2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Nissan Altima

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the brand's commitment to elegance and sportiness. Its design was a blend of athletic proportions and a stance that suggested motion even when stationary. The fast roofline and the distinctive kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added to its sporty appeal. The signature spindle grille, filled with diamond mesh, and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive look. Inside, the dash was simple yet stylish, with a retro hi-fi feel. The interior matched the exterior's boldness, though the analog clock felt outdated amidst the modern design.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Altima continued its evolution from its bland beginnings to a sharper, sportier look. Available in three trims in Canada, the Altima featured Nissan's V-Motion grille and a low, wide stance. The SR Midnight Edition, with its gloss black accents and 19-inch wheels, added a compelling edge to the Altima's sporty appearance. Inside, the Altima offered comfortable Zero Gravity front seats and a well-laid-out instrument panel. However, the quality of materials varied across trims, with higher trims offering a more premium feel.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for performance, with a focus on the "Lexus Driving Signature" for a seamless driving experience. The IS 300 RWD featured 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, with the same V6, was tuned to deliver 311 hp. The IS offered 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 2022 Nissan Altima, with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, produced 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. While the engine's performance was modest, the Altima's AWD and Xtronic CVT provided a smooth ride. The SR trim included paddle shifters, though they seemed unnecessary for a midsize sedan. Despite the engine noise during acceleration, the Altima impressed with its quiet cabin and refined road manners, thanks to Nissan's Active Ride Control.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a driver-centred experience with adjustable seating and supportive seats, especially in the F Sport trim. The interior featured ample storage, including a deep trunk with 305.8 litres of space. The rear seats were comfortable for two but cramped for three, typical for a compact sedan.

The 2022 Nissan Altima, as a midsize sedan, provided comfortable seating for four, with a spacious trunk offering 437 litres of space. Its dimensions placed it in the middle of its competitors, neither excelling nor lagging in passenger space or weight. However, the high rear shelf and sloping roofline compromised rear visibility. The trunk's metal bar supports required careful packing to avoid crushing items.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It included Lexus Enform services with trial subscriptions and offered a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system in the Ultra Luxury package. The subscription model for navigation and connected services had limitations, with some features available only for the first three years.

The 2022 Nissan Altima featured a 7-inch advanced drive-assist display and an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered navigation, remote engine start, and a Bose audio system. The Altima's tech included ProPilot Assist, providing driver assistance with acceleration, steering, and braking. The system worked seamlessly, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus IS earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a range of safety features, including pre-collision systems, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The IS also featured blind-spot monitoring and a backup camera with dynamic gridlines.

The 2022 Nissan Altima was equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind spot monitoring. The NHTSA awarded the FWD version five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick+ designation. The Altima's headlights received an "Acceptable" rating, and its child-seat anchors were rated "Good+".