2021 Nissan Sentra vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Nissan Sentra, in its eighth generation, had evolved from its origins as a sub-compact sedan in 1982 to a compact four-door sedan by 2000. Its exterior boasted an athletic design with crisp lines and a bold V-Motion grille, complemented by expressive headlights. Available in six vibrant colours, the Sentra offered a sporty appearance with options for two-tone paint schemes. Inside, the Sentra featured a spacious dash with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, textured plastics, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The rear seats were roomy, though best for two passengers, and the trunk offered 404 litres of cargo space.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original IS F with a powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine. Its exterior maintained a subtle yet aggressive look with a raised hood and quad exhaust outlets. The car rode on exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, offering a stealthy appearance. Inside, the IS 500 shared its interior with the IS 350 F Sport, featuring quality materials and a comfortable layout. The infotainment system was upgraded to a touchscreen, enhancing usability, though the touchpad remained. The trunk space was limited to 305 litres, but the overall design prioritized driver engagement and comfort.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra was equipped with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. It featured front-wheel drive with an Xtronic CVT, offering adequate performance for city driving. The Sentra's lightweight design contributed to its fuel efficiency, with consumption rates of 8.0 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway for S and SV models. The suspension and steering provided a balanced driving experience, making it suitable for everyday use.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine, delivering 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This rear-wheel-drive sedan featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. It offered multiple driving modes, including Sport S and Sport+, enhancing its dynamic capabilities. The IS 500 accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and featured adaptive variable suspension for improved ride quality. Despite its power, the IS 500's fuel efficiency was lower, averaging 13.3 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra's interior was designed for practicality, with well-placed features and traditional controls. It included USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and ample storage options. The Zero Gravity front seats provided comfort for long journeys, and heated seats were standard. The SR Premium grade offered additional features like a power-adjustable driver's seat and a moonroof.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 prioritized comfort with effective climate control and seat ventilation. The front seats were supportive, while the rear seats accommodated average-height adults. Storage was adequate, though the touchpad controller occupied space. The trunk was smaller compared to competitors, but the control layout was intuitive, with clear markings and a touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra featured a standard audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SV and SR trims included an 8-inch touchscreen, while the SR Premium offered a Bose audio system. Navigation was not available, but smartphone integration provided access to apps and maps.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 boasted a touchscreen infotainment system with dynamic voice command. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality.

The 2021 Nissan Sentra came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including multiple airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and Nissan Safety Shield 360. It received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from IIHS.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering advanced driver assistance technologies. While some features were occasionally intrusive, the system generally performed well. The IS received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA.