Nissan Sentra vs Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F, featuring a normally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 472 hp and 395 lb-ft 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. Despite its higher cost compared to other IS models, the IS 500 F Sport Performance justified its price with premium features like triple-beam headlights, a navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Visually, the IS 500 F Sport Performance maintained a subtle yet powerful presence, with minor trim modifications and exclusive 19-inch wheels. Inside, it mirrored the IS 350 F Sport, offering a comfortable and high-quality interior for four passengers. The addition of a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system in 2021 improved usability, although the touchpad controller remained a space-consuming feature. Overall, the IS 500 F Sport Performance was a refined and exhilarating vehicle, appealing to those who appreciated a balance of performance and luxury.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, continued to impress with its modern, low-slung, coupe-like exterior, reminiscent of a downsized Altima. The Sentra's design was a significant improvement over its predecessors, offering a sleek and contemporary look. Available in various bold colors, the Sentra catered to diverse aesthetic preferences. The interior of the Sentra stood out with its modern yet simple layout, featuring easy-to-use controls and an upscale appearance. The front cabin was highlighted by a touchscreen that served as the visual centerpiece.

The Sentra was available in three trims: S, SV, and SR. The base S trim included essential features like 16-inch steel wheels, power windows, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SV trim added 16-inch alloy wheels, premium cloth upholstery, and a larger 8-inch touchscreen. The SR trim further enhanced the Sentra with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and sport cloth seats with orange accent stitching. The Midnight Edition package for the SR trim added dark accents and unique badging, giving the Sentra a distinctive look. Overall, the Sentra offered a well-rounded package with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a standout in the F Sport Performance lineup, featuring a 5.0-liter V8 engine that delivered 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine, shared with the RC F and LC 500, provided a thrilling driving experience. The IS 500's eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and limited-slip differential ensured smooth power delivery and enhanced handling. With driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, drivers could customize their driving experience. The IS 500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, showcasing its impressive performance capabilities.

The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper contributed to a comfortable and stable ride. The car's brakes were upgraded for better cooling and performance, withstanding high temperatures during testing. Despite its added weight compared to the IS 350, the IS 500 maintained excellent handling and stability. The V8 engine's throaty growl and responsive performance made it a joy to drive on various road conditions. However, its fuel efficiency was a drawback, averaging 17.7 mpg during evaluation, below the EPA rating of 20 mpg combined.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 149 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a performance powerhouse, the Sentra's engine and transmission combination provided satisfactory low-end acceleration and highway performance. The CVT managed power well, offering smooth acceleration and consistent performance in various driving conditions. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and its cornering capabilities were commendable for a non-performance-oriented car.

The Sentra's suspension effectively absorbed most road bumps, though it struggled with harsher conditions. Overall, the Sentra was well-suited for commuting, city driving, and occasional road trips, offering a balanced performance that catered to everyday driving needs.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with an effective climate control system that kept the cabin cool even in high temperatures. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, providing excellent thigh support and a driving position that enhanced control. The rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, though rear passengers lacked smartphone charging options. Storage space was decent but could be improved, with the touchpad controller occupying valuable center console space. The trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet of space, which was small for a compact car. The IS 500's control layout was user-friendly, with clear buttons and knobs, making it easy to operate.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered 14.3 cubic feet of trunk space, surpassing many small sedans. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench allowed for expanded cargo space, though the ledge created by the bench could make loading larger items challenging. The trunk could be remotely opened via the key fob or a button on the dash, and it popped up as if it were power-operated. The Sentra's two rows of seating provided ample headroom and legroom, with comfortable front seats and decent rear seat space. The front row featured large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the center console offered plenty of storage options.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance benefited from a touchscreen infotainment display introduced in 2021, addressing previous ergonomic issues. The system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium trim added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The dynamic voice command system was highly effective, accurately handling voice queries and commands. The overall infotainment setup was logical and intuitive, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. The SV and SR trims upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen with the same smartphone integration features. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with easy-to-follow menu navigation and conventional hard buttons for volume and tuning. However, the graphics could use updating, and the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was a drawback. Despite these minor issues, the Sentra's infotainment system was functional and straightforward.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 (LSS+ 2.5), a comprehensive suite 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 Curve Speed Reduction function and low-speed automatic braking technology could be overly aggressive in certain situations. The IS received top safety ratings, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received a four-star rating for frontal-impact collision for the driver and front passenger.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a robust list of 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. Our test model included additional features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control. The adaptive cruise control responded well to speed adjustments, though its braking could be abrupt. The Sentra earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, with high ratings for crash testing and driver-assistance effectiveness.