2021 Lexus ES vs 2020 Toyota Camry

The 2020 Toyota Camry had a renewed focus on quality and appeal, aiming to reclaim its reputation for reliability and value. Its styling was more expressive than ever, with a bold front fascia and taut lines that gave it a sporty edge. The design borrowed cues from BMW, with a character line across the doors and an upturned kink of the C-pillar. With 13 exterior colour options, including a black roof, the Camry aimed to be fashionable. Inside, the materials were uniformly nice, and the driver-focused dashboard design elevated even the base trims. The Camry's top trims featured leather and wood, suggesting a level of luxury akin to an entry-level Lexus, though it remained a mainstream sedan with a starting price of $26,620.

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the new ES 250, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and standard AWD, alongside the ES 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 and FWD. The ES 300h hybrid offered improved fuel efficiency. The ES 350 Black Line Edition debuted with unique styling elements and a limited production run of 1,500 units. The ES's design was dramatic, with a striking grille and appealing F Sport trim. Inside, the black and white interior provided a striking contrast, and the quality materials and high design reinforced its Lexus identity. Despite sharing a platform with the Toyota Avalon, the ES maintained its luxury status.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered four powertrains: a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with FWD or AWD, a 3.5-litre V6 with FWD, and a hybrid. The 3.5-litre V6 produced 301 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a smooth and powerful drive. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder delivered 203 hp (206 in XSE trim) and was lighter, enhancing steering feel. AWD was available, sending up to half of the engine's 184 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels when needed. Fuel consumption for the FWD Camry was 7.6 L/100 km, increasing to 8.4 L/100 km with AWD. V6 models managed 9.0 L/100 km, with slight variations for different trims.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a fuel efficiency rating of 9.4 L/100 km. The ES 350 Black Line Edition felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, though it lacked a torque-vectoring AWD system. The ES 350's firm ride quality, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism were impressive, though it remained a sporty sedan rather than a sports sedan.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was user-friendly, with most controls easily accessible. The centre console housed a shifter, cupholders, a cell phone tray, and a storage bin. Front legroom and hip room increased, but rear legroom and overall passenger volume decreased, leaving the Camry with a tighter backseat and smaller trunk than competitors. The trunk offered 428 litres of cargo space, equivalent to a Honda Civic. AWD did not compromise trunk or passenger space, though it required structural modifications.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a daring interior layout, with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided comfort, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom. The trunk measured 394 litres, slightly more than a Toyota Corolla. Storage was plentiful but oddly configured, with nooks and crannies rather than wide trays. The wireless smartphone charger was tucked under the centre armrest, and the hands-free power trunk was convenient.

The 2020 Toyota Camry added Android Auto compatibility, joining Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The standard infotainment system felt dated, but the touchscreen was functional and responsive. The standard 7-inch screen could be upgraded to 8 inches, and higher trims featured a 7-inch multi-information display and an optional 10-inch HUD. Remote Connect allowed smartphone-based locking, unlocking, and remote start.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a challenging touchpad interface, but dynamic voice command technology was excellent. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display was impressive, though not a touchscreen. All trims included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a CD player. The 12.3-inch display added dynamic navigation and Destination Assist. A 10-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2020 Toyota Camry included Toyota Safety Sense, with features like a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Safety Connect was available, and blind-spot monitoring was optional. The Camry earned a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. A recall for leaking engine coolant affected some models.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured Lexus Safety System 2.0, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. The ADAS proved effective, though lane-centring technology occasionally struggled.