2023 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES had long been a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES continued to attract a loyal customer base, primarily among an older demographic. This presented a challenge for Lexus, as the brand sought to appeal to younger buyers without alienating its existing clientele. The latest generation, launched in 2018, was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. The ES featured elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES offered a well-assembled but asymmetrical dashboard, with the F Sport model boasting sporty two-tone leather seating.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta was positioned as a more affordable option, though its traditional sedan form faced competition from more stylish or utilitarian alternatives. Available in multiple trims, the Jetta's pricing ranged from $20,665 to $31,585. The Jetta SEL, our test model, featured a Platinum Gray Metallic exterior and a Volcano Brown over Titan Black interior. While the Jetta's design was conservative, it aimed for a timeless appeal. The interior, especially in the SEL trim, channeled a sense of luxury with features like ambient lighting and genuine leather upholstery. Despite its bland appearance, the Jetta offered a no-nonsense interior with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three distinct models, each with its own powertrain. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with its 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 hp, excelling in fuel economy with 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. Our test car, the ES 250 AWD, was noted for its smooth handling but lacked the performance expected from a luxury sedan.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, produced 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The Jetta offered a six-speed manual transmission in S and Sport trims, while the SE and SEL featured an eight-speed automatic. The automatic transmission, however, exhibited a delay in response, leading to occasional surges in acceleration. Despite this, the Jetta SEL provided a rewarding driving experience with its nimble handling and accurate steering. The EPA rated the Jetta SEL at 33 mpg combined, though our testing averaged 30 mpg. The Jetta's all-season tires impressed with their grip and communication on the road.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a generous 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with the hybrid model maintaining the same capacity. The sedan's design allowed for a lower center of gravity and better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES provided ample storage options, including large bottle pockets and a spacious glove compartment. The dashboard layout, while not visually appealing, was functional, with a prominent volume knob for easy access.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta, straddling the compact and midsize sedan segments, comfortably accommodated four adults, with the option for a fifth passenger on short trips. The Jetta SEL featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The interior offered generous storage space, including a large bin under the center armrest and a sizable glove compartment. The trunk, with 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, was nearly as spacious as some midsize sedans, and the 60/40-split folding back seat allowed for additional cargo flexibility.

The 2022 Lexus ES came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Upper trims upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen with a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system. The ES also offered a 10-inch head-up display and a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist. Lexus Enform connected services provided various trial memberships, including Safety Connect and Service Connect.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SEL featured a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation panel and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as SiriusXM 360L premium satellite radio. While the infotainment system had some usability quirks, the Car-Net connected services offered valuable features like SOS emergency calling and remote engine starting. The SEL trim also included a Beats Audio premium sound system, though it was not particularly satisfying.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and 10 airbags.

The 2023 Volkswagen Jetta SE and SEL came with the IQ.Drive package, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and Emergency Assist. While the Jetta received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, it earned four stars for frontal-impact protection and a Poor rating from the IIHS in a new crash test. Despite some imperfections, the Jetta's driver-assistance suite was generally effective.