2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI was the culmination of a storied legacy that began in 1983 with the Rabbit GTI. This vehicle, often credited with defining the hot hatch genre, was known for its subtle yet performance-oriented enhancements that set it apart from the regular Golf. Recognizable features included small red GTI badges, a red horizontal strip connecting the headlights, and red-painted brake calipers peeking through 18-inch alloy wheels. These touches were complemented by LED fog lamps, a gloss black finish on the side mirrors, and a gloss black lip spoiler at the rear. The GTI sat 0.6 inches lower than its Golf sibling, a lowered stance further accentuated by subtle side skirts and stainless-steel exhaust tips.

Inside the GTI, the performance theme continued with red ambient lighting and illuminated door sills. A black headliner and trim inserts provided contrast, and the instrument cluster was unique to the GTI. The car featured a flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in leather with red stitching, shiny aluminum-look foot pedals, and heated front sport seats available in Clark plaid cloth or leather trim. The interior's overall quality was high, with premium materials and superior paintwork.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS built on the legacy of the 2008 Lexus IS F, bringing modern updates while maintaining its performance-focused ethos. The IS 500 F Sport Performance employed a normally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, recognizable from models like the GS F. Featuring minor yet purposeful exterior modifications, the IS looked almost identical to its lesser models but for raised hood lines to accommodate the V8 engine and angled quad exhaust outlets. Exclusive 19-inch lightweight wheels and subtle trim enhancements gave it a more stealthy, refined appearance.

Inside, the IS 500 mirrored the IS 350 F Sport with an added animation in the instrument cluster upon start. The car featured an intimate cabin suitable for four, constructed with high-quality materials. The front seats provided bolstering support for an engaging driving position, and the overall control layout, including the wide touchscreen for infotainment, was user-friendly despite the touchpad on the center console occupying much real estate.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI delivered an exhilarating performance, living up to its hot hatch reputation. It featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Autobahn model’s adaptive damping and variable-ratio steering were particularly notable, allowing for crisp handling and quick responses. However, this performance orientation resulted in a somewhat rough ride on ordinary roads.

The GTI's engine was a free-revving, zingy powerplant with an enjoyable exhaust note. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission option came with paddle shifters, though many enthusiasts favored the standard six-speed manual for a more engaging driving experience. Despite its performance edge, the GTI managed decent fuel economy figures, with 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway for the automatic version. Regular unleaded fuel was sufficient, though premium fuel was necessary to achieve the full performance potential.

On the other side, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance represented a new era in F models, bolstered by a powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. This engine facilitated impressive performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The IS 500 came with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, enhancing its driving dynamics.

The adaptive variable suspension, combined with a Yamaha rear performance damper, provided a compliant ride without sacrificing handling communication. While the IS 500 excelled in performance, it wasn’t particularly fuel-efficient, averaging around 17.7 mpg during evaluations. The blend of performance and luxury, however, made it a compelling option for driving enthusiasts looking for an engaging yet refined ride.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI excelled in form and function, with a compact hatchback design conducive to carrying passengers and cargo efficiently. The GTI had a wheelbase of 103.6 inches and measured 168.0 inches in length, 70.8 inches in width, and 57.8 inches in height. Its hatchback form provided a versatile cargo capacity, offering 17.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 24.8 cubic feet when folded flat. The front row was spacious enough for taller drivers, while the rear seats accommodated two average-sized adults or three children.

In tight parking situations, the GTI’s compact dimensions and sharp steering, aided by electric power assist, were advantageous. The vehicle's tight turning circle of 35.8 feet made for easy maneuvering, and excellent outward visibility helped navigate congested areas.

Conversely, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 catered to comfort and luxury, especially with its highly effective climate control system. The seats, designed for both support and comfort, featured excellent thigh support and a driving position fostering engagement. The rear seats were just accommodating enough for adults of average height but lacked smartphone charging options for rear passengers. Trunk space was limited, offering only 10.8 cubic feet, which was relatively small for a compact car.

Unlike the GTI, the IS 500’s control layout was excellent, with clearly marked buttons and knobs making it user-friendly. Despite some shortcomings in storage solutions due to the touchpad controller, the overall functionality inside the cabin was commendable.

Volkswagen’s approach to technology in the 2021 Golf GTI was noteworthy. While the GTI used a traditional analog gauge cluster, it offered the VW MIB touchscreen infotainment system. The MIB2 system with a 6.5-inch screen was standard on S models, while the more advanced MIB3 system with an 8-inch screen and navigation was standard on SE and Autobahn models. The infotainment system supported gesture controls and capacitive-touch input, enhancing user experience. Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Siri Eyes Free for iPhones were standard, along with Bluetooth and multiple USB ports.

Volkswagen Car-Net provided an array of connected services, including options for remote access, safety features, and internet hotspot capabilities. Standard technology also included LED lighting elements, keyless access, pushbutton start, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The 2022 Lexus IS took a significant step forward with a touchscreen infotainment display, addressing previous ergonomic issues. The 8-inch touchscreen standard on the IS 500 was intuitive and logical, supplemented by separate physical controls for climate and stereo settings. Voice command technology, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio were among the standard features.

The dynamic voice command system in the IS 500 handled queries efficiently, improving the overall user experience. Additional technological enhancements in the IS 500 Premium trim included a 10.3-inch touchscreen and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI earned high safety marks, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS also gave it top "Good" ratings in most categories, except for an "Acceptable" score in front small overlap tests on the passenger side and "Poor" ratings for the base halogen headlights. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags. The Autobahn trim added adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and additional advanced driver-assistance systems.

The 2022 Lexus IS came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety and driver-assistance features. It included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-centering assistance, among other technologies. In particular, the lane-departure system’s subtle steering wheel vibration was agreeable, and the adaptive cruise control worked smoothly in traffic.

However, the system did have some drawbacks, like the overly aggressive low-speed automatic braking in city traffic. The IS received top ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, including a “Top Safety Pick+” and five-star overall rating, with a four-star frontal-impact collision rating for the driver and front passenger.