2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement about its driver with its athletic proportions and great stance. Its design captured motion even while standing still, exuding elegance with a well-measured distance between the front axle and dashboard. The fast roofline and the kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added to its sporty and compact look. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive squint, while the flawless paint, chrome, and panel gaps met the high expectations for a Lexus. Inside, the dash was tastefully simple, with a retro hi-fi feel to the center stack. The interior matched the exterior with bold, assertive choices and a modern aesthetic, although the analog clock felt outdated.

The 2022 Nissan Altima continued its evolution from its bland beginnings to a sharper, sportier look. Available in five trim levels, the Altima featured Nissan's hallmark V-Motion grille, a low, wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The Midnight Edition package added gloss black accents, LED fog lights, 19-inch wheels, and more, enhancing its sporty appearance. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, a well-laid-out instrument panel, and high-quality materials, especially in higher trims. However, lower trims lacked the same level of refinement. The Altima's interior was practical and comfortable, making it a solid choice for a midsize sedan.

The 2021 Lexus IS brought serious sport to the luxury sports sedan category. Tested at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, the IS introduced the "Lexus Driving Signature," focusing on linear operation faithful to the driver's intentions. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD had a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft, while the IS 350 models boasted a 311 hp and 280 lb-ft V6. RWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, and AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS 350 RWD accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered two four-cylinder engines: a 2.5-liter unit with 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter VC-Turbo with 248 hp and 273 lb-ft. The base engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the VC-Turbo was only available on the SR trim with FWD. All Altimas had a CVT, with paddle shifters on the SR trim. The VC-Turbo engine could change its compression ratio for performance or efficiency. The base engine's performance was mediocre, with noticeable engine noise during acceleration. However, the Altima's suspension provided a smooth, composed ride, and the cabin was impressively quiet. The Altima's fuel efficiency was competitive, with the base engine achieving up to 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on a driver-centered experience with a comfortable, supportive seat and easily adjustable driver position. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat included heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage space was ample, with various compartments and a 10.8 cubic feet trunk. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom dependent on front-seat adjustments.

The 2022 Nissan Altima provided comfortable seating for four, with the ability to accommodate five for short distances. The controls were easy to use, and the back seat was accessible. The Altima's trunk offered 15.4 cubic feet of space, larger than some competitors but smaller than others. The high rear shelf compromised rear visibility, and the trunk's metal bar supports could crush items if not carefully packed. Despite these minor complaints, the Altima was a practical and comfortable midsize sedan.

The 2021 Lexus IS finally offered a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lexus Enform services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote, with various trial periods. The Navigation Package included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a recommended option for audiophiles, providing superb sound quality.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's entry-level S trim had a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch color touchscreen with Bluetooth, voice recognition, and a single USB port. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and additional USB ports. The SL trim added a nine-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and remote engine start. The advanced drive-assist display and active noise cancellation were available on higher trims. ProPilot Assist, available on some trims, provided advanced driver assistance features.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it was expected to perform well based on the previous generation. The IS came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera.

The 2022 Nissan Altima came with standard driver-assist technology, 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 warning. The Altima received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with high ratings in crash tests and crash avoidance.