2021 Lexus ES vs 2022 Volkswagen Passat

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). These models were priced similarly to the ES 350, which came with 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, a gas-electric hybrid version, offered significant fuel economy improvements for a premium of $1,910. Lexus also introduced a limited-production Black Line Special Edition of the ES 350, featuring unique design elements and a matching set of Zero Halliburton luggage.

The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition test car boasted extra-cost paint, triple-beam LED headlights, an adaptive variable suspension, and various luxury features, culminating in a $54,070 MSRP. The F Sport trim added 19-inch wheels, unique styling details, and a sporty interior. The Black Line Special Edition came in black, white, or Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0, with black wheels and a black and white interior. The ES's dramatic grille and overall design made it a striking sedan, while the black and white interior of the test car provided a visually appealing contrast.

To commemorate the Passat's final year, Volkswagen introduced a Limited Edition for the 2022 model year, priced at $31,570. Only 1,973 units were produced, marking the year the Passat first went on sale in Europe. The Limited Edition featured exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror caps, and special badges. It was the only 2022 Passat available in Racing Green, with other color options including white, gray, and red.

The test car's interior featured Mauro Brown leather upholstery, fake wood trim, and special seat tags. Despite its age, the Passat's design remained upscale and well-preserved. However, the interior included a mix of inexpensive plastics and outdated technologies, such as a 6.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a small driver information display. Nevertheless, the Passat's cabin offered modern touches like integrated dashboard air vents and metallic detailing, providing a comfortable and traditional European feel.

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 loop averaged 22.9 mpg.

The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, with a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism. While it wasn't an outright sports sedan, it offered genuine driving enjoyment in Sport and Sport+ modes. The ES 350 F Sport's dynamic performance was impressive, though it could benefit from quicker steering response and a torque-vectoring AWD system.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels. The turbo engine's torque curve provided adequate power for commuting, running errands, and highway cruising. However, the Passat struggled with immediate power for passing and quick acceleration.

Switching to the transmission's Sport mode improved responsiveness without significantly impacting fuel efficiency. The Passat achieved an EPA rating of 28 mpg combined, but our testing loop returned 30.7 mpg. The 18.5-gallon fuel tank allowed for extended driving range, making refueling infrequent. The Passat prioritized ride quality, though it felt jittery on city streets and conveyed impacts through its aging architecture. The brake pedal response was inconsistent, but the car was quiet on the highway and exhibited traditional German handling traits on twisty roads.

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 an optional hands-free power trunk for added convenience.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat boasted a spacious cabin with ample room for five adults and dual-zone climate control. However, the front seats' eight-way power adjustment lacked separate bottom cushion angle adjustment, compromising comfort for some drivers. The rear seats provided exceptional legroom, air conditioning vents, USB ports, and coat hooks. Storage space was good, though door-panel bins were lined with hard plastic. The trunk offered 15.9 cubic feet of space, with no underfloor trays or side bins, and a manual trunk lid.

The 2021 Lexus ES's infotainment system featured a touchpad interface that required attention to operate, but climate and primary stereo controls were separate and easily accessible. The dynamic voice command technology was excellent, and the optional 12.3-inch widescreen display looked terrific but needed to be a touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services. The 12.3-inch display added dynamic navigation and Destination Assist, while a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system was available.

The 2022 Volkswagen Passat's infotainment system featured a 6.3-inch screen with standard App-Connect smartphone connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluetooth. The R-Line and Limited Edition trims added HD Radio, navigation, and a Fender premium audio system. The voice recognition system worked for simple commands but struggled with complex ones. The Fender audio system provided excellent sound quality, making it a standout feature in the Passat.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0 (LSS 2.0), which bundled advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) such as 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 2022 Volkswagen Passat's safety features lagged behind more modern VW models but included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic rear braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The R-Line trim added automatic high-beam headlights, while the Limited Edition featured adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and park-assist. The IIHS gave the Passat's top-trim headlights a "Good" rating, but the NHTSA awarded the Passat a four-star overall rating, with a three-star rating for frontal-impact collision protection.