2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of segment-defining models that Honda released every decade or so. With its 10th-generation design, the Civic sedan offered a mix of love-it-or-hate-it styling that had become familiar on North American roads. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, presented a striking appearance, though opinions varied depending on the angle and lighting. Inside, the Civic's cabin, while not as dramatic as when first introduced, still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing. However, the infotainment screen size of 7 inches showed its age, despite the car's role as a trend-setter.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance arrived with a more understated yet powerful presence. Its exterior styling remained similar to lesser IS models, with subtle modifications like a raised hood and quad exhaust outlets. The car's interior was snug but comfortable, with bolstered seats providing excellent support. The IS 500's cabin was equipped with a wide touchscreen display, making controls easy to find and use. Despite its compact size, the IS 500 offered a comfortable ride, thanks to its adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper. The car's design emphasized a balance between performance and comfort, appealing to those seeking a refined yet thrilling driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine producing 174 horsepower. The latter, standard with the Touring trim, provided a more spirited driving experience with 162 lb-ft of torque available from 1,700 to 5,500 rpm. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and steering contributed to its composed and gratifying ride, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch alloy wheels. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, with its droning nature and ineffective paddle shifters. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a 225-kilometre loop.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, on the other hand, boasted a 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a limited-slip differential enhancing its rear-wheel-drive dynamics. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable yet stable ride, while its brakes withstood high temperatures. The car's driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, allowed for tailored performance, with a claimed 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, despite its low seating position, offered a roomy interior comparable to a decade-old midsize car. The front seats provided eight-way power adjustment for the driver, while the rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, though lacking rear air conditioning vents. The centre console offered ample storage, and the trunk provided 428 litres of space, reduced to 416 litres in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 featured a climate control system that effectively maintained cabin comfort in hot weather, with seat ventilation and heating options. The front seats were snug yet supportive, while the rear seats offered adequate space for average-height adults. However, the car's trunk was smaller, measuring just 305 litres. The IS 500's control layout was praised for its clarity and ease of use, with a touchscreen infotainment system enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was beginning to show its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. The Touring trim offered a 7-inch touchscreen, a 10-speaker audio system, and navigation, though the voice recognition system was unsophisticated. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, providing a more familiar interface for users.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500, however, benefited from a touchscreen infotainment display introduced in 2021, addressing previous ergonomic issues. The system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The dynamic voice command system was particularly impressive, handling queries accurately and efficiently. The IS 500's technology package offered a more satisfying and intuitive user experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. However, the LaneWatch system, which monitored the right lane, had limitations and did not offer a traditional blind-spot warning system. Despite these drawbacks, the Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot monitoring. While some functions were helpful, others could be irritating, such as the low-speed automatic braking in city traffic. The IS received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it earned a four-star frontal-impact collision rating.