2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Lexus IS was a statement of elegance and athleticism, reflecting the personality of its driver. Its design was characterized by a dynamic stance and a fast roofline that balanced between a coupe-like dome and a fastback. The IS featured a distinctive spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights that gave it an assertive look. Inside, the dash was simple yet bold, with a retro hi-fi feel. The interior matched the exterior's modern aesthetic, though the analog clock felt outdated. The IS was a testament to Lexus's commitment to quality, with flawless paint, chrome, and panel gaps.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, showcased an athletic exterior with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille. It offered a range of vibrant paint colours and two-tone options for the SR trim. The Sentra's design included a bulging hood, fast roofline, and muscular wheel arches, giving it an agile appearance. Inside, the Sentra featured a layered dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen on SV and SR trims. The interior was practical, with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and spacious second-row seating. The Sentra's trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40 split for larger items.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan category, featuring the "Lexus Driving Signature" for precise handling. The IS 300 RWD had a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 241 horsepower, while the AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 producing 260 hp. The IS 350 AWD offered 311 hp. RWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, and AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS reached a top speed of 230 km/h, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 6.9 to 5.6 seconds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD rated at 11.0 L/100 km city and 7.6 highway.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine with 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. It came with FWD and an Xtronic CVT, with manual transmission options in Canada. Weighing between 1,349 and 1,411 kg, the Sentra offered adequate performance for city driving. Fuel consumption was 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for S and SV models, with slightly higher figures for the SR. The Sentra's driving experience was enhanced by its independent suspension and dual-pinion electric steering, providing tidy road manners and cornering.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a driver-centred experience with adjustable seating and supportive F Sport seats in the IS 350. It featured NuLuxe upholstery, ample storage, and a 305.8-litre trunk. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, with limited legroom for three.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra had a well-organized interior with a traditional gear selector, open cupholders, and spacious storage. It included USB ports and a 12-volt outlet, with big door pockets for water bottles. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long drives, with heated seats standard. The SR Premium grade offered a power-adjustable driver's seat and a moonroof.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It included Lexus Enform services with trial subscriptions and a Mark Levinson audio system in the Ultra Luxury package. The system featured a CD player, appealing to audiophiles.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra offered a standard audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The S trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, while SV and SR had an 8-inch screen. The SR Premium offered a Bose system. Navigation was not available, but smartphone connectivity provided access to apps.

The 2021 Lexus IS was a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS and received a five-star NHTSA rating. It included Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 with features like pre-collision detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The IS had a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, and LED lighting.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra had a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS. It featured Nissan's advanced airbag system, tire pressure monitoring, and Safety Shield 360 with collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The SR Premium included a 360-degree camera system.