Honda Civic vs Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup since its debut in 1990, continued to appeal to a loyal, albeit aging, customer base. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES maintained a respectable presence in the market. The challenge for Lexus was to attract 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 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 2022 Honda Civic presented a more conservative and mature design compared to its predecessor. Available in LX, Sport, EX, and Touring trims, the Civic's styling was reminiscent of the larger Accord sedan. The interior embraced simplicity, with a minimalistic layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The redesigned front seats provided better support, and the back seat offered ample legroom, though the lack of air conditioning vents was a notable oversight. The Civic's trunk space was generous, with a split-folding backseat adding utility. Overall, the Civic's design aimed to appeal to a broader audience, offering a more grown-up look.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three distinct models based on their powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with a 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 net 215 hp, excelling in fuel economy with 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt underpowered for a luxury sedan, with the V6 and hybrid options offering more engaging performance.

The 2022 Honda Civic came with two engine options. The LX and Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. The EX and Touring trims boasted a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a CVT, with Sport and Touring trims offering a Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness. The Civic's improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning contributed to its enjoyable ride and handling. Despite falling short of the EPA's fuel economy estimate during testing, the Civic's performance was satisfying, with predictable and trustworthy driving dynamics.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a practical advantage with its 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, which remained unchanged in the hybrid model. The second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat, providing additional cargo space. 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, while not visually appealing, was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system.

The 2022 Honda Civic prioritized comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support. The Touring trim's power driver's seat allowed for a perfect driving position, though the lack of a seat-height adjuster for the front passenger was a minor drawback. The back seat provided more legroom than most in the segment, though the backrest angle might not suit everyone. The Civic's trunk offered 14.8 cubic feet of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to the premium sound system components. The split-folding backseat added versatility, and a small handle on the trunk lid facilitated closing.

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 2022 Honda Civic impressed with its digital instrumentation, with the Touring trim featuring a 10-inch display panel. The Vehicle Activity display was a standout feature, ensuring drivers were aware of their headlight and taillight status. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Touring trim offered a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The voice recognition technology was notably improved, providing a seamless user experience.

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 included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert further enhanced safety, along with 10 airbags and three years of Lexus Enform Safety Connect service.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured an upgraded Honda Sensing suite, with Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. The new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sonar sensors improved the system's performance. The Civic EX and Touring trims included a proper blind-spot warning system, addressing a previous shortcoming. The Civic's architecture was strengthened for better collision protection, and new airbag designs offered improved safety. A standard rear-seat reminder system was also included.