2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the legacy of its predecessors by offering a design that was both familiar and polarizing. Over the years, Honda had introduced segment-defining models, and the 10th-generation Civic was no exception. It was available in various formats, including the sedan, hatchback, and the performance-oriented Type R. The 2021 model year saw the discontinuation of the two-door coupe and a temporary hiatus for the Civic Si. The Civic sedan, available in LX, EX, Sport, and Touring trims, offered a spacious interior akin to a midsize car from a decade ago. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, presented a striking appearance, though opinions on its styling varied. Inside, the Civic's cabin featured quality materials and an adventurous design, though the infotainment screen size was modest by modern standards.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES offered a more luxurious and refined experience. The lineup expanded to include the new ES 250 with a 2.5-litre engine and AWD, alongside the ES 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 and FWD. The ES 300h hybrid variant provided improved fuel efficiency. The ES 350 Black Line Edition, with its unique styling elements and limited production, stood out in the lineup. The interior of the ES was characterized by its dramatic design, high-quality materials, and comfortable seating. The F Sport trim added sporty touches, while the Black Line Edition featured exclusive black and white interior accents. Despite its daring design, the ES maintained practicality, with ample rear-seat space and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between two engines. The base models, including the LX, EX, and Sport trims, were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. However, the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, standard on the Touring trim, delivered 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. The Civic's handling was commendable, with a sophisticated suspension system and responsive steering. Despite the CVT's drawbacks, such as droning and a lack of refinement, the Civic excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an average of 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350, on the other hand, featured a robust 3.5-litre V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission delivered power to the front wheels, with driving modes including Normal, Eco, and Sport. The adaptive damping suspension, available on the F Sport and Black Line Edition, added Sport+ and Custom modes. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, and during testing, it averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The ES 350's performance was characterized by its unexpected competence and driving enjoyment, particularly in Sport modes, though it remained a sporty sedan rather than a full-fledged sports sedan.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan offered a spacious interior, with seating that sat low to the ground. While the front seats provided comfort and adjustability, the rear lacked air conditioning vents, which could be uncomfortable on hot days. The Civic's centre console was highly practical, offering ample storage space. The trunk, measuring 428 litres, was generous for its class, though the Touring trim's premium sound system reduced it to 416 litres.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES provided a more luxurious interior experience. The ES 350 F Sport and Black Line Edition featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, rear air conditioning vents, and an available power rear window sunshade. The trunk, at 394 litres, was modest in size, but the hands-free power trunk added convenience. The ES's interior design was daring yet practical, with excellent visibility and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology offerings showed their age. Standard features included a 5-inch LCD screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and HondaLink services. The Touring trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation. However, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system, while nice, was not a significant improvement over the standard setup.

The 2021 Lexus ES, on the other hand, featured a more advanced technology suite. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display was impressive, though it lacked touchscreen functionality. The ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The dynamic voice command technology was excellent, allowing drivers to bypass the touchpad. The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system provided a high-end audio experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the LaneWatch system, which used a camera for blind-spot monitoring, had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured Lexus Safety System 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers.