2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2021 Lexus ES
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Lexus ES is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is the recommended choice, offering a superior blend of performance, practicality, and technology.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI if:
- You seek a compact car with excellent performance and handling.
- You need a versatile hatchback with ample cargo space.
- You appreciate a blend of modern and traditional technology features.
Choose the 2021 Lexus ES if:
- You prioritize a luxurious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials.
- You value advanced safety features and top safety ratings.
- You prefer a smooth and refined driving experience with multiple driving modes.
Overview | |
MSRP$40,000 | MSRP$28,695 |
Average price$32,367 | Average price$25,691 |
Listings400 | Listings60 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Lexus ES Reviews SummaryWhen you think of a Lexus ES, you think of a cushy, comfortable, and reliable car that your parents or grandparents might like. The roomy and quiet cabin, the relaxed driving demeanor, and the relatively affordable price all hearken back to the original Lexus mission. And these stereotypes about the car are accurate. But in F Sport trim, with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 shows a different side of its presumed personality. | |
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews SummaryNow in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice? | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 302 hp V6 | Engine2.0L 228 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm | Horsepower228 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City22 | MPG City23 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway30 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 302 hp V6 | Engine Name2.0L 228 hp I4 |
Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm | Horsepower228 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City22 | MPG City23 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway30 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.9 cu ft | Cargo Space17.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight3690 lbs | Curb Weight3133 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height57.8 in |
Length195.9 in | Length168.0 in |
Width73.4 in | Width70.8 in |
Wheelbase113.0 in | Wheelbase103.6 in |
Maximum Payload905 lbs | Maximum Payload915 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Lexus ES is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI scores 7.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is the recommended choice, offering a superior blend of performance, practicality, and technology.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI if:
Shop Now- You seek a compact car with excellent performance and handling.
- You need a versatile hatchback with ample cargo space.
- You appreciate a blend of modern and traditional technology features.
Choose the 2021 Lexus ES if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a luxurious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials.
- You value advanced safety features and top safety ratings.
- You prefer a smooth and refined driving experience with multiple driving modes.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $40,000 | $28,695 |
Average price | $32,367 | $25,691 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.8 | 5.0 |
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 7.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | When you think of a Lexus ES, you think of a cushy, comfortable, and reliable car that your parents or grandparents might like. The roomy and quiet cabin, the relaxed driving demeanor, and the relatively affordable price all hearken back to the original Lexus mission. And these stereotypes about the car are accurate. But in F Sport trim, with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 shows a different side of its presumed personality. | Now in its last year of production before a major makeover, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI five-door hatchback embodies the benefits (and drawbacks) of the hot hatch formula. The quick, nimble, and stylish compact delivers impressive performance—but what does it sacrifice? |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 302 hp V6 | 2.0L 228 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City | 22 | 23 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 30 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 302 hp V6 | 2.0L 228 hp I4 |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
Horsepower | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm | 228 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 22 | 23 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 30 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.9 cu ft | 17.4 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3690 lbs | 3133 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 57.8 in |
Length | 195.9 in | 168.0 in |
Width | 73.4 in | 70.8 in |
Wheelbase | 113.0 in | 103.6 in |
Maximum Payload | 905 lbs | 915 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.