2021 Toyota Prius vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Toyota Prius retained its iconic boomerang-shaped hood and roofline, a design choice that had been part of its identity for over 15 years. Despite advancements in aerodynamic vehicle design, the Prius continued to sport this look, which was no longer necessary for efficiency but had become synonymous with the model. However, the styling was not universally praised, even in the 2020 Edition with its trendy blacked-out trim. Inside, the Prius featured a unique and somewhat unconventional layout, with instrumentation located in a strip of displays near the windshield and a toggle lever for transmission controls on the dashboard. The interior design included an infotainment pod and a narrow center console, with gloss-black trim that attracted dust and fingerprints.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F, featuring a 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 designed to offer both emotional thrill and daily driving comfort, with a price tag starting at $56,500 plus destination charges. The car's exterior was subtly modified with a raised hood and quad exhaust outlets, while the interior remained similar to the IS 350 F Sport, offering a comfortable and quality-built space for four people. The IS 500 also featured a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system, enhancing usability.

The 2021 Toyota Prius focused on fuel efficiency rather than raw power. The L Eco version achieved an impressive 56 mpg in combined driving, while other front-drive models earned 52 mpg, and AWD-e versions managed 49 mpg. The Prius 2020 Edition, however, averaged 47.5 mpg during testing, falling short of EPA estimates. The car paired a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 53-kilowatt electric motor, producing a total system output of 121 horsepower. This setup allowed for electric-only driving at speeds under 25 mph and offered various driving modes to maximize efficiency. The Prius handled well on curvy roads, thanks to its Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which provided a lower center of gravity and a more athletic feel. However, hard acceleration resulted in powertrain drone, and the steering lacked road feel.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, on the other hand, was all about power and driving excitement. Its 5.0-liter V8 engine produced 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The car weighed 143 pounds more than the IS 350 F Sport, with a weight distribution of 56% over the front wheels and 44% over the rear. The IS 500 featured an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, with driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+. Lexus claimed the car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The IS 500 also came with an adaptive variable suspension and a Yamaha rear performance damper, providing a comfortable yet stable ride. Despite some road noise on the freeway, the car delivered an exhilarating driving experience, especially in Sport modes.

The 2021 Toyota Prius offered more interior space than expected, accommodating up to five people. The seats were comfortable, though the SofTex synthetic leather upholstery could trap sweat. 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 room, legroom, and headroom, but no air-conditioning vents. Cargo space varied by trim level, ranging from 24.6 to 27.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 50.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with effective air conditioning and seat ventilation systems. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, offering excellent thigh support and a good driving position. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults and included air conditioning vents but lacked smartphone charging options. Storage space was limited, with the center console touchpad taking up valuable room. The trunk measured just 10.8 cubic feet, small even for compact cars. The IS 500 had a well-designed control layout, with buttons and knobs clearly marked, making it user-friendly.

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, Toyota’s Safety Connect, and WiFi Connect. However, the sound quality of the standard stereo was poor, and road noise often overwhelmed it. The Limited trim offered a 10-speaker JBL premium sound system, a navigation system, and an 11.6-inch portrait-style touchscreen, though it lacked Android Auto compatibility. The digital instrumentation on the dashboard looked dated and lacked sophistication.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance benefited from a touchscreen infotainment display introduced in the 2021 model year. The system was logical and intuitive, with separate climate and stereo controls reducing the need for interaction. The IS 500 Premium trim added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling queries and commands accurately. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and connected services related to safety and WiFi.

The 2021 Toyota Prius came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), which included 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 a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. Safety Connect services were also standard, offering automatic collision notification, emergency assistance, roadside assistance, and a stolen vehicle locator. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Prius favorable marks, though it did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not rated the 2021 model.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 (LSS+ 2.5) as standard, offering a comprehensive package of safety features. The lane-departure warning system provided subtle steering wheel vibrations, and the adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance worked well. However, the Curve Speed Reduction function could react too aggressively, and the low-speed automatic braking technology was sometimes aggravating in heavy traffic. The IS earned the highest overall rating of “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received a four-star rating for frontal-impact collisions.