2022 Lexus ES vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its understated exterior styling from the previous year's facelift, which was the first major update in nearly a decade. This design choice gave the Passat a strong resemblance to the smaller Volkswagen Jetta, offering a more conservative look compared to its more radically styled competitors like the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry. The Passat's smooth, jellybean-like shape contributed to its aerodynamic efficiency, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.28. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, with wheel sizes ranging from 17 to 19 inches depending on the trim. The interior followed a clean and functional design, with well-placed analog controls enhancing usability. However, the interior materials were basic, with cloth upholstery on base models and V-Tex leatherette on higher trims, reflecting the Passat's positioning as a value option.

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup, continued to appeal to its loyal customer base while attempting to attract younger buyers. The latest generation, launched in 2018, utilized the Global Architecture-K platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. The ES featured elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, with the distinctive Lexus spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes. Wheel options ranged from 17 to 19 inches, with the 18-inch wheels offering the best aesthetic balance. Inside, the ES boasted a well-assembled dashboard with an asymmetrical design, giving the driver's side a cockpit feel. The F Sport model featured bold two-tone leather seating, adding a sporty touch to the otherwise elegant interior. Despite some dated elements, the ES maintained its reputation for quality and precision.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This engine produced 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, with the torque figure being more impressive than the horsepower. The Passat's power delivery was 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 competitors like the Honda Accord and Mazda 6. While the Passat offered a smooth ride and acceptable cabin noise levels, it failed to excite on twisty roads.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three distinct powertrains. The base 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. The ES 350 came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor, achieving 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt underpowered for a luxury sedan, with the V6 and hybrid options offering better performance and fuel economy. The ES handled well, with the hybrid excelling in efficiency, making it a practical choice for eco-conscious drivers.

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 for the segment. The driving position was uncomfortable, with limited front legroom and lack of thigh support in the seats. The Passat provided 15.9 cubic feet of cargo space, more than some rivals but less than the Accord and Sonata. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. The layout of controls was a highlight, with large buttons and knobs within easy reach, and an easy-to-read instrument cluster.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with a pass-through for long items and fold-flat rear seats in the ES 250 and ES 350. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES featured ample storage, with large bottle pockets and a spacious center console. The dashboard layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system. The ES's interior was designed with convenience in mind, catering to mature drivers with its thoughtful features.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat came with the MIB2 infotainment system, featuring a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM radio. R-Line models added HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. A single USB-A port was standard, with two additional rear charge-only ports on SE models. The small touchscreen included pinch-to-zoom capability, but basic functions were easily controlled via dashboard knobs and steering-wheel controls. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit or MIB3 system, appealing to those seeking simplicity over a tech-heavy experience.

The 2022 Lexus ES featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system was standard, with upper trims offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The ES used a touchpad interface for infotainment, which was an improvement over previous setups but still challenging on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, enhancing safety by displaying critical information in the driver's line of sight. The ES also offered a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist, with Lexus Enform connected services providing various features like emergency alerts and maintenance notifications.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores from the IIHS in all crash tests, but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. The NHTSA had not published crash-test 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, enhancing safety in the event of a collision.

The 2022 Lexus ES excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 was standard, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent High Beam Control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags. The ES also came with three years of Lexus Enform Safety Connect service, providing emergency assistance and other safety features.