2022 Lexus IS vs 2023 Nissan Altima

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, maintaining the essence of a powerful, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan. It featured a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine, delivering 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This model was priced at $72,900 Canadian, with a $2,145 destination charge. The IS 500 F Sport Performance was praised for its thrilling driving experience, offering a balance of excitement and comfort. Its exterior styling was subtle, with minor trim modifications and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, while the interior was similar to the IS 350 F Sport, providing a comfortable and quality space for four passengers.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Altima aimed to continue its legacy in the family car segment with updated front styling and new wheel designs. The Altima was available in four trims in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. However, the variable-compression turbocharged engine was exclusive to the U.S. market. The Altima's interior was practical, with a logical layout and comfortable Zero Gravity seats, though it was marred by hard plastic surfaces. The Altima's ride was firm, and it struggled with noise on rough roads. Despite these drawbacks, the Altima offered a spacious interior with good rear seat comfort and a trunk capacity of 437 litres.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 engine, producing 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive sedan featured an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. The IS 500 could accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, thanks to its adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper. Despite its weight, the IS 500 provided a thrilling driving experience, with excellent handling and an intoxicating engine note. However, it was not particularly fuel-efficient, averaging 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2023 Nissan Altima, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and featured standard all-wheel drive. The Altima's performance was adequate, with torque arriving at 3,600 rpm. The CVT was programmed to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, and the SR Premium trim included paddle shifters for added engagement. The Altima's fuel economy was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 6.7 on the highway. While the Altima offered commendable grip and flat cornering, its steering was lifeless, and the brakes were prone to heating up under certain conditions.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance offered a comfortable interior with effective climate control and seat ventilation systems. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, providing excellent support and a good driving position. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, but the car lacked smartphone charging for rear passengers. Storage was limited, with a small trunk capacity of 305 litres. The control layout was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs clearly marked.

The 2023 Nissan Altima featured a practical interior with a logical control layout and comfortable Zero Gravity seats. The test vehicle included dual-zone automatic climate control, a power sunroof, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, making entry and exit challenging. Rear seat comfort was good, with ample legroom and headroom. Interior storage was reasonable, but the trunk, measuring 437 litres, was smaller than some competitors. The floor mats were difficult to release, posing a potential safety hazard.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Premium model added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The dynamic voice command system was praised for its accuracy and ease of use.

The 2023 Nissan Altima offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SR Premium and Platinum trims featured a new 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and a wireless charging pad. The Bose nine-speaker audio system was available on higher trims, though its performance varied. The new infotainment system was a significant improvement, with a better user interface and graphics.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a range of driver assistance technologies such as forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The IS received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned a four-star rating for frontal-impact safety.

The 2023 Nissan Altima came with the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist was available on higher trims, providing adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. The Altima received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though it received a Poor rating in the updated side-impact test.