2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, had evolved significantly since its debut in 1982. Initially a sub-compact sedan, it transformed over the years into a compact four-door sedan by 2000. The Sentra's exterior was athletic, featuring crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille with a prominent Nissan badge. The horizontally arrayed headlights, available in LED, gave it a serious look. With eight exterior paint colors and three two-tone options for the SR trim, the Sentra's design was far from boring. The car's bulging hood, fast roofline, and muscular wheel arches, housing various wheel sizes depending on the trim, added to its agile and fun appearance.

Inside, the Sentra's layered dash felt expansive, with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen perfectly positioned on the center stack. The textured plastic on the center console and doors was a significant improvement over past imitation wood veneers. The flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel added a sporty touch and improved comfort for taller drivers. The second row was roomy for the class, though better suited for two passengers. The trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split second row for larger items.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, reminiscent of the original 2008 Lexus IS F, carried forward the legacy with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS 500 was a thrilling ride, balancing emotional excitement with daily driving comfort. It commanded a premium price over the IS 350 F Sport and IS 300, but it offered a unique blend of performance and luxury.

The IS 500's exterior was subtly different from lesser IS models, with a raised hood to accommodate the V8 engine and angled quad exhaust outlets. It rode on exclusive 19-inch lighter-weight wheels and featured minor trim modifications for a stealthy look. Inside, the IS 500 was nearly identical to the IS 350 F Sport, with quality materials and a comfortable interior for four people. The addition of a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system made the controls easy to use, though the touchpad on the center console remained a space-consuming feature.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, providing adequate performance for commuting and city driving. Weighing between 3,036 to 3,084 pounds, the Sentra SR was relatively lightweight. Fuel economy was impressive, with 29 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined for S and SV models, and slightly lower for the SR trim. The Sentra's driving experience was enhanced by its well-sorted CVT, independent suspension, and dual-pinion electric steering, offering tidy road manners and almost fun cornering.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, with its 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivered 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Weighing 11 pounds less than the RC F coupe and 143 pounds more than the IS 350 F Sport, the IS 500 had a weight distribution of 56% front and 44% rear. It featured an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. Driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable and stable ride. Despite its extra weight, the IS 500 felt capable on public roads, offering a thrilling driving experience with an intoxicating engine note.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-designed, with features like an infotainment touchscreen on the center stack, traditional gear selector lever, open cupholders, and ample storage. It included two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and a 12-volt port. The Zero Gravity front bucket seats were comfortable for long rides, with a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat available in higher trims. The Sentra's interior was practical and user-friendly, making it a comfortable choice for long trips.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with effective air conditioning and seat ventilation. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, with excellent thigh support and a driving position that fostered intimacy with the controls. The rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, though lacking smartphone charging. Storage was decent, but the touchpad controller on the center console took up valuable space. The trunk was small, measuring just 10.8 cubic feet. The IS 500's control layout was excellent, with buttons, knobs, and clear lettering, making it easy to use.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a standard audio system featuring AM/FM/USB with four speakers in the S trim, upgraded to six speakers and SiriusXM in SV and SR trims. An optional premium Bose system with eight speakers was available in the SR. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth audio, and hands-free text-messaging assistant were standard. The S trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR trims had an 8-inch touchscreen. NissanConnect services, available in the SR, included a WiFi hotspot and remote access to vehicle functions via a smartphone app.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a touchscreen infotainment display, solving previous ergonomic issues. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling voice queries and commands accurately. The IS 500's infotainment system was logical and intuitive, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including advanced airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, knee airbags, curtain side-impact airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system with Easy-Fill Tire Alert. It also included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like intelligent forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, 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.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety features including driving assistance, collision warning, and collision-prevention technologies. The lane-departure warning system and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance were particularly effective. However, the low-speed automatic braking technology could be aggravating in heavy city traffic. The IS received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned a four-star frontal-impact collision rating for the driver and front passenger.