2022 Lexus ES vs 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2022 Lexus ES carried a long-standing heritage that traced back to its debut in 1990 with the ES 250 model. Over seven generational evolutions, it held its own as a staple in the Lexus lineup despite experiencing a slump since its peak selling year in 2007. The ES navigated an inherent dilemma: its appeal lay primarily with an aging demographic, prompting Lexus to attract younger buyers while preserving its loyal base. This balancing act resulted in a conservatively styled vehicle attempting to please a wide audience.

The 2018 redesign based on the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform brought a modern edge to the ES. This platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry, supported a front-engine, front-wheel drive (FWD) layout, upgradable to all-wheel drive (AWD) in certain trims. It accommodated various engines, enhancing the ES's adaptability. The sedan's elegant proportions and sleek roofline offered an attractive visage, accentuated by the divisive spindle grille and assertive headlamps. Wheel choices ranged from standard 17-inch to optional 18-inch and 19-inch sizes, with the 18-inch wheels striking a balance between style and function.

Inside, the ES aimed for luxury with a layered, asymmetrical dashboard. The F Sport model we experienced boasted bold two-tone leather seats, exuding a sporty aura somewhat misaligned with the overall sedan's more subdued vibe. Certain features, like the analog chronometer, added a nostalgic touch but contributed to a cluttered look.

Conversely, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid exuded a blend of practicality and modern design. The Camry nameplate, one of Toyota’s most crucial vehicles alongside the Corolla and Prius, had firmly established itself as a family sedan since its U.S. inception in 1983. By the late 1990s, it had become the staple family sedan and maintained its popularity through eight generations.

Even with minor updates since its substantial 2021 makeover, the 2022 Camry Hybrid sported a striking, futuristic front end that radiated energy. The base model started with 16-inch steel wheels, scaling to 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch alloy options on higher trims. The interior carried forward the exterior’s dynamism with a wildly contoured dashboard, housing a prominent infotainment system and strategically placed storage and control elements. The rear seats provided a generous, comfortable second-row space, complementing Toyota’s reputation for fine fit and finish.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three distinct models centered around different powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It managed an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 131 mph.

Those seeking more power gravitated towards the ES 350, which housed a 3.5-liter V6 engine offering 307 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. Despite being FWD only, this variant achieved a quicker 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and maintained the same top speed. Fuel efficiency dropped slightly to 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined, with the F Sport trim slightly lower.

The ES 300h hybrid, blending a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor, delivered a net 215 hp. It used a CVT to power the front wheels, achieving a balanced 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds and a 112 mph top speed. The hybrid excelled in fuel economy, earning 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined.

In our tests with the ES 250 AWD, the luxury sedan delivered smooth and predictable handling, though it felt sluggish compared to its V6 and hybrid counterparts. The standard AWD didn’t significantly enhance the driving experience, keeping the four-cylinder variant from standing out.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, focusing on fuel efficiency rather than performance, excelled in this regard. The LE trim achieved impressive EPA ratings of 51 mpg city/53 mpg highway/52 mpg combined, while other trims managed 44 mpg city/47 mpg highway/46 mpg combined. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors produced a total of 208 hp, driving the front wheels through an electronically controlled CVT. SE and XSE models came equipped with paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience.

With a drive mode selection (EV, Eco, Normal, and Sport), handling was enhanced by the hybrid’s lower center of gravity due to the floor-mounted battery pack. The Camry Hybrid’s driving dynamics often outshone its gasoline-only sibling, although efforts to stay in EV mode proved challenging, and some drivetrain noise was noted during spirited driving.

Sedans like the Lexus ES faced scrutiny from SUV enthusiasts, but they held certain advantages. The ES offered a decent 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, even in the hybrid model. A pass-through behind the center armrest facilitated the carriage of long items, while fold-flat rear seats in the ES 250 and ES 350 added more versatility. The sedan’s lower center of gravity and tighter turning radius compared to an SUV like the Lexus RX made it more agile and fuel-efficient, appealing to practical-minded consumers.

Inside, the ES provided numerous storage options, from large bottle holders in each door to a spacious glove compartment. Though the dashboard design was met with mixed reviews for aesthetics, its functionality was commendable.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid, with a comfortable ride height and seating position, ensured ease of use. Almost all drivers found an accommodating setup, thanks to flexible seating adjustments. Storage solutions were ample, with useful compartments in the center console and doors.

The Camry Hybrid also boasted 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, unaffected by its battery pack, which was cleverly placed low in the chassis. A pass-through allowed for the transportation of longer items, and rear seats could be folded down for greater cargo capacity. Warranty coverage for the hybrid system added peace of mind, with the hybrid battery covered for 10 years/100,000 miles.

The 2022 Lexus ES featured a robust infotainment system starting with an 8-inch touchscreen integrating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa+Lexus compatibility, a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, and more. Higher trims benefited from a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and navigation. The touchpad interface, though better than its predecessor, still posed challenges on rough roads. Advanced features like a 10-inch head-up display and a Panoramic View Monitor were included in upper trims, further enhancing its tech profile.

The 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid paralleled its sophisticated hybrid tech with cutting-edge infotainment options. The Camry’s audio system, tuned by JBL, offered a high-quality listening experience, especially on the XLE and XSE trims. Standard connectivity included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi hotspot capabilities. Touchscreen sizes varied, with the LE, SE, and SE Nightshade getting a 7-inch screen, and XLE and XSE moving up to a 9-inch display. High-end features such as a head-up display, bird’s-eye view camera, and intelligent clearance sonar pushed the Camry Hybrid into near-luxury territory.

The 2022 Lexus ES scored highly in safety, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which incorporated a suite of driver assists like pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. The model also featured 10 airbags and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Similarly, the 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid was well-equipped with the latest safety tech. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ came standard, bundling features such as pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and traffic-sign recognition. Toyota’s Star safety system included additional measures like stability control and brake assist. The Camry Hybrid also had 10 airbags and available blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Expectedly, the 2021 model’s Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and the five-star rating from the NHTSA carried over to the unchanged 2022 model.