2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2021 Lexus IS was a reflection of its driver, with its athletic proportions and dynamic stance. It was designed to convey motion even when stationary, achieving an elegant look with a well-measured distance between the front axle and dashboard. The fast roofline and the unique kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added to its sporty appearance. The signature "spindle" grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive look. Inside, the dash was simple yet stylish, with a retro hi-fi feel. However, the analog clock seemed outdated in the otherwise modern interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus ES was a staple in the Lexus lineup, known for its elegant proportions and sleek roofline. It was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, shared with other mid-size models. The ES had a prominent spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes, with wheel options ranging from 17 to 19 inches. The interior was asymmetrical, giving the driver's side a cockpit feel, but it appeared somewhat jumbled. The F Sport package added bold two-tone leather seating, which seemed more sporty than the rest of the car. The analog chronometer in the dash was intended to highlight the ES's heritage but ended up adding to the clutter.

The 2021 Lexus IS was developed with a focus on performance, tested at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama. It introduced the "Lexus Driving Signature," emphasizing linear operation faithful to the driver's intentions. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower, while the AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 260 hp. The IS 350, available only with AWD in Canada, had the same V6 engine tuned to 311 hp. The IS had a top speed of 230 km/h, with acceleration from 0-60 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 city and 7.6 highway.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with different powertrains. The ES 250 AWD had a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower, achieving 9.5 L/100 km city and 7.0 highway. The ES 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 307 hp, rated at 10.7 L/100 km city and 7.3 highway. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a net 215 hp, excelling in fuel efficiency with 5.5 L/100 km city and 5.2 highway. The ES 250 AWD had a top speed of 210 km/h and a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds, while the ES 350 was quicker at 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h had a lower top speed of 180 km/h but offered excellent fuel economy.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on driver-centred form and function, with a comfortable and adjustable driver position. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat was standard in IS 350 models, featuring heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage space was ample, with various compartments and a trunk capacity of 305.8 litres. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, though legroom was limited.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a generous 394 litres of cargo space, with a pass-through for long items and foldable second-row seats in the ES 250 and ES 350. The ES had a lower centre of gravity than SUVs, contributing to better handling. Inside, the ES featured heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and available semi-aniline leather upholstery. Storage options included big bottle pockets, a centre console storage bin, and a large glove compartment. The dash layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It included Lexus Enform connected services with trial periods, such as Safety Connect and Service Connect. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was available in the Ultra Luxury package, offering superb sound quality.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system. The ES used a touchpad interface, which was challenging to use on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, along with a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist. Lexus Enform services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect, with trial memberships.

The 2021 Lexus IS received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and LED lighting.

The 2022 Lexus ES also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering similar features to the IS. The ES included 10 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and up to 10 years of Lexus Enform Safety Connect service.