2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2021 Lexus ES

The 2021 Lexus ES lineup expanded to include the new ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive (FWD). Available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims, the ES 250 and ES 350 offered a range of options. Additionally, the ES 300h hybrid version provided significant fuel economy gains for a premium of $1,910. The ES lineup also introduced standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, except for the base trim, and debuted a limited-production Black Line Special Edition of the ES 350.

The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition featured extra-cost paint, triple-beam LED headlights, an adaptive variable suspension, and various luxury upgrades, bringing the MSRP to $54,070. F Sport trim added 19-inch wheels, unique styling details, and a sporty interior. The Black Line Special Edition included black wheels, side mirrors, and a black and white interior, with only 1,500 units produced. The ES’s dramatic grille and overall design made it a striking sedan, with the F Sport trim enhancing its appeal. The black and white interior of the test car provided a striking contrast, emphasizing the high-quality materials and design typical of a Lexus.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a continuation of the hot hatch legacy, shared its basics with the regular Golf but included subtle enhancements for performance. Red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip on the grille, and painted brake calipers distinguished it from the standard model. The GTI featured 18-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, gloss black side mirrors, and a small rear spoiler. Lowered by 0.6 inches, the GTI had a sporty stance with stainless-steel exhaust tips completing the look.

Inside, the GTI built on the Golf’s solid foundation with sporty touches like red ambient lighting, a black headliner, and a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel. The instrument cluster was unique to the GTI, and the interior featured aluminum-look pedals and heated front sport seats. The GTI’s interior quality was high, with excellent paintwork and well-installed materials, making it a standout in the compact car segment.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured 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. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined. During testing, it averaged 22.9 mpg.

The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, though it struggled with traction due to its front-wheel-drive setup. The car’s dynamic performance was impressive, with noticeable differences between driving modes. The firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism made it a surprisingly enjoyable drive, though it remained a sporty sedan rather than a true sports sedan.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, known for its performance, featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The test model had a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual was also available. The GTI’s handling was a highlight, with four-wheel independent suspension, DCC adaptive damping, and variable-ratio steering providing crisp turn-in and great feel. The Golf R front brakes offered strong stopping power.

The GTI’s performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads, though the Comfort drive mode in the Autobahn model helped slightly. The GTI’s fuel economy was 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined with the manual transmission, and 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined with the dual-clutch transmission. The GTI only required regular unleaded fuel, though premium unleaded was needed to achieve its stated horsepower and torque figures.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a daring interior layout that remained functional, with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent comfort, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, rear air conditioning vents, and an available power rear window sunshade. Outward visibility was excellent, and storage was plentiful, though oddly configured. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with an optional hands-free power trunk for added convenience.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, with its hatchback design offering 17.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The GTI’s compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, with a tight turning circle of 35.8 feet. The cabin featured clever storage options, including large front door pockets and well-sized cupholders, though the mechanical handbrake interfered slightly with access to the cupholders.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a problematic touchpad interface, requiring drivers to look away from the road to operate it. However, the climate and primary stereo controls were separate and easily accessible. The ES featured dynamic voice command technology, a 12.3-inch widescreen display, and a range of connected services, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and HD Radio. A 10-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a standard analog gauge cluster, with a configurable driver information screen. The GTI’s infotainment system included the VW MIB touchscreen, with S models using a 6.5-inch screen and SE and Autobahn models getting an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, with Bluetooth and two USB ports. Volkswagen Car-Net offered additional connected services, and the GTI included standard LED lighting, keyless access, rain-sensing wipers, and heated mirrors.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, with 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.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top “Good” scores from the IIHS, except for an “Acceptable” score in the small overlap front passenger side test and a “Poor” rating for the base Halogen headlights. The GTI included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control.