2021 Lexus IS vs 2022 Honda Civic

The 2021 Lexus IS was a statement of athletic elegance, with its sleek design and assertive stance. It featured a fast roofline that balanced between a coupe-like dome and a fastback, giving it a sporty yet sophisticated appearance. The signature spindle grille, filled with diamond mesh, and narrow headlights added to its assertive look. Inside, the IS boasted a tastefully simple dashboard with a retro hi-fi feel, aligning with its modern aesthetic. However, the analog clock seemed outdated in this otherwise contemporary interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Civic adopted a more conservative and mature design, reminiscent of the larger Accord sedan. The new Civic was less flashy than its predecessor, appealing to those who preferred a more tailored look. Inside, Honda returned to simplicity with a minimalistic control layout and improved materials, especially in the Touring trim. The dashboard featured a metal honeycomb mesh that elegantly concealed the air vents, reflecting a newfound maturity in the Civic's design.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a range of powertrains, starting with the IS 300 RWD's 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The IS 300 AWD featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the IS 350 AWD cranked up to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The IS's driving dynamics were honed at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, emphasizing a seamless transition between deceleration, steering, and acceleration. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 11.0 L/100 km in the city and 7.6 on the highway.

The 2022 Honda Civic offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre DOHC four-cylinder with 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque for the LX, EX, and Sport trims, and a turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder with 180 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque for the Touring trim. Both engines were paired with CVTs, featuring Step Shift programming for a more traditional automatic feel. The Civic's improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning provided a fun and responsive driving experience. However, the Civic Touring's fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, returning 7.7 L/100 km on a test loop.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized driver comfort with a well-positioned seat and supportive F Sport trim seating in the IS 350 models. The interior featured synthetic NuLuxe upholstery, offering a leather-like feel without the maintenance. Storage was ample, with various compartments and a 305.8-litre trunk. Rear seating was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with limited legroom.

The 2022 Honda Civic focused on comfort with redesigned front seats offering excellent support. The Touring trim featured leather upholstery and heated front seats, though ventilation was absent. The Civic's low stance made entry and exit challenging, but rear legroom was generous. The trunk offered 419 litres of space, slightly reduced in the Touring trim due to sound system components. The interior redesign included a new centre console with accessible cupholders and fingerprint-resistant trim.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside a touchpad. Lexus Enform services offered various connected features, with trial subscriptions for Safety Connect and Service Connect. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a standout option, providing an exceptional listening experience.

The 2022 Honda Civic featured digital instrumentation, with a 10-inch display in the Touring trim offering customization and driving data. The Vehicle Activity display ensured drivers were aware of their lighting status. The Civic's infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the Touring trim added a 9-inch display, wireless connectivity, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The system's voice recognition technology was notably improved.

The 2021 Lexus IS earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. It came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, featuring a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The IS also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a backup camera.

The 2022 Honda Civic boasted an upgraded Honda Sensing suite, with features like Traffic Jam Assist, forward collision warning, and Lane Keeping Assist. The new wide-view front camera and ultrasonic sensors improved system performance. The Civic replaced the LaneWatch system with a proper blind-spot warning system and added rear cross-traffic alert in the Touring trim. The vehicle's architecture was strengthened for better collision protection, and new airbag designs enhanced safety.