2020 Lexus ES vs 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI

2020 Lexus ES
2020 Lexus ES
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus ES
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$39,900

MSRP

$28,695

Average price

$31,570

Average price

$26,248

Listings

307

Listings

57
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Premium interior materials
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Great handling
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology

2020 Lexus ES Reviews Summary

SUVs might dominate the luxury car market, but many luxury brands were built on sedans, like the 2020 Lexus ES. While crossovers and SUVs combine added cargo space with all-weather driving capability, sedans are all about driving in comfort. Lower ride height allows sedans to be far more refined in on-road driving dynamics, offer better fuel economy, and still have enough room for a weekend’s worth of bags. SUVs might have the attributes that you might need in certain scenarios, but sedans like the 2020 Lexus ES excel in ways that are relevant in everyday driving.

The 2020 Lexus ES is one year off a complete redesign, though it maintains the same comfort-first formula. It is available in a racy 350 F Sport trim level, but don’t expect any major leaps in performance. The ES delivers on a serene ride and a quiet, well-appointed cabin. For 2020, the ES gains some in-cabin tech features, joining a long list of standard technology.

2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews Summary

Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 302 hp V6

Engine

2.0L 228 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

302 hp @ 6600 rpm

Horsepower

228 hp @ 5000 rpm

MPG City

22

MPG City

23

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

30
2020 Lexus ES
2020 Lexus ES
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus ES
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$28,695MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$39,900
$28,695
Average price
$31,570
$26,248
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
5.0
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Premium interior materials
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Great handling
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Not much cargo space
  • Outdated technology
Summary

SUVs might dominate the luxury car market, but many luxury brands were built on sedans, like the 2020 Lexus ES. While crossovers and SUVs combine added cargo space with all-weather driving capability, sedans are all about driving in comfort. Lower ride height allows sedans to be far more refined in on-road driving dynamics, offer better fuel economy, and still have enough room for a weekend’s worth of bags. SUVs might have the attributes that you might need in certain scenarios, but sedans like the 2020 Lexus ES excel in ways that are relevant in everyday driving.

The 2020 Lexus ES is one year off a complete redesign, though it maintains the same comfort-first formula. It is available in a racy 350 F Sport trim level, but don’t expect any major leaps in performance. The ES delivers on a serene ride and a quiet, well-appointed cabin. For 2020, the ES gains some in-cabin tech features, joining a long list of standard technology.

Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice?
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 302 hp V6
2.0L 228 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
302 hp @ 6600 rpm
228 hp @ 5000 rpm
MPG City
22
23
MPG Highway
32
30
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.