2021 Honda Civic vs 2020 Lexus ES

The 2020 Lexus ES underwent a significant transformation from its earlier iterations, shedding its "boring" label for a more aggressive appearance. The introduction of a larger spindle grille in 2016 set the stage for the 2020 model, where the grille seamlessly integrated with the car's expanded proportions. While the front design was bold, the rear maintained a more subdued elegance with thin taillamps and a distinctive kink in the side windows. Inside, the ES offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen, rivaling even Mercedes-Benz in interior execution. The ES 350 came in various trims, including the base, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport, each offering a range of standard and optional features, such as a power moonroof, synthetic leather upholstery, and advanced infotainment options.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Civic continued its legacy of setting benchmarks in the compact car segment. Available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, the Civic offered a range of trims, including LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring. The Civic sedan, particularly in the Touring trim, featured a striking Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, though its design could be polarizing. The interior, while not as dramatic as when first introduced, still boasted quality materials and thoughtful detailing. Despite its age, the Civic remained a trendsetter with a spacious cabin and a trunk that rivaled midsize cars from a decade ago.

The 2020 Lexus ES was powered by 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 performance powerhouse, the ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride. The Dynamic Control Shocks contributed to its smooth handling, and the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) offered enhanced driving dynamics with adjustable dampers and additional drive modes. The F Sport trim added paddle shifters and a sportier suspension setup, making the ES more engaging to drive.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder producing 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The latter, available on higher trims, provided the Civic with spirited performance. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and precise steering made it a joy to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was a drawback, as it could be droning and less responsive. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 34.8 mpg on a test loop, surpassing EPA estimates.

The 2020 Lexus ES boasted a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear-seat headroom was improved in the 2019 redesign, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front doors featured deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The ES provided 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was competitive for its class, though the rear seats did not fold down, limiting cargo flexibility.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, while sitting low to the ground, offered a roomy interior comparable to older midsize cars. The driver's seat had eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Leather upholstery was standard on higher trims. The rear seats provided excellent thigh support and a comfortable backrest angle, though rear air conditioning vents were absent. The Civic's center console was highly practical, with ample storage space. The trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, with a touch-sensitive pad controlling the infotainment display. While not a touchscreen, the system was intuitive once familiarized. The ES came standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing connectivity. The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and head-up display added to the tech offerings, though the infotainment system lacked the touchscreen functionality found in newer Lexus models.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat dated, with the base LX trim offering minimal features. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim included navigation and voice recognition, though the latter was unsophisticated. The Civic's tech offerings were functional but not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2020 Lexus ES came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The system also offered semi-autonomous lane-tracing capabilities. Additional safety features included a full array of airbags, traction control, and stability control.

The 2021 Honda Civic featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Civic also offered LaneWatch, a camera-based blind-spot monitoring system, though it had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS for the Touring trim and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all assessments.