2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the introduction of the ES 250, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 and front-wheel drive. The ES 300h hybrid variant offered improved fuel efficiency at a premium. The ES lineup included various packages, such as Standard, Luxury, and F Sport, with the Black Line Edition adding unique styling elements. The ES's design was characterized by its dramatic grille and sleek, artful detailing, with the F Sport trim enhancing its appeal with larger wheels and sporty accents. Inside, the ES boasted a striking black and white interior, high-quality materials, and a dramatic cabin design, offering a luxurious experience.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture the remaining hatchback market share with its redesigned model, produced in North America. It was available in LX, Sport, and Sport Touring trims, with pricing ranging from $28,000 to $35,000. The Civic hatchback shared design elements with the sedan but featured unique styling from the front doors to the rear. The interior offered a modern appearance with digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, while the Sport Touring trim added premium features like a 9-inch touchscreen and a Bose audio system. Despite some design quirks, the Civic hatchback provided a comfortable and functional interior, making it a practical choice for consumers.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. 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 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Black Line Edition provided a sporty driving experience, though it was not a true sports sedan. The ES 350's firm ride quality, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism were impressive for a car known for comfort.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered a choice of engines, with the Sport and Sport Touring trims featuring a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The Civic hatchback was front-wheel drive, with a choice of a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission. The CVT worked well with the turbo engine, while the manual transmission provided an engaging driving experience. The Civic hatchback delivered a satisfying balance of performance and comfort, with firm suspension tuning and responsive steering. It achieved fuel efficiency ratings of 7.1 litres per 100 kilometres with the CVT and 7.5 L/100 km with the manual transmission.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a daring interior layout with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats provided ample legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. The trunk offered 394 litres of space, with a hands-free power trunk available. The ES's interior design was characterized by high-quality materials and a dramatic cabin design, providing a luxurious experience for passengers.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback prioritized function with a generous 693-litre trunk and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The interior offered comfortable seating positions, though the front passenger seat lacked a height adjuster. The driver enjoyed an eight-way power-adjustable seat, with heated front seats standard in Canada. The Sport Touring trim added heated outboard rear seats and black leather upholstery. The Civic hatchback's interior was designed for practicality, with thoughtful features like a dual-zone climate control system and smartphone charging ports.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad-controlled infotainment system, which required attention to operate. However, it offered separate climate and stereo controls, dynamic voice command technology, and an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display. The ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker premium sound system, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The infotainment system's design was a mix of advanced features and usability challenges.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback introduced a new infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen in LX and Sport trims, while the Sport Touring trim featured a 9-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Civic's system included physical knobs for sound controls and a shelf for hand stability. The Sport Touring trim added a Bose audio system and navigation. The Civic's infotainment system was a significant improvement over previous models, offering user-friendly features and effective voice recognition.

The 2021 Lexus ES came equipped with Lexus Safety System 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. 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 a high level of safety for occupants.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured the Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features included low-speed following and Traffic Jam Assist, available with the CVT. The Civic hatchback earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety features and next-generation engineering. The driver aids worked well, though some functions were occasionally too assertive.