2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

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. The ES lineup included various packages, such as Standard, Luxury, and F Sport, with the Black Line Edition debuting as a limited-production model. The ES's design was characterized by its dramatic grille and sleek, artfully detailed exterior, with the F Sport trim adding sporty elements like 19-inch alloy wheels and unique styling details. Inside, the ES boasted a striking black and white interior with quality materials, offering a luxurious experience.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, presented an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. Available in six exterior colours, the Sentra's design was further enhanced by two-tone paint options for the SR trim. The interior featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on SV and SR trims, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel added a sporty touch. The Sentra's second row was spacious, though best suited for two passengers, and the trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space. The Sentra's design and features made it a practical and stylish choice for compact sedan buyers.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered driving modes including Normal, Eco, and Sport, 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 Sentra featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It came with front-wheel drive and an Xtronic CVT, with manual transmission options available in Canada. The Sentra's fuel consumption was 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres city/6.0 highway/7.1 combined for S and SV models. The Sentra's driving experience was enhanced by its independent suspension and dual-pinion electric steering, offering tidy road manners and cornering. While not fast, the Sentra's performance was adequate for commuting and city driving.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring interior layout with sport-bolstered front seats featuring 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat provided good foot and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. Storage was plentiful, though oddly configured, and the trunk measured 394 litres. The ES's interior was characterized by quality materials and a dramatic design, providing a luxurious experience for passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was well-organized, with features like an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and traditional gear selector lever. The Sentra offered ample storage, including big door pockets and a roomy glove compartment. The Zero Gravity front bucket seats provided comfort on long rides, with heated front seats standard. The Sentra's interior was practical and comfortable, making it suitable for long journeys.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required attention to operate, though dynamic voice command technology offered an alternative. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display was visually impressive, and the ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A 10-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a standard audio system featuring AM/FM/USB with four speakers, upgraded to six speakers and SiriusXM in SV and SR trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, with an 8-inch touchscreen on SV and SR trims. The Sentra's infotainment system was user-friendly, though navigation was not available.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, featuring 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.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a comprehensive safety package, including Nissan's advanced airbag system, tire pressure monitoring, and driver assistance features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. The Sentra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.