2022 Lexus ES vs 2022 Nissan Sentra

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup since its debut in 1990, had evolved over seven generations by 2022. Despite a decline in sales, it remained a popular choice among an older demographic. Lexus faced the challenge of attracting younger buyers without alienating its loyal customer base. The ES, built on the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, shared its foundation with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. It featured a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, with an option for all-wheel drive. The ES boasted elegant proportions, a sleek roofline, and the distinctive Lexus "spindle" grille. Inside, the dashboard had an asymmetrical design, and the F Sport package added sporty two-tone leather seating. However, the analog chronometer on the dash seemed outdated.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra, redesigned in 2020, carried over its modern, coupe-like exterior into 2022. It resembled a downsized Altima and was a significant improvement over previous models. The Sentra's design language was well-executed, and it was available in bold colours like blue, burnt orange, and "Scarlett Ember." The interior was a highlight, with a modern yet simple layout that balanced form and function. The Sentra offered trims like S, SV, and SR, each with varying features. The SR trim, in particular, added sporty elements like 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights. Special editions, such as the Midnight Edition package, added dark accents and unique badging.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It achieved a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds and had a top speed of 210 km/h. The ES 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 hp. It excelled in fuel efficiency, with ratings of 5.5 L/100 km city, 5.2 hwy, and 5.3 combined. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt slow for a luxury sedan, and the V6 in the ES 350 offered a more engaging drive.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque. It came with a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive as standard, with a CVT option. The CVT managed power well, providing solid low-end acceleration and satisfactory highway performance. The Sentra's steering was well-weighted, and it handled corners sharply. The suspension absorbed most road imperfections, making it suitable for commuting and road trips. While not outstanding in any particular area, the Sentra offered consistent performance across different driving conditions.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered 394 litres of cargo space, with a pass-through for long items and fold-flat rear seats for additional storage. Its lower centre of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to SUVs. Inside, the ES featured heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a moonroof. The interior had ample storage, including big bottle pockets and a spacious glove compartment. The dashboard layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra provided 404 litres of trunk space, expandable with a 60/40 split-fold rear bench. However, the rear bench created a ledge, making it challenging to slide larger items. The Sentra's trunk could be remotely opened via the key fob or a button on the dash. Inside, the Sentra offered spacious seating with ample headroom and legroom in both rows. The front row had large in-door cargo trays and bottle holders, while the centre console featured cupholders and trays for storage.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES used a touchpad interface, which was challenging to use on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available on upper trims, enhancing safety by displaying critical information in the driver's line of sight. The ES also featured a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist with auto braking.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with an 8-inch screen on SV and SR trims. The system had easy-to-follow menu navigation, conventional hard buttons, and volume and tuning dials. However, the graphics needed updating, and it lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sentra's infotainment system was user-friendly, but it missed some features found in competitors like the Honda Civic.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, featuring a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. The ES also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency services and maintenance notifications for up to 10 years.

The 2022 Nissan Sentra offered a comprehensive list of standard driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating from the IIHS. The Sentra's adaptive cruise control had three distance settings, but braking was abrupt when reaching the virtual boundary. Despite lower headlight ratings, the Sentra received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.