2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the introduction of the ES 250, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 and front-wheel drive. The ES 300h hybrid variant offered improved fuel efficiency at a premium. Lexus made blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on most trims, and introduced a limited-production Black Line Edition of the ES 350. The ES's design, with its dramatic grille and sleek lines, was complemented by the F Sport trim's sporty enhancements, making it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish sedan.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, as Nissan's flagship sedan, showcased bold styling with its "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille, setting a design precedent for other Nissan models. The Maxima's distinctive look, reminiscent of an Art Deco locomotive, was further enhanced by the 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada. The Maxima's design emphasized a sporty aesthetic, appealing to those who appreciated a more aggressive appearance in their sedan.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a fuel efficiency rating of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The ES 350 Black Line Edition provided a dynamic driving experience, with firm ride quality and flat cornering stance, though it was not an outright sports sedan.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima offered a satisfying driving experience with its responsive V6 engine and agile handling. However, the steering lacked precision, and the front end was prone to torque steer. Despite these limitations, the Maxima excelled in highway cruising, with a quiet cabin and comfortable ride, making it a solid choice for long-distance travel.

The 2021 Lexus ES boasted a daring interior layout with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats provided ample foot and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. Storage was plentiful, though oddly configured, and the trunk offered 394 litres of space. The ES's interior was both stylish and functional, with excellent outward visibility and quality materials throughout.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima prioritized front-seat space, offering generous headroom and legroom, but at the expense of rear-seat passengers. The cabin design focused on the driver, with excellent road visibility and Nissan's "Zero Gravity" front seats providing comfort and support. However, the centre console felt cramped, and some controls were awkwardly positioned. The Maxima's trunk offered 405 litres of cargo space, the least among its competitors, but still adequate for most needs.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a challenging touchpad interface, but its dynamic voice command technology and separate climate and stereo controls offered some relief. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display, while not a touchscreen, provided a visually appealing experience. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker premium sound system, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system for audiophiles.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's infotainment system, while feature-rich, showed its age with dated graphics and small icons. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 11-speaker Bose audio system. The system's usability was hindered by confusing notification sounds, but analog controls provided some respite. A built-in WiFi hotspot and USB ports were also standard, enhancing connectivity options.

The 2021 Lexus ES came equipped with Lexus Safety System 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Maxima lacked the ProPilot Assist system found in other Nissan models, but its comprehensive safety suite provided ample protection.