2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Lexus ES

The 2021 Lexus IS was a statement of athletic elegance, with its dynamic design capturing motion even at a standstill. Its sleek roofline and compact cabin gave it a sporty appearance, while the new spindle grille and narrow headlights added an assertive touch. Inside, the IS featured a simple yet bold dashboard, with a retro hi-fi vibe and high-quality materials. However, the analog clock seemed outdated amidst the modern aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring yet functional interior, with sport-bolstered front seats providing comfort and support. The NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery mimicked the feel of real leather, and the rear seats provided ample legroom and comfort. The ES's design was complemented by excellent outward visibility and plentiful storage, although the trunk space was modest at 394 litres. The ES's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, with thoughtful design elements enhancing the overall experience.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan category, featuring the "Lexus Driving Signature" for precise handling. 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's top speed was 230 km/h, with acceleration from 0-60 mph ranging from 6.9 to 5.6 seconds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD rated at 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 302 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ES 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 combined fuel efficiency rating of 9.4 L/100 km. The ES 350 Black Line Edition provided a sporty driving experience, though it was not as dynamic as a true sports sedan.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver-centric design, with adjustable seating and ample storage options. The F Sport trim offered bolstered seats with heating and ventilation, while the NuLuxe upholstery provided a leather-like feel. Rear seating was comfortable for two, with limited legroom for three. The trunk offered 305.8 litres of space, with a deep configuration and a temporary spare tire.

The 2021 Lexus ES excelled in interior comfort, with sport-bolstered front seats and generous rear-seat legroom. The ES's design included rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. Storage was abundant, though the configuration was unconventional. The trunk measured 394 litres, with a hands-free power trunk available. The ES's interior was both luxurious and practical, with thoughtful design elements enhancing the overall experience.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Lexus's connected services. The IS offered a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system, available in the Ultra Luxury package. The subscription model for technology included free trial periods for various services, though navigation features were limited to three years.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display, though it was not a touchscreen. The ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a 10-speaker sound system standard. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson system was available, providing high-quality audio. The ES's dynamic voice command technology allowed for easy navigation of the infotainment system, bypassing the touchpad.

The 2021 Lexus IS was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. It included Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with features like pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The IS also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, with features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the base trim. The ES was also a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The ES's safety features provided peace of mind, though some systems required manual adjustment for optimal performance.