2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup to include the new ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). This model was priced similarly to the ES 350, which had a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive (FWD). The ES 250 and ES 350 were available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims. Additionally, the ES 300h hybrid variant offered improved fuel economy for a premium of $1,910. Lexus also introduced a limited-production Black Line Special Edition for the ES 350, featuring unique styling elements and a matching set of Zero Halliburton luggage.

The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition test car came loaded with features like triple-beam LED headlights, adaptive variable suspension, and a Navigation Package, bringing its MSRP to $54,070. The F Sport trim added 19-inch wheels, unique styling details, and a black headliner, while the Black Line Special Edition included black wheels and a black and white interior. The ES’s dramatic grille and overall design made it a striking sedan, with the F Sport trim adding an extra layer of appeal. The interior, with its black and white contrast, showcased high-quality materials and a dramatic cabin design, reinforcing its Lexus identity.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, launched as a hatchback in 2019 and a sedan in 2020, aimed to shed Toyota’s reputation for boring designs with its extroverted styling, including scowling LED headlights and a wide grille. However, it couldn’t match the boldness of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesiveness of the Honda Civic. The Corolla offered different styling elements for various trims, with the SE and XSE models featuring an aggressive front fascia, and the Nightshade and Apex Editions adding unique touches like blacked-out trim and bronze accents.

Our SE Apex Edition test car, in Cement gray, had a sporty presence with its model-specific 18-inch wheels and subtle body kit. The Corolla’s interior, while less imaginative than the exterior, had a simple and appealing look. The fit and finish were up to Toyota’s standards, but the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges. The SE Apex Edition’s interior was essentially the same as the standard SE, with light gray upholstery that seemed prone to stains. Cloth upholstery was standard, with SofTex leatherette available on higher trims.

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 on models with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and had an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined, though our testing averaged 22.9 mpg.

The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its official acceleration time, with a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism that exceeded expectations for a car known for comfort. While it wasn’t a full-fledged sports sedan, it offered genuine driving enjoyment, especially in Sport and Sport+ modes. The adaptive cruise and lane-keeping systems were effective but occasionally intrusive, making manual driving more enjoyable.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla sedan offered two engine options: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque for the L, LE, and XLE trims, and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque for the SE and XSE trims. The Apex Edition of the SE and XSE featured a sport exhaust system. The smaller engine came with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the 2.0-liter engine was available with a six-speed manual gearbox on the SE and SE Apex Edition models. All Corollas were front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive expected in 2023.

Our SE Apex Edition test car, with its manual transmission, sport exhaust, and model-specific suspension, felt nimble and eager in corners, though the stiffer ride compromised comfort. The Apex Edition wasn’t a full performance model, lacking tire, brake, and engine upgrades, but it was fun to drive in corners. The standard Corolla, while comfortable, wasn’t particularly exciting, making the Apex Edition a worthwhile choice for driving enthusiasts on a budget.

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 offered 13.9 cubic feet of space, with a hands-free power trunk available.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla’s interior felt roomy, with a low beltline aiding outward visibility. However, the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard made forward visibility challenging. The driver’s seat positioning was optimized, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The front and rear seats were squishy rather than supportive. The Corolla sedan’s 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space was less than competitors, though a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat was standard. The sleek interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin center console and small phone tray.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a problematic touchpad interface that required constant attention to the screen, making it easy to overshoot targets. However, the climate and primary stereo controls were separate and easy to use, and the dynamic voice command technology was excellent. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display looked great but wasn’t a touchscreen. All ES trims included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and connected services. A 10-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla’s infotainment system was starting to feel outdated. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard on the base model, with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM were standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. A nine-speaker JBL system was available on higher trims. The interface was easy to use, but some tasks were more challenging than in competitors’ systems, and the graphics looked dated. The Corolla lacked wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and didn’t offer novel features like Hyundai’s Digital Key.

The 2021 Lexus ES came with Lexus Safety System 2.0, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. 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 2022 Toyota Corolla also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, Lane Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available but not standard on all trims.