2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback

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 variant provided significant fuel economy improvements for a $1,910 premium. Lexus also introduced blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard on all trims except the base model. The limited-production Black Line Special Edition of the ES 350 debuted, featuring unique styling elements and a matching two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage.

The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition test car came loaded with features, including extra-cost paint, triple-beam LED headlights, adaptive variable suspension, and a Navigation Package, among others, totaling a $54,070 MSRP. The F Sport trim added 19-inch wheels, unique styling details, and a black headliner, while the Black Line Special Edition offered exclusive black and white interior and exterior elements. The ES’s dramatic grille and overall design were striking, and the black and white interior provided a visually appealing contrast. Despite sharing a platform with the Toyota Avalon, the ES maintained its Lexus identity with high-quality materials and design.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback aimed to capture a significant share of the hatchback market, with production in Indiana making it one of the few compact cars still made in the U.S. The new Civic hatchback shared its front design with the sedan but featured unique elements from the front doors back. The Sport Touring trim, tested in both CVT and manual transmission versions, offered a more modern appearance with sophisticated digital instrumentation and infotainment displays. The Civic hatchback’s design addressed the visual weight distribution issue common in small hatchbacks, though it still had a somewhat stubby rear.

Inside, the Civic hatchback’s Sport Touring trim provided a comfortable and modern cabin with black leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a driver’s seat with eight-way power adjustment. The back seat offered sufficient legroom, though the lack of rear air conditioning vents was noted. The trunk measured a generous 24.5 cubic feet, and the innovative two-piece cargo shade added to the car’s practicality. The Civic hatchback’s design and features made it a strong contender in the compact car market, appealing to those seeking a blend of style and functionality.

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, the ES 350 F Sport averaged 22.9 mpg.

The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, though it could benefit from a torque-vectoring AWD system. The car’s dynamic performance was impressive, with discernable differences between driving modes and a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism. However, it remained a sporty sedan rather than an outright sports sedan, with the Lexus IS 350 F Sport and IS 500 F Sport Performance filling that role.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback offered two engine options. The LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission in the Sport trim. The EX-L and Sport Touring trims had a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, with peak torque available from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. The EX-L came with a CVT, while the Sport Touring offered both transmission types.

The Civic hatchback’s turbocharged engine provided energetic performance, with the CVT working well and paddle shifters adding to the driving experience. The six-speed manual transmission in the Sport Touring trim was praised for its short throws and fluid gear engagement. The Civic hatchback’s suspension tuning balanced firmness and comfort, with good steering and braking performance. However, the car’s all-season tires and brakes were not suited for aggressive driving on winding roads, making it more of a compliant daily driver than a canyon carver.

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. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with an optional hands-free power trunk for added convenience.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback excelled in functionality, with a trunk measuring 24.5 cubic feet and a two-piece cargo shade. The back seat featured a 60/40-split folding design, though the load floor was not flat. All seating positions were comfortable, with the driver’s seat offering eight-way power adjustment and both front seats heated. The EX-L and Sport Touring trims featured black leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control, though the lack of rear air conditioning vents was noted.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a problematic touchpad interface, requiring drivers to look at the screen while navigating the cursor. However, the climate and primary stereo controls were separate, with a combination volume and tuning knob within reach. The ES featured an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display, dynamic voice command technology, and a 10-speaker premium sound system, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback featured a new infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display in LX, Sport, and EX-L trims, and a 9-inch display in the Sport Touring trim. The Sport Touring trim also included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The inclusion of physical knobs for sound system controls and a small shelf for steadying the hand improved usability. Digital instrumentation was standard, with a 10.2-inch display in the Sport Touring trim.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, featuring 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 model. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback came with Honda Sensing, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, Road Departure Mitigation, and Lane Keeping Assist. New features included low-speed following capability and Traffic Jam Assist. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning were available on EX-L and Sport Touring trims. The Civic hatchback earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.