2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Toyota Camry

The 2021 Toyota Camry aimed to break away from its past reputation of being a bland, generic sedan by incorporating more dynamic styling elements. The designers added features like flared wheel arches and thin headlights and taillights to give the car a wider appearance. However, the SE and XSE trims were criticized for their excessive use of fake vents, which cluttered the design. The LE and XLE trims offered a slightly cleaner look with a different grille, though it remained quite large. The interior mirrored the exterior's chaotic styling, with a mix of materials and design elements that lacked a cohesive theme. Despite the attempt to elevate the Camry's aesthetic, the materials used felt somewhat low-end.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES presented a more refined and luxurious design. The lineup expanded to include the new ES 250 with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and standard AWD, alongside the ES 350 with a 3.5-litre V6 and FWD. The ES 300h hybrid version offered improved fuel efficiency. The ES 350 Black Line Edition featured unique styling elements like black wheels and a black and white interior, limited to just 1,500 units. The ES's design was characterized by its dramatic grille and artful detailing, with the F Sport trim adding sporty touches like 19-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. The interior boasted quality materials and a striking black and white contrast, reinforcing its status as a true Lexus.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque with FWD, and slightly less with AWD. The XSE trim's dual-exhaust system increased output to 206 hp and 186 lb-ft with FWD. A 3.5-litre V6 engine was available, delivering 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Camry Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with electric assist for a total of 208 hp. The SE Nightshade Edition, with its base four-cylinder and AWD, surprised with its sporty nature and responsive handling, offering a fun driving experience without the need for the TRD performance package.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a fuel efficiency rating of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The Black Line Edition felt quicker than its official acceleration time, though it lacked a torque-vectoring AWD system. The ES 350's driving modes, including Sport+ and Custom, provided a dynamic driving experience, with the Black Line Edition offering unexpected competence and genuine driving enjoyment. While not a true sports sedan, the ES 350 delivered a firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism.

The 2021 Toyota Camry offered generous rear headroom and legroom, though front space was slightly below average. The front seats were adjustable and comfortable, with excellent outward visibility. Cargo space measured 428 litres, which was average for a midsize sedan but less than the Honda Accord's 473 litres. In-cabin storage was limited, with small cupholders and door bottle holders. The Camry featured analog controls for important functions, with large knobs for audio volume and tuning, though their placement could be improved. Dual-zone automatic climate control was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus ES provided a daring yet functional interior layout. The ES 350 F Sport and Black Line Edition featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather offered excellent comfort, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, rear air conditioning vents, and an available power rear window sunshade. The trunk measured 394 litres, with a hands-free power trunk available. Storage was plentiful but oddly configured, with nooks and crannies rather than large bins. Outward visibility was excellent, aided by thin windshield pillars and large side mirrors.

The 2021 Toyota Camry came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL audio system. A 10-inch head-up display was available on the XSE and XLE trims. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features, with plain graphics and limited USB ports.

The 2021 Lexus ES faced criticism for its touchpad interface, which required drivers to look away from the road. However, the ES offered separate climate and stereo controls, with a convenient volume and tuning knob. The dynamic voice command technology was excellent, allowing drivers to bypass the touchpad. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display looked impressive, though it wasn't a touchscreen. All trims included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system was available, providing high-quality audio.

The 2021 Toyota Camry earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Camry featured the TSS 2.5+ package of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. New for 2021 was the Rear Seat Reminder, designed to prevent children or pets from being left unattended. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available as standalone options.

The 2021 Lexus ES included the LSS 2.0 package, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centring assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims except the base. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The ADAS proved effective, though the lane-centring technology occasionally struggled.