Lexus ES vs Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, maintaining the essence of a powerful, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan. It featured a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 engine, delivering 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This model was priced at $72,900 Canadian, plus a destination charge, and offered a thrilling driving experience with its robust engine and dynamic handling. The IS 500 F Sport Performance was designed for those who appreciated a balance of excitement and everyday usability, providing a comfortable ride with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out interior layout.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus ES was a staple in the Lexus lineup, known for its elegant design and practicality. The ES had evolved over seven generations, offering a refined driving experience with a focus on comfort and luxury. It was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, which supported a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, with an option for all-wheel drive. The ES featured a sleek exterior with a prominent spindle grille and a well-appointed interior with high-quality materials. It catered to a more mature demographic, balancing the need to attract younger buyers while maintaining its loyal customer base. The ES was a practical choice for those seeking a luxury sedan with ample cargo space and a comfortable ride.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a powerhouse, boasting a 5.0-litre V8 engine that produced 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive sedan was equipped with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, offering a thrilling driving experience. The IS 500 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, thanks to its adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper, which enhanced ride comfort and stability. Despite its impressive performance, the IS 500 was not particularly fuel-efficient, averaging 13.3 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three distinct powertrains, each catering to different driving preferences. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. The ES 350, with its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor, offering a net 215 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. The hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres. Each model provided a smooth and predictable driving experience, with the ES 350 offering the most engaging performance.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance offered a comfortable and well-appointed interior, with snug front seats that provided excellent support and a driving position that fostered a connection with the vehicle. The rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, and the car featured rear air conditioning vents. However, the IS 500's trunk space was limited, measuring just 305 litres. The control layout was intuitive, with buttons and knobs clearly marked, making it easy to operate the vehicle's features.

The 2022 Lexus ES excelled in practicality, offering a generous 394 litres of cargo space, even in the hybrid variant. The ES featured a pass-through behind the centre armrest and fold-flat rear seats in the ES 250 and ES 350, providing ample storage options. Inside, the ES boasted heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a moonroof. The interior was designed for convenience, with ample storage compartments and a functional layout, although the dash design was not particularly attractive.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The dynamic voice command system was a standout feature, accurately handling voice queries and commands.

The 2022 Lexus ES came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system. Upper trim levels offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system, and navigation. The ES also featured a 10-inch head-up display on higher trims, enhancing safety by displaying critical information in the driver's line of sight. The Lexus Enform suite provided connected services, including Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect, offering various levels of convenience and safety.

The 2022 Lexus IS was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a range of safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision-prevention technologies. The IS received top safety ratings, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, some features, like the low-speed automatic braking, could be overly sensitive in certain situations.

The 2022 Lexus ES also featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with additional safety equipment such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags. The ES received high safety ratings, with a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The comprehensive suite of safety features contributed to the ES's strong safety performance.