2022 Lexus IS vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update marked the first major design change for the Passat in nearly a decade. Volkswagen maintained the basic body shell but altered every panel except the roof, resulting in a strong resemblance to the smaller Jetta sedan. This gave the Passat a more understated appearance compared to its more radically styled competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Toyota Camry. The Passat's smooth, jellybean-like shape, reminiscent of 1990s sedans, contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. However, this didn't translate into significantly improved fuel efficiency. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and, on Execline models, 19-inch wheels with an Adaptive Front-lighting System. Inside, the Passat's interior was clean and functional, with analog controls well-placed for easy use. The dashboard's low profile enhanced visibility, but the flat-bottomed steering wheel seemed out of place. While the interior materials were not luxurious, the fit and finish were excellent, aligning with the Passat's value-oriented market positioning.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance arrived with a powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine, delivering 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This model continued the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F, offering a thrilling driving experience. The IS 500 combined emotional excitement with daily driving comfort, making it a versatile choice. Despite its higher price compared to the IS 350 F Sport and IS 300 RWD, the IS 500 offered a range of standard features, including triple-beam headlights, a navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system. The exterior styling remained subtle, with minor trim modifications and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the IS 500 shared its interior with the IS 350 F Sport, featuring quality materials and a wide touchscreen display for infotainment. The IS 500's performance and distinctive V8 engine note made it a standout choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured a single powertrain option: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. While the horsepower was below average compared to competitors, the torque output was impressive, allowing for wheel spin when accelerating from a stop. However, power delivery felt uneven at higher speeds, requiring the use of Sport mode or manual gear selection for smoother acceleration. The Passat's driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in rivals like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. On the highway, ride quality and cabin noise levels were adequate but not exceptional.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance boasted a 5.0-litre V8 engine, producing 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive sedan featured an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The IS 500 offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable ride and excellent stability. The car's brakes were upgraded for improved cooling and durability. Despite its added weight, the IS 500 delivered a thrilling driving experience, with a captivating engine note and impressive handling on twisty roads. However, its fuel efficiency was less than stellar, averaging 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered generous rear legroom at 993 millimetres, although it fell slightly short of competitors like the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. This spaciousness came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. Front headroom was also limited compared to other midsize sedans. The Passat's driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and inadequate thigh support in the front seats. The rear seats felt flat and hard. The Passat provided 450 litres of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. However, the Passat excelled in control layout, featuring large buttons and knobs within easy reach, along with an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with effective air conditioning and seat ventilation systems. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, offering excellent thigh support and a driving position that enhanced control. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, with rear air conditioning vents but no smartphone charging. Storage was limited, with a touchpad controller taking up space in the centre console. The trunk offered just 305 litres of space. The IS 500's control layout was excellent, featuring buttons, knobs, and clear lettering, complemented by a touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came equipped with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Execline models included built-in navigation and an eight-speaker Fender premium audio system. Keyless entry was standard, along with a single USB-A port for connectivity. While the touchscreen was small, it offered pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat's dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls minimized the need for touchscreen interaction, appealing to drivers seeking simplicity. However, tech enthusiasts might miss features like the Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and the newer MIB3 infotainment system available in other VW models.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a touchscreen infotainment display, addressing previous ergonomic issues. The system included separate climate and stereo controls, reducing the need for interaction. The IS 500 Premium's dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling voice queries accurately. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published crash-test ratings for the 2021 Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Execline grade added lane-keep assist and lane departure warning. Notable safety features included VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 (LSS+ 2.5) as standard, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. These included driving assistance, collision warning, emergency braking, lane keep assist, and collision-prevention technologies. The system's lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assistance were effective. However, the Curve Speed Reduction function could be overly aggressive, and low-speed automatic braking was occasionally intrusive. The IS earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star frontal-impact collision rating.