Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Lexus ES
Overview | |
Years produced1985-1992 | Years produced1990-Present |
MSRP$32,445 | MSRP$40,950 |
Listings3883 | Listings7939 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryRent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year. Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive. | |
Reviews SummaryAuto manufacturers are always pursuing younger customers, but some cars appeal to a different clientele. The 2022 Lexus ES attracts the softest of buyers, mature adults seeking a mid-size luxury sedan without a giant price tag. Available with four cylinders, six cylinders, or a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Lexus ES starts at $40,800. In the age of the SUV and at the dawn of electrification, the ES does its best to to capture any remaining new car buyers interested in a traditional sedan. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway34 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Torque273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | Torque184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower241 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway34 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space19.9 cu ft | Cargo Space13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3183 lbs | Curb Weight3780 lbs |
Height57.7 in | Height57.1 in |
Length168.9 in | Length195.9 in |
Width81.6 in | Width73.4 in |
Wheelbase103.6 in | Wheelbase113.0 in |
Maximum Payload926 lbs | Maximum Payload905 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1985-1992 | 1990-Present |
MSRP | $32,445 | $40,950 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | Rent a car while abroad, and there’s a decent chance the agent at the counter will ask if you’d like to upgrade to one equipped with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions are just more common overseas, particularly in Europe. So, it’s interesting to learn that VW’s decision to drop the manual transmission from the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI was driven by a lack of demand in Germany, and despite increased demand in the United States. The loss of the stick shift is a big deal–this is one of the first ever hot hatchbacks, after all–but it’s only the headline among a short list of notable changes the car receives for this model year. Verdict: The 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still one of the best hatchbacks you can buy today. With a terrific powertrain and everyday practicality, it’s an ideal choice for anyone looking for a useful car that’s also extremely fun to drive. | Auto manufacturers are always pursuing younger customers, but some cars appeal to a different clientele. The 2022 Lexus ES attracts the softest of buyers, mature adults seeking a mid-size luxury sedan without a giant price tag. Available with four cylinders, six cylinders, or a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Lexus ES starts at $40,800. In the age of the SUV and at the dawn of electrification, the ES does its best to to capture any remaining new car buyers interested in a traditional sedan. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 34 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 241 hp I4 | 2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Torque | 273 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5000 rpm | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 34 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 19.9 cu ft | 13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3183 lbs | 3780 lbs |
Height | 57.7 in | 57.1 in |
Length | 168.9 in | 195.9 in |
Width | 81.6 in | 73.4 in |
Wheelbase | 103.6 in | 113.0 in |
Maximum Payload | 926 lbs | 905 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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