2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI, a continuation of the iconic hot hatch lineage that began with the 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit GTI, was a testament to subtle yet impactful enhancements. The GTI shared its foundation with the regular Golf but featured distinct performance tweaks. Red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip across the grille, and painted brake calipers were some of the visual cues that set it apart. The car's lowered stance, stainless-steel exhaust tips, and gloss black accents on the side mirrors and rear spoiler added to its sporty appeal. Inside, the GTI boasted red ambient lighting, a race-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel, and heated front sport seats, available in Clark plaid cloth or leather, depending on the trim level.

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup since its debut in 1990, aimed to balance the preferences of its aging loyalists with the need to attract younger buyers. The latest generation, launched in 2018, was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. The ES featured elegant proportions, a sleek roofline, and the distinctive Lexus spindle grille. The interior, while precisely assembled, had an asymmetrical dashboard that gave the driver's side a cockpit feel. The F Sport model added bold two-tone leather seating, which contrasted with the rest of the car's more conservative design. A small analog chronometer in the touchscreen housing added a touch of heritage but also contributed to the dash's cluttered appearance.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was all about performance, featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The GTI's handling was a standout feature, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and variable-ratio steering. The top-of-the-line Autobahn model came with DCC adaptive damping, enhancing its already impressive handling. However, this performance-oriented setup resulted in a rough ride on ordinary roads. The GTI offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a DSG seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, with the latter being an $800 option. Fuel economy was respectable, with the manual transmission achieving 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined, and the dual-clutch automatic slightly better at 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway/27 mpg combined.

The 2022 Lexus ES came in three models, each with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, achieving 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with its 3.5-liter V6 engine, produced 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, offering a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and fuel economy of 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, achieving an impressive 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. Our test car, the ES 250 AWD, felt underpowered for a luxury sedan, but the ES 350's V6 and the ES 300h's fuel efficiency provided better alternatives.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, thanks to its hatchback design. With a 103.6-inch wheelbase and compact dimensions, the GTI offered 17.4 cubic feet of luggage space behind the rear seats, expandable to 24.8 cubic feet with the seats folded flat. The front row provided ample space for taller drivers, while the second row was adequate for average-sized adults. The GTI's tight turning circle of 35.8 feet and sharp steering made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Inside, clever storage options included large front door pockets and grippy center console cupholders, although the mechanical handbrake interfered slightly with access to the cupholders.

The 2022 Lexus ES, despite the growing popularity of SUVs, offered practical advantages with its sedan form. The ES provided 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, unaffected by the hybrid battery in the ES 300h. A pass-through behind the center armrest and fold-flat second-row seats in the ES 250 and ES 350 added versatility. The ES's lower center of gravity and ground clearance compared to the Lexus RX contributed to better handling and fuel economy. Inside, the ES featured ample storage, including big bottle pockets, hydration-friendly cupholders, and a spacious glove compartment. The dashboard layout, while functional, was not particularly attractive.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a standard analog gauge cluster, with a configurable driver information screen. The VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system was standard, with the S model using a 6.5-inch screen and the SE and Autobahn models getting an 8-inch screen with navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, with Bluetooth hands-free and streaming audio. Volkswagen Car-Net offered additional connected services, including Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot portals. Standard smart technology included LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillights, with adaptive front lighting and dynamic cornering lights on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa+Lexus compatibility. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with upper trims getting a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES also featured a 10-inch head-up display on upper trims. Lexus Enform connected services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote, and WiFi, with trial memberships of varying lengths. The Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist with auto braking were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" scores from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the small overlap front passenger side and headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, park distance control, park assist, and high-beam control.

The 2022 Lexus ES earned the highest safety ratings from both the IIHS (Top Safety Pick+) and the NHTSA (five-star overall rating). The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign assist, Enhanced Lane-Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent High Beam Control. Additional standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided emergency services for three years.