2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the brand's commitment to elegance and sportiness. Its design was a blend of athletic proportions and a stance that suggested motion even when stationary. The fast roofline and the unique kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added to its sporty and compact appearance. The signature spindle grille, filled with diamond mesh, and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive look. Inside, the dash was simple yet bold, with a retro hi-fi feel that was both cool and different. However, the analog clock seemed outdated in the context of the modern interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic had a history of setting benchmarks in the compact car segment. The 10th-generation Civic, available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, was known for its polarizing design. The Touring sedan, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, was visually appealing, though opinions varied based on angle and lighting. The interior, once daring, showed signs of aging, particularly with its 7-inch infotainment screen. Despite this, the cabin maintained quality materials and thoughtful detailing, consistent with its trend-setting reputation.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan category, featuring the "Lexus Driving Signature" for seamless transitions in various driving situations. The IS 300 RWD had a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 241 horsepower, while the AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 producing 260 hp. The IS 350, available only with AWD in Canada, offered 311 hp. The IS boasted a top speed of 230 km/h, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD consuming 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 hp in the LX, EX, and Sport trims. However, the turbocharged 1.5-litre engine in the Touring trim delivered 174 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power. The Civic's ride and handling were enhanced by its four-wheel independent suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels. Despite the CVT's drawbacks, such as droning and ineffective paddle shifters, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 6.8 L/100 km on a 225-kilometre loop, surpassing the estimated 7.1 L/100 km.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver comfort with adjustable seating and supportive seats, especially in the F Sport trim. The synthetic NuLuxe upholstery was eco-friendly and easy to maintain. Storage was ample, with various compartments and a 305.8-litre trunk. The rear seats were comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom requiring negotiation with front-seat occupants.

The 2021 Honda Civic, though low to the ground, offered a roomy interior comparable to a decade-old midsize car. The driver's seat had eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Leather upholstery was standard in the Touring trim. The rear seats provided excellent thigh support, though rear air vents were absent. The centre console offered remarkable storage, and the trunk was spacious, with 428 litres of cargo space, reduced to 416 litres in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2021 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside various connected services with trial periods. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a standout option, offering superb sound quality. However, the subscription model for technology had potential pitfalls, with some features only available for a limited time.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology showed its age, with a standard 5-inch LCD screen and limited upgrades in the Touring trim. The 7-inch touchscreen, 10-speaker audio system, and navigation system were exclusive to the Touring. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, the voice recognition system was unsophisticated. The premium sound system was nice, but the eight-speaker setup sufficed for most needs.

The 2021 Lexus IS earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The IS also featured a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Honda Civic included Honda Sensing, a collection of advanced driving assistance systems. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. LaneWatch, available from the EX trim, used a camera to monitor the right lane, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, making it a safe choice for families.