2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup to include the new ES 250, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 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, especially in F Sport trim, was striking with its dramatic grille and artful details, while the interior boasted quality materials and a bold design.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received subtle exterior updates, including a redesigned front fascia with more chrome and standard LED lighting. The Jetta Highline trim featured a more aggressive profile with new wheel designs and metallic paint options. Inside, the Jetta offered a driver-centric cabin with ergonomic controls and comfortable seating. The interior updates included a new rhombus pattern for cloth seats and a two-tone leather option for the Highline. The Jetta's compact size belied its spaciousness, accommodating four adults comfortably, with thoughtful storage solutions throughout the cabin.

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 in combined driving. The ES 350 Black Line Edition provided a sporty driving experience, though it was not an outright sports sedan, with firm ride quality and flat cornering stance.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, available with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta's fuel economy was impressive, with ratings of 8.0 L/100 km city and 5.5 highway for the manual, and 7.7 city and 5.7 highway for the automatic. On a long road trip, the Jetta averaged 5.0 L/100 km on the highway. While the Jetta offered a comfortable ride, its powertrain was less refined, with touchy throttle response and turbo lag, and its dynamics were underwhelming.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring yet functional 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. The trunk measured 394 litres, with a hands-free power trunk option. Storage was plentiful but oddly configured, with nooks and crannies rather than large bins.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, despite its compact size, provided ample passenger space for four adults, with comfortable seating and driver-centric ergonomics. The cabin featured buttons for essential controls, and storage solutions included door pockets, a centre console bin, and a sunglass holder. The centre storage bin lacked a latch, but the space was still usable for keeping items out of sight.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a challenging touchpad interface, but climate and stereo controls were separate and easily accessible. The dynamic voice command technology was excellent, and the optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display was visually appealing. All trims included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with a 10-speaker premium sound system standard and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta received a technology upgrade with the Digital Cockpit digital instrument cluster. The Highline trim featured a 10.25-inch display with customizable views and widgets. The infotainment system included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with App-Connect for smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and USB-C ports. The Highline trim offered premium Beats Audio sound and a remote start system.

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 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 Jetta included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition as standard. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist were available from the Comfortline trim. The Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA but fell short of a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to an Acceptable score in the side crash test.