2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the art of automotive design, reflecting a dynamic and athletic persona. Its sleek silhouette, characterized by a fast roofline and a distinctive kick-up at the window base, gave it a sporty and compact appearance. The signature spindle grille, adorned with diamond mesh, and narrow headlights contributed to its assertive stance. Inside, the IS boasted a tastefully simple dashboard with a retro hi-fi vibe, aligning with its bold exterior. However, the analog clock seemed outdated amidst the modern aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat maintained a more understated and familiar design, reminiscent of the 1990s jellybean sedans. Despite a facelift in 2020, its styling remained conservative, aligning closely with the smaller Jetta. The Passat's aerodynamic shape, with a drag coefficient of 0.28, aimed to enhance fuel efficiency. Inside, the Passat offered a clean and functional design, with analog controls and a short dashboard for improved visibility. However, the flat-bottomed steering wheel felt out of place, and the interior materials, while well-finished, leaned towards the plain side.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan segment, showcasing the "Lexus Driving Signature" for a seamless driving experience. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD variant had a 3.5-litre V6 producing 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350, available only in AWD in Canada, offered 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The IS's top speed was 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 rated at 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat, on the other hand, simplified its powertrain options to a single 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, the Passat's power delivery felt uneven, particularly during highway overtakes. While the torque was sufficient to spin the wheels from a stop, the overall driving experience lacked excitement. The Passat's ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but unremarkable, and it didn't offer the sportiness found in competitors like the Honda Accord or Mazda 6.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver-centric design, offering a comfortable and adjustable driving position with supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seats, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS featured synthetic NuLuxe upholstery, known for its eco-friendliness and ease of maintenance. Storage options were ample, with various compartments and a 305.8-litre trunk. However, rear seat space was limited, typical for a compact sedan.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat emphasized rear legroom, boasting 993 millimetres, though it fell short compared to rivals like the Honda Accord. Front legroom and headroom were below average, resulting in an uncomfortable driving position for some. The Passat's 450-litre trunk offered more cargo space than several competitors, but in-cabin storage was limited. The layout of controls was a highlight, with large buttons and knobs for easy access, though the flat-bottomed steering wheel felt mismatched.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Lexus's connected services. The system included a three-year trial of Lexus Enform Safety Connect and an eight-year subscription to Service Connect. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system, available in the Ultra Luxury package, delivered exceptional sound quality. However, the subscription model for navigation features posed potential future costs.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Execline model added navigation and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. While the touchscreen was small, the use of dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls minimized reliance on it. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit, appealing to those seeking simplicity over a tech-heavy experience.

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 features, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated "marginal." The NHTSA had not published ratings for the 2021 model. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System for enhanced safety.