2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

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. Lexus made blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on most trims, and introduced a limited-production Black Line Edition with 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, making it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish sedan.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, part of the eighth-generation lineup, featured a longer and lower body with a stable silhouette. Its design retained the classic GTI elements, including a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake and signature red accent line. Aerodynamic improvements were made, and the GTI offered a range of wheel sizes and vibrant colour options. Inside, the GTI maintained its driver-centric focus with a centre stack angled towards the driver and innovative controls. The rear seats provided ample legroom, and the hatchback design offered practical cargo space, making it a versatile choice for everyday use.

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 additional Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and had a fuel efficiency rating of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The Black Line Edition provided a sporty driving experience, though it lacked the all-wheel-drive capability of some competitors.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The GTI's fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 8.3 combined with the automatic transmission. The GTI's retuned suspension and electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhanced its handling, providing a dynamic driving experience. The Performance trim further improved handling with the DCC adaptive damping system.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring interior layout with sport-bolstered front seats featuring 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. The trunk provided 394 litres of cargo space, and the test car featured an optional hands-free power trunk. Storage was plentiful but oddly configured, with a wireless smartphone charger tucked under the centre armrest.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in practicality with 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 977 litres with the rear seats folded. The driver-centric interior featured a centre stack angled towards the driver and innovative controls. Rear-seat legroom was impressive, providing comfort for passengers. The GTI's hatchback design made it a versatile choice for transporting a family or everyday items.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad-controlled infotainment system, which required attention to operate. However, the dynamic voice command technology allowed for easier control. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display offered a visually appealing experience, though it lacked touchscreen functionality. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker premium sound system, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen in the base trim and a 10-inch display with navigation in higher trims. Standard features included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. The touch-capacitive volume and climate controls were less intuitive, but the Car-Net system provided remote access and vehicle information.

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.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured IQ.Drive, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic GTIs. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Performance trim. The GTI had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.