2021 Lexus ES vs 2020 Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned look, was not considered particularly attractive, resembling "malevolent aliens suffering hunger pangs." However, when equipped with SE or XSE trim and the Celestite paint color, the Corolla transformed into a compact sedan with a more appealing appearance. The interior quality saw significant improvements, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the cheap, hard plastics of previous models. Despite these enhancements, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla's economy car status.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES offered a more luxurious and refined aesthetic. The ES 350 F Sport featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, providing excellent comfort. The rear seats were equally accommodating, with good foot and legroom, rear air conditioning vents, and an available power rear window sunshade. The ES's interior design was both dramatic and functional, with high-quality materials throughout, making it unmistakably a Lexus.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla came with two engine options. The L, LE, and XLE trims featured a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SE and XSE trims offered a more powerful 169-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, also with a CVT but with paddle shifters and a physical launch gear for better acceleration. The Corolla XSE's driving dynamics were well-tuned, providing a smooth and stable ride, though it lacked adequate sound insulation and steering feedback. The XSE struggled with acceleration, especially in dynamic driving situations, but offered decent fuel economy, averaging 29.8 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ES 350 F Sport featured additional driving modes, including Sport+ and Custom, enhancing its performance. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and had an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined, though it averaged 22.9 mpg during testing. The ES 350 F Sport offered a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism, making it a genuinely enjoyable car to drive.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite being a compact car, offered a surprisingly roomy interior, officially rated as a midsize car by the EPA. However, the lack of rear air-conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and privacy-tinted rear glass made it less comfortable for rear-seat passengers, especially during hot weather. The front seats were comfortable, but the low seating position and lack of a front seat height adjuster were drawbacks. The Corolla's trunk space measured 13.1 cubic feet, providing adequate storage for a compact sedan.

The 2021 Lexus ES excelled in interior comfort and space. The ES 350 F Sport's front seats offered excellent thigh support and comfort, while the rear seats provided good legroom and a comfortable seating position. The ES also featured rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. The trunk space measured 13.9 cubic feet, slightly more than the Corolla, and the hands-free power trunk was a convenient feature. The ES's interior design was both functional and luxurious, with plenty of storage options.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay compatibility but no Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with a high-mounted touchscreen, stereo volume and tuning knobs, and main menu access buttons. The voice-recognition system worked well with Apple CarPlay, and the USB port was conveniently located. Higher trims offered additional features like advanced voice recognition, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a JBL premium sound system.

The 2021 Lexus ES came with a more advanced infotainment system, featuring a standard 8-inch display, with an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services. The dynamic voice command technology was excellent, allowing drivers to bypass the touchpad most of the time. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium sound system, with an available 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson high-end sound system.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which included advanced driver-assistance systems like low-light pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The system operated with impressive refinement and accuracy, though the lane-departure warning system's aural alert was irritating. The Corolla received a 5-star rating for frontal-impact protection from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured Lexus Safety System 2.0 (LSS 2.0), which bundled several advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims except the base. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.