2021 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Subaru WRX was often critiqued for its youthful and somewhat rebellious design, reminiscent of a teenager with piercings and tattoos. While it appeared more subdued compared to the sportier WRX STI, the WRX still boasted a wedge-like front end and a short trunk lid, giving it a sense of speed even when stationary. Its aerodynamic bodywork and functional hood scoop added to this impression. Inside, the WRX shared similarities with other Subaru compact cars from the past decade, prioritizing function over form. This focus on practicality resulted in a cockpit filled with hard plastics, which contributed to its less mature reputation compared to rivals like the VW GTI and Honda Civic Si. The WRX offered trims such as Base, Premium, and Limited, each with varying features, from basic amenities to leather upholstery and advanced driver-assistance options.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F with its powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine. This new model delivered 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, maintaining the rear-wheel-drive setup and eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS 500 was praised for its ability to balance thrilling performance with everyday comfort, offering a satisfying driving experience. Despite its higher price compared to the IS 350 F Sport, the IS 500 justified its cost with premium features like triple-beam headlights, a Mark Levinson sound system, and a navigation system. Its design remained understated, with subtle styling tweaks and exclusive 19-inch wheels, appealing to those who preferred a more refined yet powerful presence on the road.

The 2021 Subaru WRX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine configuration allowed for a low center of gravity, enhancing the car's balance and handling. Buyers had the option of a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Despite being the most powerful among its competitors, the WRX required skillful rev management to fully exploit its potential. The CVT, although not the ideal choice for driving enthusiasts, offered paddle shifters to maintain the engine in its powerband. The manual transmission, however, was criticized for its vague clutch feel. The WRX featured Vehicle Dynamics Control with Active Torque Vectoring, enhancing cornering precision, though its ride was stiffer compared to rivals like the Civic Si and GTI.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, with its 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivered an impressive 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This power was channeled through an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, complemented by a limited-slip differential. The IS 500 offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable yet stable ride. Despite its added weight over the IS 350, the IS 500 maintained excellent handling and delivered an exhilarating driving experience, though it was not particularly fuel-efficient, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Subaru WRX featured a conventional sedan layout with a trunk offering up to 12 cubic feet of cargo space. While this was more than the Civic Si coupe, it fell short compared to the sedan and the VW GTI's hatchback configuration. The WRX's interior, though functional, showed its age with limited storage solutions, such as small door bottle-holders. The driving position was commanding and comfortable, with good visibility, and the rear seats could accommodate four adults comfortably.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 excelled in comfort, with an effective climate control system and seat ventilation, crucial for hot climates like Phoenix. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, providing excellent support and a driving position that enhanced control. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, though rear passengers lacked smartphone charging options. Storage was decent, but the touchpad controller occupied valuable space. The trunk offered just 10.8 cubic feet of space, which was small for a compact car. The IS 500's control layout was praised for its clarity and ease of use, with a preference for physical buttons and knobs over touch controls.

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 origins.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system, addressing previous ergonomic issues. The IS 500 Premium's dynamic voice command system was highly effective, handling queries accurately. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

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

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive suite of safety features. This included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, and low-speed automatic braking. While some features were helpful, others could be intrusive in certain situations. The IS earned top safety ratings, with a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received a four-star frontal-impact rating.