2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. The SE and XSE trims enhanced its appeal with sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a beautiful blue undertone, making the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, the design had its quirks, such as the hood shut line that visually truncated the front end and the over-styled rear bumper. The Corolla L, LE, or XLE offered a more subdued appearance, while the Corolla Hybrid provided an affordable path to better fuel efficiency. The Corolla SE and XSE were the sporty versions, featuring a more powerful engine and different transmissions. The XSE's interior was a significant improvement over previous models, with soft leatherette, padded door panels, and a minimalist design. However, practical storage was somewhat lacking.

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup, had evolved over seven generations. While sales had declined, it remained popular among an aging demographic. The ES was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, supporting a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. The sedan had elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though the spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. The interior featured an asymmetrical dashboard, precisely assembled with bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport package. The ES's design aimed to balance attracting younger buyers while retaining its loyal following, resulting in a safe yet slightly unconventional appearance.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The Dynamic Shift CVT, paddle shifters, and Sport driving mode promised a sporty experience, though the six-speed manual gearbox offered with the SE trim was a notable option. The XSE's Dynamic Shift CVT was one of the best examples of its kind, using a mechanical first gear to eliminate drivetrain slip. The Corolla's TNGA platform provided a low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering, vented front brakes, and a MacPherson strut front suspension. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and engaging driving characteristics. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an average of 7.6 L/100 km on a mountainous route.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, achieving 9.5 L/100 km in city driving. The ES 350 had a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, providing a more engaging driving experience. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor, achieving excellent fuel economy at 5.3 L/100 km combined. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt slow for a luxury sedan, and the V6 in the ES 350 was more enjoyable for engaged drivers. The hybrid variant excelled in fuel efficiency, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing economy.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several upgrades over the SE trim, including SofTex leatherette seats, heated rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat adjustment. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, but the seat cushion provided good support. The rear seats offered decent support, though headroom and legroom were tight. The Corolla's trunk provided 371 litres of cargo space, with no handle on the inside of the trunk lid.

The 2022 Lexus ES had a generous 394 litres of cargo space, with a pass-through behind the centre armrest for long items. The second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat, accommodating larger items. The ES's lower centre of gravity contributed to better handling compared to SUVs. Inside, the ES featured heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and ample storage options. The dash layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth as standard features. The SE trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE offered additional features like Service Connect and Safety Connect. Remote Connect allowed remote engine starting and vehicle finder functions. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation.

The 2022 Lexus ES featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson audio, and navigation. The touchpad interface was an improvement over previous setups but remained challenging on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, enhancing safety by displaying critical information in the driver's line of sight. The ES also offered a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and more. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The addition of rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert enhanced safety.

The 2022 Lexus ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Standard blind-spot monitoring, 10 airbags, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect service contributed to its high safety ratings.