2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Subaru WRX

The 2021 Lexus IS made a statement with its athletic proportions and great stance. Its design captured motion even while standing still, with an elegant distance between the front axle and dashboard. The fast roofline and the kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added to its sporty look. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave it an assertive squint. Inside, the dash was tastefully simple with a retro hi-fi feel, and the interior matched the exterior with bold, assertive choices and modern aesthetics. However, the analog clock felt outdated in this modern context.

The 2021 Subaru WRX, often seen as having an adolescent aesthetic, looked tame compared to the racier WRX STI. Its wedge-like front end and short trunk lid gave it the appearance of speed, even at rest. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop added to this look. Inside, the WRX resembled other Subaru compact cars from the past decade, with a function-first cockpit that came at the cost of fit and finish. Hard plastics contributed to its immature reputation, especially compared to the refined cabins of competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si.

The 2021 Lexus IS brought serious sport to the luxury sports sedan category. It was tested and developed at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, debuting the "Lexus Driving Signature" for seamless transitions in various driving situations. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD had a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the IS 350 models had the same V6 tuned to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. RWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, and AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS had a top speed of 143 mph, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD rated at 21/31/25 mpg, and the IS 350 AWD at 19/26/22 mpg.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Despite being the most powerful among its rivals, the WRX required mastering the revs to get the most out of it. The CVT, though not ideal for enthusiasts, kept the revs in the powerband accurately. The manual transmission was less precise, with a vague clutch feel. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, providing precision in corners. It had well-weighted steering but a stiff ride compared to the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2021 Lexus IS excelled in driver-centered form and function. It had a great driver position with a comfortable, supportive seat, especially in the F Sport trim with bolstered seats, heating, and ventilation. The IS used perforated NuLuxe fabric, a synthetic upholstery that was eco-friendly, lightweight, and easy to clean. Storage space was ample, with an open cubby, twin cupholders, big door pockets, a decent glovebox, and an under-armrest compartment. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom negotiable with front-seat occupants. Trunk space was adequate at 10.8 cubic feet, with a temporary spare stored beneath the trunk’s load floor.

The 2021 Subaru WRX had a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. This was more than the Civic Si coupe but less than the sedan and far behind the VW GTI. The WRX's age showed in its interior packaging, with less accommodating in-door bottle-holders. The driving position was commanding and comfortable, with good visibility. The center console provided decent space, and the rear seats could accommodate four adults comfortably, highlighting the benefits of a sedan layout.

The 2021 Lexus IS finally offered a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It included various connected services with free trial periods, such as Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote. The Navigation Package included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for the first three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system was a recommended option for audiophiles, providing superb sound quality.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a sensible layout and easy-to-use controls despite dated graphics. The Limited trim offered an option package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing great sound quality. However, the WRX's tech was far from cutting-edge, reflecting its 2015 introduction.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but it was expected to perform well based on the previous generation. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Other features included vehicle dynamic integrated management, tire pressure monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, and LED lighting. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency assistance, roadside assistance, collision notification, and stolen vehicle notification.

The 2021 Subaru WRX did not come standard with the latest safety features. The EyeSight system, with adaptive cruise control, emergency automatic braking, and lane-departure warning, was available on Premium and Limited trims with the CVT. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking were options on the Limited trim. All trims had a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.