2021 Toyota Camry vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Toyota Camry made a concerted effort to break away from its past reputation of being a bland, textbook example of a sedan. Designers infused the Camry with a variety of styling elements, some of which were successful, like the flared wheel arches and sleek headlights that gave the car a wider appearance. However, the SE and XSE trims were criticized for their excessive use of fake vents, adding unnecessary visual clutter. The LE and XLE trims offered a slightly cleaner look with a different grille, though it remained quite large. The interior mirrored the exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of contrasting materials and elements that lacked a cohesive design theme, resulting in a somewhat low-rent feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance retained a more understated exterior, with minor trim modifications and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels. The car's design was subtle, focusing on performance rather than flashy aesthetics. Inside, the IS 500 shared its layout with the IS 350 F Sport, offering a snug yet comfortable interior for four, constructed with quality materials. The addition of a wide touchscreen display improved usability, although the touchpad on the centre console was deemed unnecessary. The IS 500's design emphasized a balance between comfort and performance, with a focus on delivering a thrilling driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque in FWD, and slightly less in AWD. The XSE trim featured a dual-exhaust system, increasing output to 206 hp and 186 lb-ft with FWD. A 3.5-litre V6 engine was also available, delivering 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist for a total of 208 hp. The Camry's chassis tuning provided a good balance between handling and ride quality, making it surprisingly fun to drive, even without the sporty TRD package.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, on the other hand, boasted a 5.0-litre V8 engine producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and RWD. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper offered a comfortable ride and excellent stability. The car's driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, allowed for customizable performance settings. The IS 500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, providing a thrilling driving experience with its intoxicating engine note and impressive handling.

The 2021 Toyota Camry provided generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly compromised. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space was average at 428 litres, and in-cabin storage was limited. The Camry featured analog controls for essential functions, though some were difficult to reach due to the centre stack's design.

In comparison, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 offered a comfortable interior with effective climate control and seat ventilation. The front seats were snug yet supportive, while the rear seats accommodated average-height adults. Storage was adequate, though the touchpad controller took up valuable space. The trunk was small at 305 litres. The IS 500's control layout was praised for its clarity and ease of use, with a preference for buttons and knobs over touch controls.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features, with plain graphics and limited USB ports.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 featured a touchscreen infotainment system with separate climate and stereo controls. The dynamic voice command system was highly effective, handling queries accurately. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The IS 500 added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. It came with the TSS 2.5+ package, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. New features included enhanced forward-collision warning and a Rear Seat Reminder. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured the LSS+ 2.5 package, offering a range of safety and driver assistance technologies. The system was generally effective, though some features were found to be overly sensitive. The IS received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a slight deduction in frontal-impact collision ratings.