2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus IS was a testament to the idea that a car could reflect its owner's personality. With its athletic proportions and dynamic stance, the IS made a bold statement. Its design captured a sense of motion even when stationary, with an elegant distance between the front axle and dashboard. The fast roofline and unique window design added to its sporty appearance, while the signature spindle grille and narrow headlights gave it an assertive look. Inside, the IS featured a tastefully simple dash with a retro hi-fi feel, matching the exterior's bold and modern aesthetic. However, the analog clock seemed outdated in this modern context.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid surprised with its futuristic and expressive design. The front end was characterized by a sneering face and muscular features, complemented by alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches. Inside, the Camry Hybrid continued the futuristic theme with a wild dashboard design and a sweeping curve across the centre stack. The interior was spacious, with a roomy second row and high-quality fit and finish. The Camry Hybrid's design was both practical and stylish, appealing to those seeking a modern family sedan.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan category, featuring the "Lexus Driving Signature" for a seamless driving experience. The IS 300 RWD was powered by 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 models boasted 311 hp from the same V6 engine. The IS offered 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 achieving 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid focused on fuel efficiency, with the LE model achieving 4.9 L/100 km in the city and 4.8 on the highway. The hybrid system combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering 208 horsepower. An electronically controlled CVT sent power to the front wheels, with paddle shifters available on SE and XSE models. The Camry Hybrid's handling was enhanced by a lower centre of gravity, thanks to the lithium-ion battery pack. While the focus on efficiency came at the cost of responsiveness, the Camry Hybrid offered a smooth and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized a driver-centred focus 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 offered ample storage space, including an open cubby, twin cupholders, and big door pockets. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, with a trunk space of 305.8 litres.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid excelled in ride height and seating position, offering a comfortable driving experience. The driver and front passenger seats had ample storage options, while the second row was roomy and easy to access. The Camry Hybrid's trunk space matched the standard Camry at 428 litres, with a passthrough for long items and foldable rear seats for oversized cargo. The Camry Hybrid's warranty covered three years/60,000 km, with extended coverage for the powertrain and hybrid components.

The 2021 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Lexus Enform services offered various connected features, with trial periods for owners. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a standout option, providing high-quality sound.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including a JBL-tuned audio system with nine speakers. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the LE model and a 9-inch on others. The Camry Hybrid also offered a smart key system, push-button start, and a 10-inch head-up display on higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus IS received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. It came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, featuring a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The IS also included a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, and LED lighting.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. It also featured the Star safety system, 10 airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Camry Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.