2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Honda Civic

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 Black Line Edition of the ES 350 debuted with unique styling elements, including black wheels and a black and white interior. The ES's design, characterized by its dramatic grille and sleek lines, was complemented by the F Sport trim's sporty enhancements, making it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish sedan.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic presented a more conservative design, reminiscent of the larger Accord sedan. The 11th-generation Civic adopted a mature and tailored appearance, appealing to those who preferred a more understated look. Inside, Honda focused on simplicity, with a minimalistic dashboard featuring a metal honeycomb mesh to conceal air vents. The Civic's interior materials, especially in the Touring trim, reflected a newfound maturity, enhancing the overall appeal of this compact sedan.

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. 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. The Black Line Edition provided a sporty driving experience, though it lacked the torque-vectoring AWD system found in competitors like the Acura TLX.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder with 180 horsepower. Both engines were paired with continuously variable transmissions (CVT) featuring Step Shift programming. The Civic's Sport and Touring trims included a Sport transmission mode, enhancing the car's responsiveness. The Civic Touring returned 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres on a 150-kilometre loop, slightly above the estimated 6.9 L/100 km. The Civic's handling and ride quality were commendable, providing a satisfying driving experience.

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 for added convenience. Storage was plentiful but oddly configured, with numerous small compartments.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted redesigned front seats with improved support, especially in the leather-lined Touring trim. The Civic's low seating position made entry and exit challenging for some, but the rear seat offered generous legroom. The Civic lacked rear air conditioning vents, a notable oversight. The trunk provided 419 litres of space, or 408 litres in the Touring trim, with a split-folding backseat for added utility. The new centre console design offered accessible cupholders and fingerprint-resistant trim.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required attention to operate, but it offered separate climate and stereo controls. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display was visually appealing, though not a touchscreen. The ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker premium sound system, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2022 Honda Civic came with digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim offering a 10-inch display. The Vehicle Activity display provided valuable information about the car's lighting status. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with volume and tuning knobs, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim featured a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity options and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, offering a superior audio experience.

The 2021 Lexus ES came equipped with Lexus Safety System 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the base trim. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured the upgraded Honda Sensing suite, with Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. The Civic replaced its LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. The Civic's architecture was strengthened for improved collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety. A rear-seat reminder system was standard across all trims.