2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Toyota Prius

The 2021 Toyota Prius retained its distinctive boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, a design that had been part of its identity for over 15 years. Despite advancements in aerodynamic vehicle design, the Prius continued to sport this unique look, which many found unappealing, even in the trendy 2020 Edition with blacked-out trim. Inside, the Prius featured an unconventional layout with a strip of displays in the center of the dashboard, a toggle lever for transmission controls, and a narrow center console. The gloss-black trim was a magnet for dust and fingerprints, adding to the overall odd aesthetic.

Toyota offered the 2021 Prius in several trims: L Eco, LE, XLE, 2020 Edition, and Limited, with an optional AWD-e system for the LE and XLE trims. The Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, with different styling, was available in LE, XLE, and Limited trims. Every Prius was a five-door hatchback, providing utility similar to a crossover SUV but without the rugged looks or ground clearance. Prices ranged from $24,525 to $32,650, excluding a $995 destination charge. The test vehicle, a Prius 2020 Edition, cost $31,295, including destination charges.

The 2021 Lexus ES lineup expanded to include the new ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard AWD, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and FWD. Available in Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims, the ES 250 and ES 350 offered a range of options. The ES 300h hybrid version, with a $1,910 premium, provided significant fuel economy gains and came in Standard, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims.

Lexus made blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all trims except the base model. The new limited-production Black Line Special Edition of the ES 350 debuted, featuring unique styling elements and a matching two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage. Pricing for the Lexus ES ranged from $40,000 to $50,910, plus a $1,025 destination charge. The test car, an ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition, included numerous upgrades and had an MSRP of $54,070, including the destination charge. The ES's design, especially in F Sport trim, was striking, with a dramatic grille and appealing blacked-out elements.

The 2021 Toyota Prius focused on fuel efficiency, with the L Eco version achieving an impressive 56 mpg in combined driving according to the EPA. Other FWD models earned a 52 mpg combined rating, while AWD-e models managed 49 mpg. The Prius 2020 Edition averaged 47.5 mpg during testing, slightly below EPA estimates. The Prius combined a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total system output of 121 horsepower. The electric motor's 120 pound-feet of torque provided lively acceleration from a stop and allowed for electric-only driving at speeds under 25 mph.

The Prius featured Eco, Normal, and Power driving modes, with an EV Mode button to maximize electric-only driving. The TNGA platform contributed to a lower center of gravity and improved handling, making the Prius surprisingly agile on curvy roads. However, hard acceleration resulted in powertrain drone, and the tires prioritized fuel economy over grip. Despite these limitations, the Prius offered a predictable handling experience and commendable regenerative braking.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose between Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined. During testing, it averaged 22.9 mpg.

The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its acceleration time suggested, with a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism. The adaptive damping suspension and Sport modes enhanced driving enjoyment, though the car was louder inside than expected. While not an outright sports sedan, the ES 350 F Sport offered a sporty driving experience, complemented by its comfortable and well-appointed interior.

The 2021 Toyota Prius offered more interior space than expected, accommodating up to five people. The seats were comfortable, though the SofTex synthetic leather could be sticky. The test vehicle featured an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers had adequate foot, leg, and headroom but lacked air-conditioning vents. Cargo space varied by trim, ranging from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 47.9 to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a daring yet functional interior layout. The ES 350 F Sport featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, supportive cushions, and rear air conditioning vents. The trunk offered 13.9 cubic feet of space, with a hands-free power trunk available. The ES's interior design and quality materials reinforced its luxury status.

The 2021 Toyota Prius featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with stereo-volume and tuning knobs, and shortcut buttons. Standard equipment included Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect. The Limited trim added a 10-speaker JBL premium sound system, navigation, and an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen, though it lacked Android Auto. The digital instrumentation displayed dated graphics, detracting from the car's technological appeal.

The 2021 Lexus ES had a problematic touchpad interface, requiring drivers to look away from the road to operate it. However, the climate and primary stereo controls were separate, with a convenient volume and tuning knob. The dynamic voice command technology was excellent, and the optional 12.3-inch widescreen display looked impressive but needed to be a touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium sound system, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect services were also standard. The IIHS gave the Prius favorable marks, though it did not achieve a Top Safety Pick rating.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0 (LSS 2.0), with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the base trim. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.