2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update gave the Passat a more understated appearance, closely resembling the smaller Volkswagen Jetta. Its smooth, aerodynamic shape, reminiscent of 1990s sedans, boasted a drag coefficient of 0.28. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes varying by trim. The R-Line trim added sportier elements but lacked vibrant color options. Inside, the Passat's design was clean and functional, with analog controls enhancing usability. However, the interior was somewhat plain, with basic materials and a flat-bottomed steering wheel that seemed out of place.

The 2021 Lexus ES introduced the ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard AWD, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a V6 and FWD. The lineup included various trims, with the ES 300h hybrid offering improved fuel economy. New safety features became standard, and a limited-production Black Line Special Edition debuted. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition featured numerous upgrades, including a striking black and white interior. The ES's design, highlighted by its dramatic grille, was long, lean, and artfully detailed, with the F Sport trim adding appealing styling elements. The interior exuded luxury, with quality materials and a dramatic cabin design.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and FWD. While the torque was impressive, the horsepower was below average compared to competitors. The Passat's power delivery felt uneven, particularly during highway overtakes, but switching to Sport mode or manually selecting gears improved responsiveness. The driving experience was unremarkable, lacking the sportiness or comfort found in rivals like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. The Passat offered a plain driving experience, with decent ride quality and cabin noise levels.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and FWD. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined. The F Sport trim added Sport+ and Custom driving modes, enhancing driving enjoyment. The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its claimed acceleration time, though it lacked a torque-vectoring AWD system. The driving experience was unexpectedly competent, with firm ride quality and athleticism, though it remained a sporty sedan rather than a true sports sedan.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than competitors like the Honda Accord. However, this came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and lack of thigh support. The Passat provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than others. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders. The layout of controls was a highlight, with big buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 F Sport featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent comfort, with long bottom cushions for thigh support. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. Outward visibility was excellent, and storage was plentiful, though oddly configured. The trunk offered 13.9 cubic feet of space, with a hands-free power trunk option. The interior layout was daring yet functional, with a few exceptions.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. R-Line models added HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. Keyless entry was standard on SE and R-Line trims. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit or MIB3 system, and its driver aids were basic. The touchscreen was small but functional, with dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls for basic functions, appealing to those seeking simplicity.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a more advanced tech experience, though the touchpad interface was cumbersome. The climate and stereo controls were separate, with a convenient volume and tuning knob. The ES featured dynamic voice command technology, reducing reliance on the touchpad. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display was impressive, though not a touchscreen. All trims included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more, with free trial periods for connected services. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores from the IIHS in crash tests, though its headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published ratings for the Passat. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beams. The Passat also featured VW's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and Intelligent Crash Response System.

The 2021 Lexus ES came with Lexus Safety System 2.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the base trim. The ADAS proved effective, though lane-centering technology occasionally struggled. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.