2021 Nissan Altima vs 2021 Lexus IS

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the art of automotive design, reflecting a dynamic and athletic persona. Its sleek silhouette, characterized by a fast roofline and a distinctive kick-up at the window base, gave it a sporty and compact appearance. The signature spindle grille, adorned with diamond mesh, and narrow headlights contributed to its assertive stance. Inside, the Lexus IS boasted a tastefully simple dashboard with a retro hi-fi feel, aligning with its bold exterior. However, the analog clock seemed outdated amidst the modern aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Altima showcased a strong family identity with its bold V-Motion grille and sleek, aerodynamic profile. The Altima's design leaned towards a more traditional look, with a short dash-to-axle distance and a mildly ungainly stance. Despite this, modern features like LED lighting and alloy wheels kept it contemporary. The interior was intelligently laid out, with an uncluttered dashboard and an 8-inch touchscreen display. As one moved up the trim levels, the materials improved, offering a more premium feel.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan category, featuring the "Lexus Driving Signature" for a seamless driving experience. The IS 300 RWD was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The AWD variant had a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350, available only with AWD in Canada, offered 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The IS boasted a top speed of 230 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD consuming 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2021 Nissan Altima, available in Canada with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT. The Altima stood out by offering AWD as standard, with a front-wheel bias capable of sending up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels. Fuel consumption for the base model was rated at 9.1 L/100 km city and 6.5 highway. The Altima featured a four-wheel independent suspension and electric-powered steering, providing decent feedback and feel.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a driver-centred experience with a comfortable and supportive seat, especially in the F Sport trim. The interior featured synthetic NuLuxe upholstery, known for its eco-friendliness and ease of maintenance. Storage was ample, with various compartments and a trunk capacity of 305.8 litres. The rear seats were comfortable for two adults, though a bit cramped for three.

The 2021 Nissan Altima was praised for its Zero Gravity front seats, providing comfort on long drives. The front cabin was equipped with numerous storage options, including a large glovebox and centre console bin. The rear seats offered generous headroom and legroom, with a 60/40 split for trunk access. The trunk itself could accommodate up to 436 litres of cargo.

The 2021 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It included various connected services with trial periods, such as Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect. A notable tech option was the Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system, available in the Ultra Luxury package. However, the subscription model for navigation services posed potential future costs.

The 2021 Nissan Altima came standard with an 8-inch NissanConnect touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included features like keyless entry, remote engine start, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a Bose audio system and Nissan Door to Door Navigation. NissanConnect Services provided a range of features, including a WiFi hotspot and emergency crash notification.

The 2021 Lexus IS was recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering features like a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and a backup camera.

The 2021 Nissan Altima also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot warning. The Platinum grade offered ProPilot Assist for highway driving assistance and an Intelligent Around View Monitor for easier parking.