2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Honda Civic continued the tradition of being a segment-defining vehicle, with its 10th-generation model still turning heads years after its debut. The Civic sedan, available in various trims, offered a blend of style and practicality. The Touring trim, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, presented a striking appearance, though opinions on its design varied. Inside, the Civic's cabin, while showing signs of aging, maintained its reputation for quality materials and thoughtful design. The infotainment screen, however, was limited to 7 inches, reflecting the car's age. Despite this, the Civic remained a trendsetter in the compact car segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES offered a more luxurious and refined experience. The ES lineup expanded with the introduction of the ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter engine and AWD. The ES 350, with its 3.5-liter V6, provided a more powerful option. The F Sport trim added sporty elements, including 19-inch wheels and unique styling details. The Black Line Special Edition, limited to 1,500 units, featured exclusive design touches and came with a matching luggage set. The ES's design, with its dramatic grille and sleek lines, was both elegant and eye-catching, making it a standout in the luxury sedan market.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produced 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT driving the front wheels. While adequate, the turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, available in higher trims, delivered 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. The Civic's independent suspension and precise steering contributed to its enjoyable handling, though the CVT's droning was a drawback. Despite this, the Civic excelled in fuel economy, averaging 34.8 mpg, surpassing EPA estimates.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a combined fuel economy rating of 25 mpg. The F Sport trim, with its adaptive damping suspension, offered Sport+ and Custom driving modes, enhancing the driving experience. While the ES 350 F Sport was not a true sports sedan, it provided a balance of comfort and athleticism, making it a competent and enjoyable vehicle to drive.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan, though low to the ground, offered a spacious interior comparable to older midsize cars. The driver's seat provided eight-way power adjustment, while the rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, despite the lack of rear air vents. The center console was highly practical, offering ample storage space. The trunk, measuring 15.1 cubic feet, was generous for the class, though the Touring trim's premium sound system reduced it slightly to 14.7 cubic feet.

The 2021 Lexus ES excelled in interior comfort and space. The ES 350 F Sport featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats offered ample legroom and comfort, with rear air vents and an available power sunshade. Visibility was excellent, and storage, though unconventional, was plentiful. The trunk, at 13.9 cubic feet, was modest for a luxury sedan, but the hands-free power trunk added convenience.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat dated. The base LX trim included a 5-inch LCD screen and basic connectivity features. Higher trims offered a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium audio system. The Touring trim added navigation and a 10-speaker sound system. While the infotainment system was functional, it lacked sophistication, and the voice recognition system required specific prompts.

The 2021 Lexus ES boasted a more advanced technology suite. The ES featured a standard 8-inch display, with an optional 12.3-inch widescreen. The infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. The dynamic voice command technology was effective, reducing reliance on the touchpad. The optional Mark Levinson sound system offered superior audio quality, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2021 Honda Civic came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of ADAS features including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. LaneWatch, available on higher trims, provided a camera view of the right lane but lacked a traditional blind-spot monitoring system. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, offering a comprehensive set of ADAS features such as forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, affirming its status as a safe luxury sedan.