2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Nissan Altima

The 2020 Nissan Altima, available in Canada in S, SV, and Platinum trims, presented a sleek and modern design, especially in its Platinum variant. The car's exterior was enhanced by 19-inch machined-finish aluminum wheels, although some design elements, like the door handle alignment and rear diffuser panel, were less appealing. Inside, the Altima boasted a clean and contemporary design with ergonomic simplicity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the materials used were on par with the midsize sedan segment, albeit limited to black or grey colour options.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus IS was a statement of athletic elegance, with a design that appeared to be in motion even when stationary. The car's proportions and details, such as the spindle grille and narrow headlights, contributed to its assertive stance. Inside, the IS featured a tastefully simple dashboard with a retro hi-fi feel, aligning with its bold exterior. However, the analog clock seemed outdated amidst the modern design. The IS's build quality and aesthetic choices reflected its luxury sports sedan status.

The 2020 Nissan Altima in Canada was powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 188 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard AWD. This setup aimed to enhance its appeal against SUVs, although the VC-Turbo engine was not available in Canada. The Altima's ride and handling were commendable, thanks to Intelligent Ride Control and Intelligent Trace Control technologies. The CVT mimicked a traditional automatic transmission, offering a unique driving experience with its power surges.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine in the IS 300 RWD, delivering 241 horsepower. The IS 300 AWD featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 260 hp, while the IS 350 AWD had the same V6 tuned to 311 hp. The IS's driving dynamics were refined, with a focus on the "Lexus Driving Signature" for seamless transitions in various driving situations. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's seats were designed for comfort, inspired by NASA, but lacked a front passenger seat height adjuster and ventilated front seats. Heated front seats and mirrors were standard, with optional heated steering wheel and rear air conditioning vents. The Altima offered substantial in-cabin storage and a 436-litre trunk, with practical features like grocery bag hooks.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver comfort with adjustable seating and supportive F Sport seats in the IS 350. The interior featured NuLuxe upholstery, offering a leather-like feel without the cost. Storage was ample, with various compartments and a 305.8-litre trunk. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, though legroom was limited.

The 2020 Nissan Altima's infotainment system was nearly perfect, with an 8-inch display, physical controls, and standard features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features included a Bose audio system and NissanConnect Services, offering various plans for connected services. The system's voice recognition required specific commands, which could be improved.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Lexus's connected services. The IS offered a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system in the Ultra Luxury package, delivering exceptional sound quality. The subscription model for technology included trial periods for services like Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Remote.

The 2020 Nissan Altima came with standard safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims included pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and ProPilot Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system. The Altima received a 5-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus IS was a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS and received a 5-star NHTSA rating. It featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with advanced safety technologies like pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect.