2021 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2021 Subaru WRX was often criticized for its youthful and somewhat rebellious design, akin to a family member with piercings and tattoos. Despite its sporty appearance, it was more subdued compared to the racier WRX STI, which featured a prominent rear wing. The WRX's wedge-like front end and short trunk lid contributed to its speedy look, even when stationary. Aerodynamic bodywork and a functional hood scoop enhanced this impression. Inside, the WRX's cabin was utilitarian, resembling other Subaru compacts from the past decade. While functional, it lacked the refinement seen in competitors like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si, with hard plastics contributing to its less mature reputation.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus ES maintained a more sophisticated and elegant aesthetic, appealing to a different demographic. The ES had evolved over seven generations, offering a blend of style and practicality. Its design featured elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though the spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES's dashboard was asymmetrical, providing a cockpit feel for the driver. The F Sport model added bold two-tone leather seating, enhancing its sporty appeal. Despite some quirks, the ES's interior was precisely assembled, reflecting Lexus's commitment to quality.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the WRX boasted more power than rivals like the Civic Si and VW GTI, extracting its full potential required skillful rev management. The CVT, though unconventional for enthusiasts, kept the engine in the powerband effectively. However, the manual transmission was criticized for its vague clutch feel. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing cornering precision, but its stiff ride was less comfortable than competitors.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, achieving 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, reaching 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor, achieving 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt underpowered for a luxury sedan. The ES 350's V6 offered more engaging performance, while the ES 300h excelled in fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While it surpassed the Civic Si coupe's capacity, it fell short of the sedan and the VW GTI's versatile cargo space. The WRX's interior packaging was less accommodating for larger items like water bottles, and the manual transmission's shifting motion could be obstructed by cupholders. However, the WRX provided a comfortable driving position with excellent visibility, and its rear seats could accommodate four adults comfortably.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with the hybrid model maintaining the same capacity. The ES's second row folded flat, allowing for larger items like flat-pack furniture. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to the Lexus RX SUV. Inside, the ES featured ample storage, including big bottle pockets and a spacious center console. The dashboard layout, though not visually appealing, was functional, with a prominent volume knob for easy access.

The 2021 Subaru WRX came standard with a 6.5-inch touchscreen running Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, with a 7-inch screen available on higher trims. Both screens supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a user-friendly interface despite dated graphics. The Limited trim offered an optional package with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium stereo, providing excellent sound quality. However, the WRX's tech was not cutting-edge, reflecting its 2015 introduction.

The 2022 Lexus ES featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Upper trims upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system. The ES retained a touchpad interface, which was challenging to use on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, enhancing safety by displaying critical information in the driver's line of sight. The ES also offered a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist, valuable for parking-challenged drivers. Lexus Enform connected services provided various features, including emergency alerts and maintenance notifications.

The 2021 Subaru WRX lacked standard advanced safety features, with Subaru's EyeSight system available only on CVT-equipped Premium and Limited trims. Adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and reverse automatic braking were optional on the Limited trim. All WRX models included a tire-pressure monitoring system and traction control.

The 2022 Lexus ES excelled in safety, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star NHTSA rating. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags further enhanced safety. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency services for three years.