2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Lexus ES

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier "boring" label. By 2020, it featured a more aggressive design, highlighted by a large spindle grille that integrated well with the car's larger proportions. The rear design was more subdued, with thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows, adding a touch of rakishness. Inside, the ES boasted a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen, seamlessly blending modern technology with an organic aesthetic. The ES 350 F Sport trim added unique exterior and interior elements, including a black mesh grille, 19-inch alloy wheels, and exclusive Circuit Red interior color.

The 2021 Lexus IS, on the other hand, made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and great stance. Its design captured motion even when stationary, with a fast roofline and an interesting kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive look. Inside, the IS featured a tastefully simple dash with a retro hi-fi feel, matching the exterior's bold and modern aesthetic. However, the analog clock felt outdated in this otherwise contemporary interior.

The 2020 Lexus ES came 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. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. The ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride, thanks to its Dynamic Control Shocks. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers and additional drive modes, including Sport+ for a more engaging driving experience. Despite its Toyota Camry and Avalon roots, the ES's upgraded suspension and paddle shifters made for a livelier drive.

The 2021 Lexus IS aimed to compete in the luxury sports sedan category with its "Lexus Driving Signature" philosophy, developed at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the IS 300 AWD had a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350 models, both AWD and RWD, shared the same V6 but with 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350 RWD accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The IS's double-wishbone front and multi-link rear independent suspension, along with electrically powered rack-and-pinion steering, provided a crisp, precise, and balanced driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, while the IS 350 AWD managed 19/26 mpg.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could slide back significantly without compromising rear-seat legroom. Despite its exterior appearance, rear-seat headroom was expanded in the 2019 redesign. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple retractable panels for storage. The ES had 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment, but the rear seats did not fold down, limiting cargo flexibility.

The 2021 Lexus IS focused on a driver-centered design with a comfortable, supportive seat and easily adjustable driver position. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat, standard in IS 350 models, included heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which Lexus claimed was eco-friendly, lightweight, and easier to clean than leather. Storage space was ample, with an open cubby, twin cupholders, large door pockets, and a decent glovebox. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom negotiated with front-seat occupants. The trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet of space, surprisingly deep but smaller than the ES.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlling the standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch display. While not a touchscreen, the Remote Touch pad was intuitive once presets were set. The system gained standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2020, making navigation and other functions easier. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touchpad remained but was no longer the default option. The IS included various connected services with free trial periods, such as Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote. The Navigation Package included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system was a recommended option, providing superb audio quality.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including 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. Other safety features included front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA but was expected to perform well based on its platform. It came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, enhanced lane-tracing assist, full-speed dynamic adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included vehicle dynamic integrated management, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, LED headlamps, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect.