2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

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, with the Black Line Edition standing out for its limited production and unique styling elements. The ES's design, characterized by its dramatic grille and sleek lines, was complemented by the F Sport trim's sporty enhancements. Inside, the black and white interior of the test car provided a striking contrast, showcasing the high-quality materials and design synonymous with Lexus.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, part of the current generation launched in 2019, aimed to shed its "boring" image with bold exterior styling, including LED headlights and a wide grille. The Corolla offered different styling elements across trims, with the SE and XSE models featuring an aggressive front fascia. The Apex Edition, with its sportier appearance, added a body kit and model-specific wheels. Despite its efforts, the Corolla's design wasn't as cohesive as some competitors. Inside, the Corolla's interior was simple yet appealing, though the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges. The SE Apex Edition's interior mirrored the standard SE, with light grey upholstery that seemed susceptible to stains.

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. The ES 350 offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, though the car felt quicker in real-world driving. The ES 350's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres, with a tested average of 10.3 L/100 km. The Black Line Edition's dynamic performance was impressive, offering a firm ride, flat cornering, and genuine driving enjoyment, though it wasn't a full-fledged sports sedan.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options: a 1.8-litre four-cylinder with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque for the L, LE, and XLE trims, and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque for the SE and XSE trims. The Apex Edition shared the 2.0-litre engine with a sport exhaust system. The Corolla's transmission options included a CVT and a six-speed manual with rev matching. The SE Apex Edition's sport-tuned suspension improved handling but compromised ride quality. While the Apex Edition was fun in corners, it lacked the power of a true performance model, making it more of a sporty variant than a full-fledged sports car.

The 2021 Lexus ES boasted a daring interior layout that remained functional, with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided comfort, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom and supportive seating. The ES's trunk offered 394 litres of space, with a hands-free power trunk available. Visibility was excellent, though storage was oddly configured with numerous small compartments.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla provided decent headroom and legroom, aided by a low beltline for better visibility. However, the steeply raked windshield limited forward visibility. The Corolla's interior featured a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The sedan's 371 litres of cargo space was less than some competitors, though a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat was standard. The sleek interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin centre console and small phone tray.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required attention to operate, though dynamic voice command technology offered a workaround. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display was visually appealing but not a touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker sound system, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The ES also offered a dynamic navigation system and connected services with a three-year subscription.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch screen on other trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker audio system, with a nine-speaker JBL system on higher trims. The interface was user-friendly, but some tasks were cumbersome, and the graphics appeared dated. The Corolla lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as novel tech features like a digital key.

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 beams. 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 Corolla earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests but lower ratings for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Corolla a five-star overall safety rating. The Corolla featured eight airbags and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available on higher trims.