2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2020 Lexus ES

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier iterations, which were often criticized for being "boring." By 2020, Lexus had given the ES a more aggressive look, highlighted by a large spindle grille that had grown even larger since its introduction in 2016. This grille, which initially seemed out of place, now fit well with the car's larger proportions. The rear of the ES was more subdued, featuring thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows, adding a touch of rakishness to the design.

Inside, the ES offered a blend of modern technology and an organic aesthetic, featuring soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen integrated into the dash. The interior was often compared favorably to luxury sedans from Mercedes-Benz. The 2020 ES came in several trims, including the base 350 FWD, Luxury, Ultra Luxury, and F Sport, each offering a range of standard and optional features. The F Sport trim, in particular, stood out with its unique black mesh grille, dark window accents, and exclusive interior options like Circuit Red color and aluminum trim accents.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, on the other hand, carried forward the legacy of the original GTI, which had defined the hot hatch genre since its introduction in 1983. The GTI shared its basics with the regular Golf but included subtle enhancements like red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip connecting the headlights, and painted brake calipers. The car featured standard 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, and a lowered stance, giving it a sporty look. The interior was equally sporty, with red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and heated front sport seats available in either Clark plaid cloth or leather, depending on the trim level.

Overall, the GTI maintained a high-quality feel inside and out, with first-rate paintwork and well-installed interior materials. The car's compact dimensions and sharp steering made it ideal for urban environments, while its sporty design elements appealed to performance enthusiasts.

The 2020 Lexus ES was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, delivered 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. While not a high-performance machine, the ES offered confident acceleration and smooth highway driving. The ride was comfortable and refined, thanks to the Dynamic Control Shocks, with an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) available on the F Sport trim. The AVS allowed for adjustable dampers and added a Sport+ mode for a more engaging driving experience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, known for its performance, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivered 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Our test model came with a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual was also available. The GTI's handling was a standout feature, with four-wheel independent suspension and variable-ratio steering providing crisp turn-ins and great feel. The car's performance-oriented setup did result in a rougher ride on ordinary roads, but the GTI's nimble handling made it a joy to drive on the right road or track.

The GTI's fuel economy was also commendable, with the manual transmission offering 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined, and the dual-clutch automatic providing 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined. Despite its performance focus, the GTI only required regular unleaded fuel, though premium unleaded was recommended for optimal performance.

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, and the 2019 redesign had improved rear-seat headroom. 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, which was mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the car's cargo flexibility.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, thanks to its hatchback design. The car's compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while its 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats expanded to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The front row offered ample space for taller drivers, and the second row was adequate for two average-sized adults or three juveniles. The GTI's tight turning circle and great outward visibility made it ideal for urban driving.

Inside, the GTI featured clever storage options, including large front door pockets and well-sized center console cupholders. The mechanical handbrake, while a bit of a throwback, added to the car's sporty feel.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, which used a touch-sensitive pad to control 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 included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were new additions for 2020. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system. A head-up display was also available, providing crisp graphics and customization options.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI came with the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system, with S models featuring a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models getting an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported tablet-like gesture controls and included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio were standard, along with two USB ports. SE models also included a three-month trial to SiriusXM with 360L. Volkswagen Car-Net was available, offering remote access, safe & secure, and hotspot portals, along with Amazon Alexa integration.

Standard smart technology on the GTI included LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillights, with adaptive front lighting and dynamic cornering lights available on higher trims. Keyless access with pushbutton start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated exterior mirrors were also standard.

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. The system also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for limited semi-autonomous driving. Additional safety features included a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS in most crash-test categories. The GTI came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control. The GTI's sharp handling also contributed to its safety by potentially helping drivers avoid collisions.