2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

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 even when stationary. Its design captured motion, with an elegant distance between the front axle and dashboard, and a fast roofline that balanced between a coupe-like dome and a fastback. The distinctive kick-up of the window base at the rear passenger door added a sporty touch, while the updated spindle grille and narrow headlights gave it an assertive look. Inside, the IS featured a tastefully simple dash with a retro hi-fi feel, aligning with the exterior's bold and modern aesthetic. However, the analog clock seemed outdated amidst the modern design.

In contrast, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, despite its new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not have been immediately distinguishable from its predecessor. The Mk8 GTI was longer and lower, maintaining its nimble character with an unchanged wheelbase. Its styling was classic GTI, with a smooth hood and a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake. The signature red accent line across the front added drama, especially with the optional light bar. Aerodynamic enhancements were subtle but effective, and the GTI's colour palette included both staple and vibrant options. Inside, the GTI offered plaid cloth seats and a driver-centric layout, with innovative controls like the "light and sight" panel, ensuring a practical yet engaging driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus IS was engineered for the luxury sports sedan category, showcasing the "Lexus Driving Signature" for seamless transitions in various driving situations. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 producing 260 hp and 236 lb-ft. The IS 350, available only in AWD in Canada, offered 311 hp and 280 lb-ft. The RWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the AWD models a six-speed automatic. The IS reached a top speed of 230 km/h, with 0-60 mph times 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, 7.6 highway, and 9.5 combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, with its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivered 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, peaking at 1,750 rpm. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, both sending power to the front wheels. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.3 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and 8.3 combined with the automatic, and slightly higher with the manual. The GTI's retuned suspension and electronic aids like the limited-slip differential and adaptive damping system enhanced its handling, making it a joy to drive on winding roads.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver comfort with an adjustable driver position and supportive seats, especially in the F Sport trim. The IS featured perforated NuLuxe fabric, offering a leather-like feel without the cost or maintenance. 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 dependent on front-seat adjustments.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in practicality with 564 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 977 litres with the seats folded. The GTI's driver-centric design included an angled centre stack and innovative controls. Rear legroom was surprisingly generous, making it suitable for family use. The GTI balanced performance and practicality, offering a comfortable ride for daily driving.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Lexus's connected services. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a standout feature, available in the Ultra Luxury package. However, some features like Dynamic Navigation were subscription-based, potentially adding future costs.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI boasted a fully digital driver information display with customizable gauges and ambient lighting. The infotainment system featured an 8-inch or 10-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Harmon Kardon audio system in the Performance trim provided excellent sound quality, though the touch-capacitive controls were less user-friendly. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered remote access and vehicle monitoring via smartphone.

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

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured IQ.Drive, offering advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning. However, IQ.Drive was only available on automatic models. Park Distance Control was standard across all trims, with Park Assist available on the Performance trim. As a new model, it had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.