2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Subaru WRX
Overview | |
MSRP$39,050 | MSRP$29,605 |
Listings54 | Listings92 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2021 Lexus IS Reviews SummaryThe Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be. | |
2022 Subaru WRX Reviews SummaryThe 2022 WRX delivers a cocktail of performance and all-weather practicality that remains unmatched at its price point. Although the introduction of Subaru’s 2.4-liter engine doesn’t result in a massive power bump for the WRX, the car still impresses—particularly in the handling department. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive Train |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City21 | MPG City |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine Name2.4L 271 hp H4 |
Torque258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm | Horsepower271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space10.8 cu ft | Cargo Space12.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight3715 lbs | Curb Weight3431 lbs |
Height56.5 in | Height57.8 in |
Length185.4 in | Length183.8 in |
Width72.4 in | Width79.3 in |
Wheelbase110.2 in | Wheelbase105.2 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1189 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $39,050 | $29,605 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 6.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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Summary | The Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be. | The 2022 WRX delivers a cocktail of performance and all-weather practicality that remains unmatched at its price point. Although the introduction of Subaru’s 2.4-liter engine doesn’t result in a massive power bump for the WRX, the car still impresses—particularly in the handling department. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | |
Drive Train | RWD | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm | |
MPG City | 21 | |
MPG Highway | 31 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.4L 271 hp H4 |
Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | |
MPG Highway | 31 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 10.8 cu ft | 12.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3715 lbs | 3431 lbs |
Height | 56.5 in | 57.8 in |
Length | 185.4 in | 183.8 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 79.3 in |
Wheelbase | 110.2 in | 105.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1189 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
The 2021 Lexus IS presents an athletically proportioned and elegantly designed sedan that captures motion even while standing still. Its interior matches the bold exterior with authentic lines, build quality, and a modern aesthetic. The tastefully simple dash and bold, assertive choices make the IS stand out.
In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX offers a more subtle front end but features significant changes along the side and rear. The rear fenders flare outward dramatically, and the car looks smoother and more streamlined than its predecessor. Inside, the WRX sees a huge improvement with comfortable seats and a more modern look.
The 2021 Lexus IS offers a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, a 3.5-liter V6, and various transmission options. It delivers a top speed of 143 mph and accelerates from 0 – 60 mph in 5.6 to 6.9 seconds. The IS's fuel efficiency varies based on the powertrain, with EPA estimates ranging from 19 to 31 mpg combined.
The 2022 Subaru WRX ditches the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in favor of a 2.4-liter turbo, delivering 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offers a standard all-wheel drive system and the option of a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission. The WRX also features a new suspension and improved ride quality.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Lexus IS 7 out of 10 for technology, and the 2022 Subaru WRX 8 out of 10.
The 2021 Lexus IS finally offers a touchscreen infotainment system that runs both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also includes various connected services and a Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system. In contrast, the 2022 Subaru WRX features an 11.6-inch touchscreen display and an available 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system.
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Lexus IS 7 out of 10 for safety, and the 2022 Subaru WRX 5 out of 10.
The 2021 Lexus IS comes loaded with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a suite of advanced safety features. The 2022 Subaru WRX offers Subaru’s EyeSight suite of advanced driver assistance systems on CVT-equipped models, while the manual transmission models miss out on these features.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Lexus IS is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Subaru WRX scores 6.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Lexus IS emerges as the more highly rated option, offering a luxurious and well-rounded package with a focus on performance, safety, and technology. Therefore, the 2021 Lexus IS is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a premium and versatile sports sedan.
Choose the 2021 Lexus IS if:
- You prioritize a luxurious and elegantly designed sedan with a range of powertrains and advanced safety features.
- You seek a comfortable and spacious interior with a focus on form and function.
- You value a modern infotainment system with the option for a premium surround-sound audio system.
Choose the 2022 Subaru WRX if:
- You are looking for a performance-focused sedan with standard all-wheel drive and improved cargo capacity.
- You prefer a more modern and comfortable interior with the option for an advanced Harmon Kardon stereo system.
- You want a competitive AWD performance sedan at a relatively affordable price point.
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Lexus IS is 7.3 out of 10, while the 2022 Subaru WRX scores 6.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Lexus IS emerges as the more highly rated option, offering a luxurious and well-rounded package with a focus on performance, safety, and technology. Therefore, the 2021 Lexus IS is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a premium and versatile sports sedan.
Choose the 2021 Lexus IS if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a luxurious and elegantly designed sedan with a range of powertrains and advanced safety features.
- You seek a comfortable and spacious interior with a focus on form and function.
- You value a modern infotainment system with the option for a premium surround-sound audio system.
Choose the 2022 Subaru WRX if:
Shop Now- You are looking for a performance-focused sedan with standard all-wheel drive and improved cargo capacity.
- You prefer a more modern and comfortable interior with the option for an advanced Harmon Kardon stereo system.
- You want a competitive AWD performance sedan at a relatively affordable price point.
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.
