2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Subaru Impreza

2021 Subaru Impreza
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Lexus ES
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$18,795

MSRP

$40,000

Listings

127

Listings

278

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Comfortable

  • Manual transmission available

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Not much cargo space

  • Uninspired styling

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Great ride quality

  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Unintuitive technology

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

2021 Subaru Impreza Reviews Summary

Subaru developed a cult following thanks to cars like the Impreza. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Impreza has been a hit in wintry climates, offering the low operating costs of a compact car without the limited foul-weather capability of the mostly front-wheel drive (FWD) competition.

The current Impreza represents the model’s fifth generation, and dates back to the 2017 model year. Available in sedan and hatchback form, the Impreza has also spawned the sporty Subaru WRX and more rugged looking Subaru Crosstrek, which have overshadowed the basic Impreza to some extent. We’ll cover the WRX and Crosstrek in separate reviews.

Changes for the 2021 model year are limited to availability of SI-Drive drive modes on the Impreza Premium trim level (this feature was previously available only on the Impreza Sport) and a $100 price increase. The full Impreza lineup remains unchanged, encompassing base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels for both the sedan and hatchback. Consequently, we’ll look back on our experience with previous model years for this overview.

2021 Lexus ES Reviews Summary

When you think of a Lexus ES, you think of a cushy, comfortable, and reliable car that your parents or grandparents might like. The roomy and quiet cabin, the relaxed driving demeanor, and the relatively affordable price all hearken back to the original Lexus mission. And these stereotypes about the car are accurate. But in F Sport trim, with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 shows a different side of its presumed personality.
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 152 hp H4

Engine

3.5L 302 hp V6

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

152 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

302 hp @ 6600 rpm

MPG City

28

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

32
2021 Subaru Impreza
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus ES
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Subaru Impreza
$18,795MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$18,795
$40,000
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

5.0

4.8

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive

  • Comfortable

  • Manual transmission available

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Not much cargo space

  • Uninspired styling

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Great ride quality

  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Unintuitive technology

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

Summary

Subaru developed a cult following thanks to cars like the Impreza. Thanks to standard all-wheel drive (AWD), the Impreza has been a hit in wintry climates, offering the low operating costs of a compact car without the limited foul-weather capability of the mostly front-wheel drive (FWD) competition.

The current Impreza represents the model’s fifth generation, and dates back to the 2017 model year. Available in sedan and hatchback form, the Impreza has also spawned the sporty Subaru WRX and more rugged looking Subaru Crosstrek, which have overshadowed the basic Impreza to some extent. We’ll cover the WRX and Crosstrek in separate reviews.

Changes for the 2021 model year are limited to availability of SI-Drive drive modes on the Impreza Premium trim level (this feature was previously available only on the Impreza Sport) and a $100 price increase. The full Impreza lineup remains unchanged, encompassing base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels for both the sedan and hatchback. Consequently, we’ll look back on our experience with previous model years for this overview.

When you think of a Lexus ES, you think of a cushy, comfortable, and reliable car that your parents or grandparents might like. The roomy and quiet cabin, the relaxed driving demeanor, and the relatively affordable price all hearken back to the original Lexus mission. And these stereotypes about the car are accurate. But in F Sport trim, with the 3.5-liter V6 engine, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 shows a different side of its presumed personality.
Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 152 hp H4
3.5L 302 hp V6
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
152 hp @ 6000 rpm
302 hp @ 6600 rpm
MPG City
28
22
MPG Highway
36
32
Look and feel

2021 Subaru Impreza

8/10

2021 Lexus ES

8/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2021 Subaru Impreza and the 2021 Lexus ES both receive an 8 out of 10 rating for their look and feel. The 2021 Subaru Impreza features a conservative yet handsome design, with sleek headlights and taillights that give an added impression of width. The Impreza Sport models also get specific styling touches, including 18-inch alloy wheels. On the other hand, the 2021 Lexus ES boasts a long, lean, and artfully detailed design, especially appealing in the F Sport trim with its unique front and rear styling details, larger wheels, and black grille.
Picture of 2021 Subaru Impreza
Picture of 2021 Subaru Impreza
Picture of 2021 Subaru Impreza
Picture of 2021 Subaru Impreza
Picture of 2021 Subaru Impreza
Picture of 2021 Subaru Impreza
Picture of 2021 Subaru Impreza
Picture of 2021 Subaru Impreza
Performance

2021 Subaru Impreza

7/10

2021 Lexus ES

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Subaru Impreza at 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Lexus ES at 8 out of 10 for performance. The 2021 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. On the other hand, the 2021 Lexus ES is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The ES 350 accelerates to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and offers a fuel economy rating of 25 mpg in combined driving.
Form and function

2021 Subaru Impreza

7/10

2021 Lexus ES

8/10
The 2021 Subaru Impreza receives a 7 out of 10 rating, while the 2021 Lexus ES scores an 8 out of 10 for form and function. The Impreza hatchback and sedan offer reasonable legroom, with the hatch providing 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space and 55.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. On the other hand, the Lexus ES 350 F Sport features sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, and a trunk measuring 13.9 cubic feet.
Technology

2021 Subaru Impreza

7/10

2021 Lexus ES

4/10
The 2021 Subaru Impreza receives a 7 out of 10 rating, while the 2021 Lexus ES scores a 4 out of 10 for technology. The Impreza features a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth, while the ES includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services. The ES also offers a 12.3-inch widescreen display and a 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson high-end sound system.
Safety

2021 Subaru Impreza

9/10

2021 Lexus ES

7/10
The 2021 Subaru Impreza receives a 9 out of 10 rating, while the 2021 Lexus ES scores a 7 out of 10 for safety. Both vehicles offer advanced safety features, with the Impreza receiving an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” award and the ES being named a Top Safety Pick+ for 2021 by the IIHS.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Subaru Impreza is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus ES scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Subaru Impreza emerges as the more favorable choice, offering a well-rounded package with a strong emphasis on safety, cost-effectiveness, and practicality. However, these vehicles are not direct rivals and so the choice ultimately depends on which vehicle makes the most sense for your requirements.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Subaru Impreza is 7.7 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus ES scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Subaru Impreza emerges as the more favorable choice, offering a well-rounded package with a strong emphasis on safety, cost-effectiveness, and practicality. However, these vehicles are not direct rivals and so the choice ultimately depends on which vehicle makes the most sense for your requirements.

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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.

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