2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2021 Lexus IS was a statement of athletic elegance, with its sleek design and assertive stance. Its exterior was marked by a fast roofline and a distinctive kick-up of the window base, giving it a sporty and compact appearance. The signature spindle grille, filled with diamond mesh, and narrow headlights added to its assertive look. Inside, the IS featured a tastefully simple dash with a retro hi-fi feel, matching the bold and modern exterior. However, the analog clock seemed outdated amidst the modern design elements.

In contrast, the 2022 Nissan Sentra carried over its 2020 redesign, presenting a low-slung, coupe-like exterior reminiscent of a downsized Altima. It was a significant improvement over previous models, showcasing Nissan's current design language. The Sentra offered a variety of bold colour options, enhancing its modern appeal. Inside, the Sentra excelled with a modern yet simple layout, combining form and function. The front cabin featured a touchscreen as the visual centrepiece, complemented by easy-to-use controls and an upscale look.

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 engine with 241 horsepower, while the AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 producing 260 hp. The IS 350, available only in AWD in Canada, offered 311 hp. The IS boasted a top speed of 230 km/h, with acceleration from 0-60 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 Sentra, equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. It offered a six-speed manual transmission in Canada, with a CVT available. The Sentra's performance was consistent, providing solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. Its steering was well-weighted, and cornering was sharp, making it suitable for commuting and road trips. The suspension handled most road conditions well, though it struggled with harsher bumps.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver-centred design, offering a comfortable and adjustable driver position with supportive seats. The F Sport trim included heated and ventilated seats with NuLuxe fabric, a synthetic upholstery that mimicked leather. Storage was ample, with various compartments and a 305.8-litre trunk. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, though legroom was limited.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, surpassing many small sedans. The 60/40 split-fold rear bench allowed for expanded cargo space, though the ledge created by the bench could hinder loading larger items. The Sentra's seating was spacious, with comfortable front seats offering ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats provided decent legroom and headroom, with additional storage in the front row's large in-door trays and bottle holders.

The 2021 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside various connected services. Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect offered trial subscriptions, while the Mark Levinson audio system provided premium sound quality. However, the subscription model for navigation and other features could be a drawback.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch version available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with easy menu navigation and conventional hard buttons. The system lacked wireless connectivity and had outdated graphics, but it was functional and user-friendly.

The 2021 Lexus IS earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features such as pre-collision systems, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The IS also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra was equipped with standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. It received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS, earning a "Top Safety Pick" award. The Sentra's adaptive cruise control was effective, though its braking could be abrupt.