the Sentra's performance was well-suited for its intended purpose.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a driver-centered experience with a comfortable and adjustable seating position. The F Sport trim included bolstered seats with heating and ventilation. The IS featured NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, providing a leather-like feel without the cost. Storage options included an open cubby, twin cupholders, and spacious door pockets. The second row was comfortable for two passengers, and the trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet of space.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was designed for practicality, with well-placed features and traditional controls. It included multiple USB ports and a 12-volt port, along with spacious door pockets and a large glove compartment. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long rides, and the Premium Package offered additional features like power-adjustable seats and a moonroof. The Sentra's interior was functional and comfortable, making it suitable for long journeys.

The 2021 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It included various connected services with trial subscriptions, such as Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect. The optional Mark Levinson audio system offered premium sound quality. The IS's technology package was comprehensive, though some features required subscriptions after the trial period.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a standard audio system, upgraded to a premium Bose system in the SR trim. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with Bluetooth and hands-free features. The SV and SR models featured an 8-inch touchscreen, and NissanConnect services offered navigation and remote access features. The Sentra's technology package was robust, though some features were limited to higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus IS was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a range of safety features such as a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also included blind-spot monitoring and a backup camera. The IS had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA, but it was expected to perform well based on its platform.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra included a comprehensive array of safety features, such as advanced airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It offered intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.