2022 Lexus IS vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat retained its exterior styling from the previous year, following a significant facelift in 2020. This update marked the first major design change for the Passat in nearly a decade. Volkswagen maintained the basic body shell but altered every panel except the roof, resulting in a strong resemblance to the smaller Jetta sedan. This gave the Passat a more understated appearance compared to its more radically styled competitors like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, 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 R-Line trim added sportier styling elements, although the color palette remained subdued. Inside, the Passat's interior was clean and functional, with analog controls and excellent visibility. However, some buyers might have found the interior plain, with materials like plastic and cloth or V-Tex leatherette, though fit and finish were commendable.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance arrived with a powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine, reminiscent of the original 2008 Lexus IS F. This engine produced 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS 500 offered a thrilling driving experience, balancing excitement and comfort. It commanded a premium price over the IS 350 F Sport and IS 300, but it delivered a unique blend of performance and luxury. The IS 500 featured exclusive 19-inch wheels, subtle styling tweaks, and a raised hood to accommodate the V8 engine. Inside, the IS 500 shared its interior with the IS 350 F Sport, offering quality materials and a comfortable layout. The addition of a wide touchscreen display improved usability, although the touchpad remained on the center console. Overall, the IS 500 F Sport Performance provided a compelling option for those seeking a departure from the typical German sports sedans.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. While the torque output was impressive, the horsepower figure 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 midsize sedan experience, with good ride quality and cabin noise levels on the highway.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive sedan utilized an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The IS 500 offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable ride and stability at higher speeds. The car's brakes were upgraded for improved cooling and performance. Despite its added weight, the IS 500 felt capable and thrilling on twisty roads, with an intoxicating engine note. However, its fuel efficiency was modest, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat offered 39.1 inches of rear legroom, slightly less than the Honda Accord and Subaru Legacy. This spaciousness came at the expense of front legroom, which was below average for the segment. The Passat's front seats lacked thigh support, and the rear seats felt flat and hard. Cargo space measured 15.9 cubic feet, more than some competitors but less than others like the Honda Accord. In-cabin storage was limited, with improperly shaped door bottle holders and a small smartphone cubby. The Passat excelled in control layout, featuring large buttons and knobs for easy access from the driver's seat. The instrument cluster was easy to read and aesthetically pleasing.

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 driving position that enhanced control. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, with rear air conditioning vents but no smartphone charging. Storage was decent, though the touchpad controller occupied valuable space. Trunk space was limited at 10.8 cubic feet. The IS 500's control layout was excellent, with clear buttons and knobs, complemented by a touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat featured the MIB2 infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. R-Line models added HD Radio, navigation, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system. Keyless entry was standard on SE and R-Line trims. A single USB-A port handled connectivity, with two rear charge-only USB-A ports on SE models. The touchscreen was small but functional, with pinch-to-zoom capability. The Passat lacked advanced tech features like the Digital Cockpit or MIB3 infotainment system, appealing to those seeking simplicity.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance benefited from a touchscreen infotainment display, improving ergonomics. The system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling queries accurately. The IS 500 also offered connected services, a WiFi hotspot, and impressive sound quality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Passat received top "good" scores in all IIHS crash tests, but its standard headlights earned a "marginal" rating. NHTSA crash-test ratings were unavailable. 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 2022 Lexus IS came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety features. The system included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, and low-speed automatic braking. The IS 500 earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. However, the car received a four-star frontal-impact collision rating for the driver and front passenger.