2022 Lexus IS vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F, featuring a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. This power was delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Priced at $56,500 plus a $1,075 destination charge, the IS 500 F Sport Performance offered a thrilling driving experience, blending emotional excitement with daily driving comfort. The car's design included subtle yet distinctive elements like a raised hood, quad exhaust outlets, and exclusive 19-inch wheels, maintaining a stealthy yet powerful presence.

Inside, the IS 500 F Sport Performance mirrored the IS 350 F Sport, featuring a comfortable and high-quality interior for four passengers. The addition of a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system improved usability, although the touchpad on the center console remained a space-consuming feature. The Premium trim added luxurious touches such as triple-beam headlights, a navigation system, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and a power rear window shade. Despite its higher price compared to other IS models, the IS 500 F Sport Performance delivered a balanced mix of performance and luxury.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, available in five trim levels (S, SV, SR, SL, and Platinum), showcased a sporty design with Nissan's V-Motion grille, a low and wide stance, and a sharply sloped "floating" roofline. The Midnight Edition package on the SR trim added gloss black accents, 19-inch wheels, a moonroof, and other stylish features, enhancing the Altima's sporty appearance. The interior of the Altima featured comfortable Zero Gravity front seats, a well-organized instrument panel, and high-quality materials, especially in higher trims. However, lower trims lacked the same level of refinement.

The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of the midsize sedan segment, offering a decent-sized trunk and a spacious interior. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The trunk's metal bar supports also posed a challenge when fully loaded. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima provided a comfortable and practical driving experience, making it a popular choice for commuters and families.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine, shared with the RC F and LC 500, delivered impressive performance, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The IS 500 weighed 143 pounds more than the IS 350 F Sport, with a weight distribution of 56% front and 44% rear. The eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential were standard, along with adaptive variable suspension and a Yamaha rear performance damper for improved ride comfort and stability.

Driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. The IS 500 excelled on winding roads, offering a thrilling driving experience with its throaty engine note and responsive handling. However, the car's fuel efficiency was a drawback, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing, below the EPA rating of 20 mpg combined. Despite this, the IS 500's performance and driving dynamics made it a compelling choice for enthusiasts.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered two four-cylinder engine options: a 2.5-liter engine producing 188 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter variable-compression turbo (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 only available with FWD on the SR trim. Both engines featured direct injection and were paired with Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). The VC-Turbo engine, capable of changing its compression ratio for performance or efficiency, provided a unique driving experience.

The base 2.5-liter engine offered mediocre acceleration, with noticeable engine noise during acceleration. However, the Altima's suspension provided a smooth and composed ride, thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control. The cabin remained quiet, with minimal bumps and vibrations. While the VC-Turbo engine offered better performance, its lack of AWD availability limited its appeal. Overall, the Altima delivered a comfortable and refined driving experience, though it lacked the excitement of the IS 500.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with an effective climate control system and seat ventilation to combat high temperatures. The front seats provided excellent support and a comfortable driving position, while the rear seats were adequate for average-height adults. However, the car lacked rear smartphone charging ports. Storage space was limited, with the touchpad controller occupying valuable center console space. The trunk offered just 10.8 cubic feet of space, small even for a compact car. The control layout was user-friendly, with clear buttons and knobs, making the driving experience more enjoyable.

The 2022 Nissan Altima offered comfortable seating for four to five passengers, with easy-to-use controls and a spacious back seat. The trunk provided 15.4 cubic feet of space, larger than some competitors but smaller than others. The Altima's dimensions placed it in the middle of the midsize sedan segment, offering a balanced mix of passenger and cargo space. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The trunk's metal bar supports also posed a challenge when fully loaded. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Altima provided a practical and comfortable driving experience, making it a popular choice for commuters and families.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a touchscreen infotainment display, solving previous ergonomic issues. The system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Premium trim added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The dynamic voice command system was highly effective, accurately handling voice queries and commands. The overall technology package made the IS 500 more user-friendly and enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Nissan Altima's entry-level S trim came with a 5-inch multi-function display and a 7-inch color touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SL trim added a nine-speaker Bose audio system, navigation, and connected services. The advanced drive-assist display offered convenient access to various functions without removing hands from the steering wheel. Active noise cancellation and ProPilot Assist were available on higher trims, enhancing the driving experience. The Altima's technology package provided a good balance of features and usability.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety features including lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and low-speed automatic braking. The system generally performed well, though some features were overly sensitive in certain situations. The IS earned the highest overall rating of "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for drivers.

The 2022 Nissan Altima also came equipped with a robust set of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning. Higher trims added Safety Shield 360, which included 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 highly safe midsize sedan.