2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Toyota Camry

The 2020 Toyota Camry had a renewed focus on quality and appeal, aiming to reclaim its status as a top contender in the sedan market. Its styling was more expressive than ever, with a bold front fascia and taut lines that gave it a sporty appearance. 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 was designed to be fashionable. Inside, the Camry used high-quality materials and a driver-focused dashboard, making even the base trims feel upscale. The top trims featured leather and wood, elevating the Camry to near-Lexus levels of luxury.

The 2021 Lexus IS made a statement with its athletic proportions and elegant design. It had a fast roofline and a distinctive kick-up of the window base, giving it a compact and sporty look. The signature spindle grille and narrow headlights added to its assertive appearance. Inside, the dash was simple yet bold, with a retro hi-fi feel. The interior matched the exterior's modern aesthetic, although the analog clock felt outdated. The IS was designed to reflect the driver's personality, offering a blend of sportiness and elegance.

The 2020 Toyota Camry offered four powertrains, including a 3.5-litre V6 with 301 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided a smooth and powerful drive, especially in the Camry XLE, but felt less exciting in the TRD model. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivered 203 horsepower (206 in XSE trim) and was paired with an eight-speed automatic, offering a lighter and more responsive driving experience. The Camry also introduced AWD, which could send up to half of the engine's torque to the rear wheels when needed. Fuel efficiency varied, with the front-drive Camry achieving 7.6 L/100 km in combined driving, while AWD models consumed 8.4 L/100 km.

The 2021 Lexus IS was developed with a focus on the "Lexus Driving Signature," ensuring a seamless transition between deceleration, steering, and acceleration. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 241 horsepower, while the AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 producing 260 horsepower. The IS 350, available only with AWD in Canada, offered 311 horsepower. The IS had a top speed of 230 km/h, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency for the IS 300 RWD was 9.5 L/100 km combined, increasing to 10.8 L/100 km with AWD.

The 2020 Toyota Camry was user-friendly, with controls that were easy to reach and operate. The front seats offered increased legroom and hip room, while the rear seats had reduced legroom and overall passenger volume. The trunk space was 428 litres, smaller than some competitors. The addition of AWD did not compromise the trunk or passenger space, thanks to modifications in the floor structure and fuel tank.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on driver comfort, with an easily adjustable driver position and supportive seats. The F Sport trim included heated and ventilated seats with NuLuxe fabric, a synthetic upholstery that was eco-friendly and easy to clean. The IS offered ample storage, including a deep trunk with 305.8 litres of space. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers but cramped for three, with legroom dependent on front-seat adjustments.

The 2020 Toyota Camry included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, along with Bluetooth and a trial of SiriusXM. The infotainment system felt dated, but the touchscreen was responsive and easy to use. The standard 7-inch screen could be upgraded to 8 inches, and higher trims offered a 10-inch head-up display. Remote Connect allowed smartphone access to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle remotely.

The 2021 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside various connected services. Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect offered trial subscriptions, while the Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was available in the Ultra Luxury package. The IS also included a CD player, appealing to audiophiles.

The 2020 Toyota Camry came with Toyota Safety Sense, including a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. A one-year trial of Safety Connect was included, with blind-spot monitoring optional. The Camry received 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 IS earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect with a three-year trial.