2020 Lexus ES vs 2020 Subaru WRX

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier iterations, shedding its "boring" label by adopting a more aggressive design. The introduction of the large spindle grille in 2016, which grew even larger by 2020, was a bold move that complemented the car's increased proportions. While the grille was a lot to take in, it harmonized well with the overall design. The rear of the ES was more subdued, featuring thin taillamps that mirrored the sleekness of the headlights, and a distinct kink at the back of the side windows added visual interest to the sedan's long, low profile. Inside, the ES offered a luxurious cabin that seamlessly integrated modern technology with soft-touch materials, highlighted by a large infotainment screen that blended into the dashboard. The interior was only rivaled by Mercedes-Benz in terms of execution. The ES came in various trims, including the 350 FWD, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport, each offering a range of standard and optional features to enhance comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru WRX was a performance-oriented vehicle that retained its roots as a variant of the Subaru Impreza before becoming its own model in 2015. The WRX boasted a wider stance, a lower front splitter, a rear deck spoiler, and a functional air intake, making it the most aggressively styled vehicle in Subaru's lineup. The STI version took this further with a large rear wing and additional aerodynamic components. Despite its sporty appearance, the non-STI WRX could be a sleeper, surprising those unfamiliar with its capabilities. The cabin, while functional, was considered somewhat plain for a 2021 model. The WRX was available in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, each offering a range of features, with the STI and STI Limited trims providing even more performance-oriented options.

The 2020 Lexus ES was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the ES to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 131 mph. While not a high-performance machine, the ES offered confident acceleration and smooth highway driving. The ride was comfortable and refined, with the suspension effectively absorbing road imperfections. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for enhanced driving dynamics, adding a Sport+ mode for a more engaging experience. Despite its Camry and Avalon roots, the ES provided a lively driving experience with its upgraded suspension and paddle shifters.

The 2020 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer-four engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power was sent to all four wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT with paddle shifters. The manual transmission offered a 50:50 front:rear torque distribution, while the CVT had a 45:55 split, providing a more responsive driving experience. The WRX excelled in cornering, with precise steering and minimal body lean, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The STI version offered even more power with a 2.5-liter engine, 310 horsepower, and 290 pound-feet of torque, along with Brembo brakes and a stiffer suspension for sharper handling. However, the WRX's taut handling came at the cost of a rough ride, especially on imperfect roads.

The 2020 Lexus ES offered a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear-seat headroom was improved with the 2019 redesign, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The interior featured deep door pockets, a well-organized center console with retractable panels, and a reasonably sized center console bin. The ES provided 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was average for the midsize luxury segment. However, the lack of fold-down rear seats limited its cargo-carrying capabilities.

The 2020 Subaru WRX provided excellent visibility, thanks to its simple sedan layout and function-first design. The large windshield, slanted hood, and quarter windows ensured clear forward visibility, while the rear and side visibility were among the best in performance vehicles. The cabin featured a straightforward dash layout with easy-to-use controls and ample storage compartments. The WRX offered sufficient first-row seating space and adequate rear-seat space for adults on shorter trips. Its 12 cubic feet of cargo space was modest compared to other compact sedans but comparable to sports cars with similar performance.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlled by a touch-sensitive pad in the center console. The system operated an 8-inch or optional 12.3-inch display, though it was not a touchscreen. The ES came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing connectivity. The infotainment system included real hard buttons for easy navigation, and the ES offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. A head-up display was also available, providing crisp graphics and customization options.

The 2020 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, with an optional 7-inch screen. The Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The WRX also featured a digital display in the instrument panel and a digital information screen atop the dash, providing key driver information. While not the latest system, it offered all necessary tech features without overwhelming the user.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for limited semi-autonomous driving. The ES was equipped with a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2020 Subaru WRX offered a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. It was available with the EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The WRX earned top marks from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.