2020 Lexus ES vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier "boring" label, adopting a more aggressive design with a large spindle grille that debuted in 2016 and grew even larger by 2020. This grille, which initially seemed out of place, blended well with the new model's larger proportions. The rear design was more subdued, featuring thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows. Inside, the ES offered a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen integrated into the dash. The interior was second only to Mercedes-Benz in terms of execution.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Corolla was considered the most attractive version in recent history, especially in SE or XSE trims, which featured sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and over-styled rear bumper, were less appealing. The Corolla L, LE, or XLE trims offered a more anonymous look, while the Corolla Hybrid provided an affordable path to high fuel efficiency. The SE and XSE trims, reviewed here, were the sportier versions with a more powerful engine and additional performance features.

The 2020 Lexus ES came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the ES to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 131 mph. The ES was not a high-performance machine but offered confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride. The suspension absorbed road bumps well, and the steering was precise. The F Sport trim added an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers and additional drive modes, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE featured a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT and paddle shifters. A six-speed manual gearbox was also available with SE trim. The CVT used a mechanical first gear to eliminate drivetrain slip, and its ten programmed ratios mimicked traditional gear shifts. The Corolla's TNGA platform provided a low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The SE and XSE trims had 18-inch wheels and more aggressive tires, offering predictable handling and a fun driving experience. The Corolla XSE achieved an average of 31.1 mpg in combined driving.

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. The rear-seat headroom was improved with the 2019 redesign, accommodating taller passengers. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The ES had 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting cargo flexibility.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered numerous interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment but provided good thigh support. The rear seats offered good support but had tight headroom and legroom, with no air conditioning vents. The Corolla sedan's trunk had 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which was average for the segment. The hatchback version offered more cargo space but was covered in a separate review.

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, but it was not a touchscreen. The infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a dramatic display for CarPlay. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system or an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. A head-up display was available, providing crisp graphics and customization.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla added Android Auto as standard equipment, joining Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Corolla SE had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE included Service Connect and Remote Connect. The SE and XSE offered a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system, dynamic voice recognition, and dynamic navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and shortcut buttons. The JBL sound system had depth but lacked clarity.

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. The ES had a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0) with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Corolla added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning. The 2020 Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The 2021 model required re-testing due to the new airbags.