2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the introduction of the ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive. The ES 250 and ES 350 were available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims. Additionally, the ES 300h hybrid offered improved fuel economy at a premium. Lexus made blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on most trims, and introduced a limited-production Black Line Special Edition for the ES 350. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition boasted features like triple-beam LED headlights, adaptive suspension, and a Navigation Package, culminating in a $54,070 MSRP. The F Sport trim added unique styling elements, while the Black Line Special Edition featured exclusive black accents and a matching luggage set. The ES's design, highlighted by its dramatic grille, was both striking and elegant, with the F Sport trim enhancing its appeal. Inside, the black and white interior provided a sophisticated contrast, underscoring the Lexus's high-quality materials and design.

In contrast, the 2021 Subaru WRX was often seen as having a youthful aesthetic, with its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid giving it a speedy appearance. While the WRX STI was more aggressive, the standard WRX was relatively subdued. The interior, reminiscent of other Subaru compacts, prioritized function over form, with hard plastics contributing to its less mature reputation compared to rivals like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX was available in Base, Premium, and Limited trims, with the base model featuring 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim added 18-inch wheels and a larger 7-inch screen, while the Limited trim offered leather upholstery and advanced features like adaptive headlights. Despite its functional cockpit, the WRX's interior felt dated, lacking the refinement of its competitors.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. It offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with the F Sport trim adding Sport+ and Custom modes. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined. However, during testing, the ES 350 F Sport averaged 22.9 mpg. The car felt quicker than its official acceleration time suggested, though it lacked a torque-vectoring AWD system. The ES 350 F Sport impressed with its firm ride, flat cornering, and overall athleticism, though it was not a true sports sedan. It was more of a sporty sedan, with the official Lexus sports sedans being the IS 350 F Sport and the upcoming IS 500 F Sport Performance.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a CVT. Despite being more powerful than rivals like the Civic Si and VW GTI, the WRX required skillful rev management to extract its full potential. The CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the engine in the powerband effectively. The manual transmission, however, was less precise, with a vague clutch feel. The WRX's Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring enhanced cornering precision, while its well-weighted steering made it enjoyable on winding roads. However, its stiff ride was less comfortable than the Civic Si and GTI, which balanced sportiness with comfort more effectively.

The 2021 Lexus ES boasted a daring yet functional interior layout, with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided a luxurious feel, and the rear seats offered ample foot and legroom, with features like rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. Visibility was excellent, and storage was plentiful, though oddly configured. The trunk offered 13.9 cubic feet of space, with an optional hands-free power trunk for added convenience.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While it surpassed the Civic Si coupe, it fell short of the sedan and the VW GTI's cargo capacity. The WRX's interior packaging felt dated, with limited in-door bottle holders and cupholders that could obstruct shifting. However, it provided a comfortable driving position with excellent visibility. The rear seats accommodated four adults comfortably, highlighting the advantages of a sedan layout over a coupe.

The 2021 Lexus ES faced criticism for its touchpad interface, which required attention to navigate. However, it offered separate climate and stereo controls, a dynamic voice command system, and an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display. All trims included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more, with a 10-speaker premium sound system standard. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson system was available for audiophiles.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls. The Limited trim featured an optional package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, though the tech felt dated compared to newer models.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with advanced safety features. The EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, was available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and other features were optional on the Limited trim. All trims included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.