2021 Toyota Camry vs 2022 Lexus ES

2021 Toyota Camry
2021 Toyota Camry
$25,045MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2022 Lexus ES
2022 Lexus ES
$40,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Toyota Camry
$25,045MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus ES
$40,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota Camry is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 Lexus ES scores 7.0 out of 10. The recommendation leans towards the 2021 Toyota Camry for its higher overall rating, fun driving dynamics, and extensive safety features. The Camry offers a more engaging experience and better value for a wide range of drivers.

Overview

MSRP

$25,045

MSRP

$40,950

Average price

$23,967

Average price

$36,876

Listings

2250

Listings

523
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Spacious
  • TRD trim adds extra performance and style
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Quiet cabin
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Underwhelming base engine

2021 Toyota Camry Reviews Summary

The Toyota Camry has long been many new-car buyers’ default choice—but not because it’s interesting. Reliability and practicality have traditionally been the Camry’s strengths, not sportiness or style.

Toyota tried to change that for the 2018 model year, when the Camry was last redesigned. The current-generation Camry adopted more extroverted styling, and engineers tried to make the driving experience more exciting, too. While Toyota’s approach has changed, the Camry still competes against the same array of midsize sedans, including the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, and Volkswagen Passat.

Changes for the 2021 model year include subtle styling tweaks, new infotainment displays, an upgrade to the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) package of driver aids, some changes to the dashboard trim, and the discontinuation of the Camry L trim level. That leaves the Camry LE as the new base trim level.

The Camry offers buyers more choices than many rivals, encompassing three powertrains (inline-four, V6, and hybrid), six trim levels (LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade Edition, XSE, and TRD), and the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test car was an AWD SE Nightshade Edition, positioned close to the middle of the lineup.

2022 Lexus ES Reviews Summary

Auto manufacturers are always pursuing younger customers, but some cars appeal to a different clientele. The 2022 Lexus ES attracts the softest of buyers, mature adults seeking a mid-size luxury sedan without a giant price tag. Available with four cylinders, six cylinders, or a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Lexus ES starts at $40,800. In the age of the SUV and at the dawn of electrification, the ES does its best to to capture any remaining new car buyers interested in a traditional sedan.
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 203 hp I4

Engine

2.5L 203 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

203 hp @ 6500 rpm

MPG City

28

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

39

MPG Highway

34
2021 Toyota Camry
2021 Toyota Camry
$25,045MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus ES
2022 Lexus ES
$40,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Camry
$25,045MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus ES
$40,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota Camry is 7.8 out of 10, while the 2022 Lexus ES scores 7.0 out of 10. The recommendation leans towards the 2021 Toyota Camry for its higher overall rating, fun driving dynamics, and extensive safety features. The Camry offers a more engaging experience and better value for a wide range of drivers.

Overview
MSRP
$25,045
$40,950
Average price
$23,967
$36,876
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
5.0
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Spacious
  • TRD trim adds extra performance and style
Cons
  • Outdated technology
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Fuel-efficient
  • Quiet cabin
  • Multiple powertrain options
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
  • Underwhelming base engine
Summary

The Toyota Camry has long been many new-car buyers’ default choice—but not because it’s interesting. Reliability and practicality have traditionally been the Camry’s strengths, not sportiness or style.

Toyota tried to change that for the 2018 model year, when the Camry was last redesigned. The current-generation Camry adopted more extroverted styling, and engineers tried to make the driving experience more exciting, too. While Toyota’s approach has changed, the Camry still competes against the same array of midsize sedans, including the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, and Volkswagen Passat.

Changes for the 2021 model year include subtle styling tweaks, new infotainment displays, an upgrade to the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+) package of driver aids, some changes to the dashboard trim, and the discontinuation of the Camry L trim level. That leaves the Camry LE as the new base trim level.

The Camry offers buyers more choices than many rivals, encompassing three powertrains (inline-four, V6, and hybrid), six trim levels (LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade Edition, XSE, and TRD), and the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test car was an AWD SE Nightshade Edition, positioned close to the middle of the lineup.

Auto manufacturers are always pursuing younger customers, but some cars appeal to a different clientele. The 2022 Lexus ES attracts the softest of buyers, mature adults seeking a mid-size luxury sedan without a giant price tag. Available with four cylinders, six cylinders, or a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Lexus ES starts at $40,800. In the age of the SUV and at the dawn of electrification, the ES does its best to to capture any remaining new car buyers interested in a traditional sedan.
Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 203 hp I4
2.5L 203 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
203 hp @ 6500 rpm
MPG City
28
25
MPG Highway
39
34
Look and feel
2021 Toyota Camry
6/10
2022 Lexus ES
7/10

The 2021 Toyota Camry distinguished itself significantly from its predecessors, shedding the generic image of earlier models through an assertive range of styling details. Designers utilized flared wheel arches and sleek headlights and taillights to give the car a broader visual appeal. The Camry offered a range of trim levels with varied styling elements. The SE, XSE, and TRD trims included various fake vents, contributing to a cluttered appearance for some. In contrast, the LE and XLE trims featured a cleaner but still large grille. The design underpinned the TNGA-K platform, which it shared with models like the Toyota Avalon and RAV4.

For 2021, minor changes were implemented on the front fascia with the TRD model retaining its distinguishing larger rear spoiler. The Nightshade Edition, starting in the previous year, continued on the SE trim, boasting a blacked-out exterior and wheels. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch alloys on the base LE trim to 18-inch and 19-inch on other models. Inside, the Camry’s interior followed suit with a somewhat chaotic layout. Our SE Nightshade Edition’s dashboard, featuring contrast stitching and various plastic trims, seemed nearly disjointed. The overall materials used appeared low-cost and didn't impart a premium feel.

Conversely, the 2022 Lexus ES, with a heritage dating back to 1990, continued to embody luxury and status within the Lexus lineup. The latest generation, based on the versatile GA-K platform, offered elegant proportions and a sleek, nearly fastback roofline. Iconic details like the sizable "spindle" grille and bold headlamp shapes were key styling signatures. The ES featured standard 17-inch wheels, advancing to 18-inch and finally 19-inch as options, although the latter was considered somewhat excessive in proportion.

Inside, the ES offered an intriguing blend of smart functionality and aesthetic features. The asymmetrical dashboard, precise assembly, and crisp gap pattern provided a cockpit-like feel. For our F Sport test model, two-tone leather seating added a dash of sportiness, contrasting slightly with the rest of the car’s more subdued appearance. An inset analog chronometer within the touchscreen served as a nod to the model’s heritage but came across as somewhat antiquated.

Performance
2021 Toyota Camry
9/10
2022 Lexus ES
6/10

The 2021 Toyota Camry delivered a broad range of performance options for diverse driving preferences. The base was a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in FWD models, with slight variations in AWD. This engine offered a responsive and enjoyable driving experience, especially unexpected in a family sedan. For those seeking more, the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 boasted 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, coupled with the eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering robust performance.

The Camry Hybrid version combined a 2.5-liter engine with electric assist to achieve 208 hp. Our SE Nightshade Edition test model featured the base four-cylinder engine with AWD, providing a fun-to-drive character and balanced performance, straddling the line between handling and ride comfort effectively. Notably, the Camry TRD, leveraging the V6 engine with performance enhancements such as a stiffer suspension and bigger brakes, was tailored for more spirited driving. The AWD option, reintroduced for 2020 and continuing in 2021, adeptly handled varied traction needs without compromising cargo or passenger space.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus ES offered three distinct models, each with a unique powertrain. The ES 250 AWD with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder produced 203 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque. Its 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds affirmed decent but uninspiring acceleration metrics. Fuel efficiency was rated at 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.

The ES 350 featured a vigorous 3.5-liter V6, delivering 307 hp and 267 lb-ft, achieving 0-60 mph in a mere 6.6 seconds. With FWD and no AWD option, it provided 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway efficiency. The F Sport had slightly reduced fuel economy but maintained the performance edge. The ES 300h hybrid, blending a 176-hp four-cylinder with a 39-hp electric motor, reached 0-60 in 8.1 seconds and excelled in fuel efficiency with 43 mpg city and 44 mpg highway ratings.

Our ES 250 AWD test car exhibited adequate handling and driving predictability but was less exciting in performance compared to its V6 counterpart. While the ES 350’s V6 provided a more engaging drive, the ES 300h stood out for its exceptional fuel economy.

Form and function
2021 Toyota Camry
8/10
2022 Lexus ES
7/10

Inside the 2021 Toyota Camry, the arrangement prioritized rear passenger comfort, offering generous rear headroom and legroom, while the front seating felt somewhat constrained, making for a below-average front-seat experience. Despite this, the front seats were sufficiently adjustable for finding a suitable driving position. Outward visibility was notably excellent. At 15.1 cubic feet, the Camry’s trunk space was average, outdone by models like the Honda Accord with 16.7 cubic feet.

Conversely, the Lexus ES provided 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space for the gas models and maintained this volume for the hybrid 300h variant. A pass-through behind the center armrest and folding rear seats on ES 250 and ES 350 models expanded cargo capabilities, allowing for longer or larger items. Additionally, the ES sedan inherently offered practical advantages over an SUV in terms of fuel economy, handling, and maneuverability due to a lower center of gravity.

The ES’s interior was spacious with ample storage options, including large bottle holders and a sizable center console bin. It features a well-thought layout with handy volume knobs and convenient storage for devices and belongings, ensuring ease of use and accessibility.

Technology
2021 Toyota Camry
7/10
2022 Lexus ES
7/10

The 2021 Toyota Camry’s standard infotainment system featured a 7-inch touchscreen, paired with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims came with a larger 9-inch screen and a JBL audio system. Despite its functionality, the infotainment graphics were plain, and the system didn't stand out.

In comparison, the 2022 Lexus ES’s base infotainment system offered an 8-inch touchscreen, with upper trims boasting a larger 12.3-inch display and an advanced Mark Levinson sound system. Notably, the ES included a center console touchpad interface, which was an improvement over the previous design but still posed usability challenges, particularly on rough roads.

Lexus equipped its models with connected services branded as Lexus Enform, featuring various subscription-based services for safety, maintenance, and convenience. Again, upper trims benefitted from additional features like a 10-inch HUD, enhancing driving ease and safety by keeping critical information within the driver’s direct line of sight.

Safety
2021 Toyota Camry
9/10
2022 Lexus ES
9/10

The 2021 Toyota Camry was highly rated for safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition, augmented by the TSS 2.5+ suite.

Similarly, the 2022 Lexus ES achieved top marks in safety, with a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a five-star rating from NHTSA. Each ES included Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, encompassing advanced features like pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Ten airbags and three years of Lexus Enform Safety Connect service further reinforced the car's safety credentials.

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