2021 Honda Civic vs 2022 Lexus IS

Reflecting on the 2021 Honda Civic, it was clear that Honda had a history of releasing segment-defining models every decade. The 10th-generation Civic, introduced in 2016, was no exception, with its bold design that polarized opinions. Available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, the 2021 Civic offered a range of options, though the two-door coupe and sporty Civic Si were on hiatus. The Touring sedan, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint, stood out with its appealing aesthetics, though its design could be divisive depending on the angle and lighting.

Inside, the Civic's interior, once daring, showed signs of aging, particularly with its 7-inch infotainment screen. However, it still featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing. The cabin was spacious, comparable to a midsize car from a decade ago, and the trunk offered substantial storage. Despite some ergonomic flaws, such as the lack of rear air conditioning vents and a somewhat sloppy gear lever, the Civic remained a practical and stylish choice in the compact car segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance brought a blend of power and refinement. Nearly 15 years after the original IS F, the new model retained the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, now producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered a thrilling driving experience. The IS 500's design was subtle yet aggressive, with exclusive 19-inch wheels and minor trim modifications. Inside, the car featured a comfortable and intimate cabin, with quality materials and a logical control layout.

The IS 500's performance was impressive, with adaptive variable suspension and a Yamaha rear performance damper enhancing ride comfort and stability. The car's brakes were upgraded for better cooling and durability. Despite its added weight, the IS 500 handled well, offering a thrilling ride on winding roads. However, it was not particularly fuel-efficient, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing. Overall, the IS 500 was a compelling choice for those seeking a powerful and refined sports sedan.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered two engine options. The base LX and Sport trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) driving the front wheels. While adequate, this powertrain paled in comparison to the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine available in the EX, EX-L, and Touring trims. This turbo engine delivered 174 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. The Civic's sophisticated suspension and responsive steering made it enjoyable to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the CVT's droning noise and lack of manual transmission options were notable drawbacks. Despite these issues, the Civic's fuel economy was commendable, averaging 34.8 mpg in testing.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, on the other hand, featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. This powertrain allowed the IS 500 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable and stable ride, while upgraded brakes ensured reliable stopping power. The IS 500's driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, allowed drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. Despite its impressive power, the IS 500's fuel economy was less than stellar, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan sat low to the ground, making entry and exit a bit of a workout. Once inside, the front seats offered eight-way power adjustment for the driver, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. The rear seats were spacious and comfortable, though the absence of rear air conditioning vents was a drawback. The Civic's center console provided ample storage, and the trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet of space, slightly reduced to 14.7 cubic feet in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system.

In comparison, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with effective climate control and seat ventilation systems. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, with excellent thigh support and a driving position that fostered intimacy with the controls. The rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, and rear air conditioning vents were included, though rear passengers lacked smartphone charging options. Storage space was limited, with the center console's touchpad controller taking up valuable space. The trunk offered just 10.8 cubic feet of space, which was small even for a compact car.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology was somewhat dated. The base LX trim featured a 5-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth, and a 1.0-amp USB port. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen, an eight-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a more powerful 1.5-amp USB port. The EX trim added HD Radio and SiriusXM satellite radio, while the Touring trim included navigation, digital traffic, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. Despite these upgrades, the Civic's voice recognition system was unsophisticated, and the premium sound system, while nice, was not a significant improvement over the eight-speaker setup.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, however, featured a more advanced infotainment system. The switch to a touchscreen display in 2021 resolved previous ergonomic issues. The IS 500 Premium included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The dynamic voice command system was particularly impressive, handling queries and commands accurately. The IS 500 Premium also added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Honda Civic came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, Road Departure Mitigation, and a Lane Keeping Assist System. The Civic also featured automatic high-beam headlights and a multi-angle reversing camera. However, the LaneWatch system, available starting with EX trim, had several drawbacks, including susceptibility to damage and limited coverage. Despite these issues, the Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA in all assessments.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 (LSS+ 2.5), a comprehensive package of safety features. This included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and low-speed automatic braking. While some features were helpful, others could be irritating or overly aggressive. The IS 500 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received a four-star rating for frontal-impact collisions.