2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

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 cost. 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 was characterized by its dramatic grille and sleek, artfully detailed body, with the F Sport trim adding sporty touches like 19-inch alloy wheels and unique styling details. The interior of the ES was noted for its quality materials and striking design, offering a luxurious experience.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, while mostly a carryover from previous models, impressed with its futuristic and expressive design. The front end featured a bold, sneering face, and the interior was equally dynamic, with a sweeping dashboard and a large infotainment touchscreen. The Camry Hybrid provided a comfortable and roomy second row, with high-quality fit and finish throughout. The vehicle's design and build quality were consistent with Toyota's reputation for reliability and attention to detail, making it a strong contender in the family sedan market.

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 driving modes including Normal, Eco, and Sport, with additional 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 ES 350 Black Line Edition was noted for its unexpected competence and driving enjoyment, though it was not an outright sports sedan.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a total system power of 208 horsepower. It achieved impressive fuel consumption ratings of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 4.8 on the highway for the LE model. The hybrid's handling was enhanced by a lower centre of gravity due to the battery placement, providing a more engaging driving experience compared to the gasoline-only Camry. The Camry Hybrid's performance was focused on fuel efficiency, with some minor drawbacks in responsiveness and occasional drivetrain noise.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring interior layout with sport-bolstered front seats featuring 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. Storage was plentiful but oddly configured, and the trunk offered 394 litres of space. The ES's interior was noted for its quality materials and excellent outward visibility.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in ride height, seating position, and ease of use. The driver and front passenger seats offered ample storage options, and the second row was spacious and comfortable. The Camry Hybrid's trunk provided 428 litres of space, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for larger cargo. The vehicle's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with generous storage and seating options.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required attention to operate, but it also offered dynamic voice command technology to bypass the touchpad. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display was visually impressive, 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 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology features, including a premium JBL audio system on the XLE model. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the LE and a 9-inch touchscreen on other trims. The Camry Hybrid offered a smart key system, push-button start, and a projected-path rearview camera. Upper trims featured a 10-inch head-up display and additional luxury tech options.

The 2021 Lexus ES came with Lexus Safety System 2.0, including 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 Toyota Camry Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It also included the Star safety system with stability control, traction control, and 10 airbags. The Camry Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.