2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was considered one of the most attractive iterations of the model. The SE and XSE trims enhanced its appeal with sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint added a unique blue undertone, making the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, the design had its quirks, such as the hood shut line that visually truncated the front end and the over-styled rear bumper. The Apex Edition further amplified these design peculiarities. For those seeking a more understated look, the Corolla L, LE, or XLE offered a more anonymous presence on the road. The Corolla Hybrid, available in LE trim, provided an affordable path to achieving over 50 mpg.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus ES maintained its position as a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES remained a popular choice, particularly among an older demographic. The latest generation, launched in 2018, utilized the Global Architecture-K platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. The ES featured elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though the spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES offered a well-assembled interior with bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport model, though the asymmetrical dashboard design was somewhat jumbled. The inclusion of a small analog chronometer added to the dash's clutter, detracting from its overall appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, paddle shifters, and a Sport driving mode. The CVT, featuring a mechanical first gear, provided a smoother driving experience by eliminating typical CVT slip. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The SE and XSE trims stood out with 18-inch aluminum wheels and 225/40 all-season tires. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE offered predictable handling and engaging driving dynamics, similar to competitors like the Honda Civic and Mazda3. The EPA rated the Corolla XSE at 34 mpg combined, though real-world driving yielded an average of 31.1 mpg.

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 lb-ft of torque, achieving 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a net 215 hp, excelling in fuel economy with 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt underpowered for a luxury sedan, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. The ES 350's V6 offered more engaging performance, while the ES 300h prioritized fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered several interior upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver's seat. This feature enhanced comfort and provided a commanding driving position. The rear seats offered good support but limited headroom and legroom, with no air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Corolla sedan's trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback variant offered 17.8 cubic feet.

The 2022 Lexus ES boasted 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with a pass-through for long items and fold-flat rear seats in the ES 250 and ES 350. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES featured ample storage, including big bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious center console. The dashboard layout, while not visually appealing, was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with an impressive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The SE and XSE trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with the XSE offering additional services like Service Connect and Remote Connect. A nine-speaker JBL premium sound system was available, though the sound quality lacked clarity. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation.

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 and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system. The ES utilized a touchpad interface, which was an improvement over the previous mouse setup but still challenging to use. 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 for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The addition of rear side-impact airbags required re-testing for the 2021 model.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Standard features also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.