2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Subaru Impreza
Overview | |
MSRP$18,795 | MSRP$40,000 |
Listings127 | Listings278 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2021 Subaru Impreza Reviews SummarySubaru 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 SummaryWhen 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 | |
Engine2.0L 152 hp H4 | Engine3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower152 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City28 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway32 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 152 hp H4 | Engine Name3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Torque145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower152 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City28 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway32 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space12.3 cu ft | Cargo Space13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3047 lbs | Curb Weight3690 lbs |
Height57.3 in | Height56.9 in |
Length182.7 in | Length195.9 in |
Width79.4 in | Width73.4 in |
Wheelbase105.1 in | Wheelbase113.0 in |
Maximum Payload1252 lbs | Maximum Payload905 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $18,795 | $40,000 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
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 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 152 hp H4 | 3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 28 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 32 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 12.3 cu ft | 13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3047 lbs | 3690 lbs |
Height | 57.3 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 182.7 in | 195.9 in |
Width | 79.4 in | 73.4 in |
Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 113.0 in |
Maximum Payload | 1252 lbs | 905 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |














CarGurus highlights

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.
Choose the 2021 Lexus ES if:
- You seek a larger car with a robust V6 engine and a luxurious interior.
- You value advanced technology features, including a 12.3-inch widescreen display and a premium sound system.
- You are willing to invest in a vehicle with a unique design and a focus on comfort and luxury.
Choose the 2021 Subaru Impreza if:
- You prioritize safety, as it received a higher safety rating compared to the Lexus ES.
- You are looking for a more affordable option with good fuel economy.
- You prefer a compact car with a versatile cargo space, especially in the hatchback model.
CarGurus highlights

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.
Choose the 2021 Lexus ES if:
Shop Now- You seek a larger car with a robust V6 engine and a luxurious interior.
- You value advanced technology features, including a 12.3-inch widescreen display and a premium sound system.
- You are willing to invest in a vehicle with a unique design and a focus on comfort and luxury.
Choose the 2021 Subaru Impreza if:
Shop Now- You prioritize safety, as it received a higher safety rating compared to the Lexus ES.
- You are looking for a more affordable option with good fuel economy.
- You prefer a compact car with a versatile cargo space, especially in the hatchback model.

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.








































