Nissan altima vs lexus es 350: a comprehensive comparison for discerning drivers

When it comes to midsize sedans, the Nissan Altima and Lexus ES 350 are two of the most popular options on the market. Both cars offer a comfortable ride, spacious interiors, and a variety of features. But which one is the better choice for you?

Key Differences

To help you make a decision, here’s a comparison of the key differences between the Nissan Altima and Lexus ES 350:

• Price: The Nissan Altima is more affordable than the Lexus ES 350, with a starting price of $24,550 compared to $44,850.
• Fuel Economy: The Nissan Altima gets better gas mileage than the Lexus ES 350, with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway compared to 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
• Performance: The Lexus ES 350 has a more powerful engine than the Nissan Altima, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 302 horsepower compared to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower.
• Interior: The Lexus ES 350 has a more luxurious interior than the Nissan Altima, with features like leather seats, a sunroof, and a premium audio system.
• Technology: The Lexus ES 350 comes with more standard technology features than the Nissan Altima, including a navigation system, a rearview camera, and a blind-spot monitoring system.
• Safety: The Lexus ES 350 has a higher safety rating than the Nissan Altima, with a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) compared to a four-star overall safety rating.

Which Car is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best way to decide which car is right for you is to test drive both the Nissan Altima and Lexus ES 350. This will give you a chance to experience the differences between the two cars firsthand and make an informed decision.

If you’re looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient sedan with a spacious interior, the Nissan Altima is a great option. If you’re looking for a more luxurious, powerful sedan with a higher safety rating, the Lexus ES 350 is a better choice.

Nissan Altima Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable
• Fuel-efficient
• Spacious interior
• Comfortable ride

Cons:

• Less powerful engine
• Fewer standard features
• Lower safety rating

Lexus ES 350 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Luxurious interior
• Powerful engine
• Higher safety rating
• More standard features

Cons:

• More expensive
• Less fuel-efficient
• Smaller interior

Performance Comparison

The Nissan Altima and Lexus ES 350 have very different performance capabilities. The Altima is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 188 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The ES 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of acceleration, the ES 350 is significantly faster than the Altima. The ES 350 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, while the Altima takes 8.3 seconds.

The ES 350 also has a higher top speed than the Altima. The ES 350 has a top speed of 130 mph, while the Altima has a top speed of 115 mph.

Fuel Economy Comparison

The Nissan Altima gets better gas mileage than the Lexus ES 350. The Altima gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, while the ES 350 gets 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

This means that the Altima will save you money on gas in the long run. If you drive 15,000 miles per year, you will spend about $1,000 less on gas with the Altima than with the ES 350.

Interior Comparison

The Lexus ES 350 has a more luxurious interior than the Nissan Altima. The ES 350 comes standard with leather seats, a sunroof, and a premium audio system. The Altima does not offer these features as standard equipment.

The ES 350 also has a more spacious interior than the Altima. The ES 350 has 39.2 inches of legroom in the front and 37.2 inches of legroom in the rear. The Altima has 38.3 inches of legroom in the front and 36.1 inches of legroom in the rear.

Technology Comparison

The Lexus ES 350 comes with more standard technology features than the Nissan Altima. The ES 350 comes standard with a navigation system, a rearview camera, and a blind-spot monitoring system. The Altima does not offer these features as standard equipment.

The ES 350 also has a more advanced infotainment system than the Altima. The ES 350’s infotainment system includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Altima’s infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Safety Comparison

The Lexus ES 350 has a higher safety rating than the Nissan Altima. The ES 350 has a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Altima has a four-star overall safety rating.

The ES 350 also has a higher safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The ES 350 has a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, while the Altima has a Top Safety Pick rating.

Summary

The Nissan Altima and Lexus ES 350 are both excellent midsize sedans. However, they have very different strengths and weaknesses. The Altima is more affordable, fuel-efficient, and spacious. The ES 350 is more luxurious, powerful, and safe.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which car is right for you is to test drive both the Nissan Altima and Lexus ES 350. This will give you a chance to experience the differences between the two cars firsthand and make an informed decision.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. Which car is more reliable?

The Lexus ES 350 is generally considered to be more reliable than the Nissan Altima. JD Power gives the ES 350 a reliability rating of 83 out of 100, while the Altima gets a reliability rating of 77 out of 100.

2. Which car has a better resale value?

The Lexus ES 350 has a better resale value than the Nissan Altima. According to Kelley Blue Book, the ES 350 retains 58% of its value after five years, while the Altima retains 48% of its value after five years.

3. Which car is better for families?

The Nissan Altima is a better choice for families than the Lexus ES 350. The Altima has a more spacious interior and more standard safety features than the ES 350.