2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Nissan Maxima

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the brand's commitment to style and elegance. Its athletic proportions and dynamic stance made a bold statement, capturing the essence of motion even when stationary. The design featured a fast roofline that balanced between a coupe-like dome and a fastback, with a distinctive kick-up at the window base enhancing its sporty appearance. The signature spindle grille, adorned with diamond mesh, and narrow headlights contributed to its assertive look. Inside, the IS boasted a tastefully simple dashboard with a retro hi-fi vibe, aligning with the exterior's bold and modern aesthetic. However, the analog clock felt outdated amidst the contemporary design.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Maxima set a bold tone with its flagship sedan status, influencing other Nissan models with its styling elements like the "floating" roofline and "V-Motion" grille. The Maxima's steeply-angled front end and massive grille gave it an Art Deco locomotive appearance. The 40th Anniversary Edition trim, although not available in Canada, offered features like 19-inch gloss-black alloy wheels and black exterior trim. The Maxima's design was daring, setting it apart from other Nissan sedans and making a statement on the road.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan category, debuting the "Lexus Driving Signature" for a seamless driving experience. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD variant had a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 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's top speed was 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 litres per 100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima, equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 300 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and FWD. While not a "four-door sports car," the Maxima was quick and the V6 engine sounded impressive. The CVT was responsive, enhancing the driving experience. However, the Maxima's steering lacked precision, and the front end struggled with grip, leading to torque steer under heavy throttle. Despite these limitations, the Maxima was agile for a large sedan and offered a comfortable ride on highways, with a quiet cabin and active noise cancellation.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver-centred design, offering a comfortable and adjustable driver position with supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS featured NuLuxe fabric, a synthetic upholstery that mimicked leather's look and feel. Storage was ample, with various compartments and a 305.8-litre trunk. The rear seats were comfortable for two but cramped for three, with limited legroom.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima provided generous front space, with top-class headroom and legroom, but compromised rear-seat comfort. The seats were positioned inboard, affecting the sense of spaciousness. The Maxima's "Zero Gravity" front seats, designed for optimal support, offered power adjustments and were comfortable, though more thigh bolstering was desired. The Maxima's trunk space was 405 litres, the smallest in its class, with a conventional sedan trunk limiting cargo loading.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Bluetooth connectivity. Lexus Enform services offered various trial subscriptions, including Safety Connect and Service Connect. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system, available in the Ultra Luxury package, provided exceptional sound quality. However, the subscription model for navigation and other features posed future uncertainties.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima's technology showed its age, with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. A WiFi hotspot and USB ports were standard, along with an 11-speaker Bose audio system. However, the infotainment system's graphics and notification sounds were dated, and the touchscreen was difficult to navigate. Analog controls were provided, but the notification sounds were unavoidable.

The 2021 Lexus IS earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and LED lighting. The IS's braking system integrated with vehicle dynamic management for enhanced safety.

The 2021 Nissan Maxima also received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. The Maxima offered adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a driver-alertness monitor. A 360-degree camera system was available on higher trims, with a convenient dashboard button for camera views.