2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta
Overview | |
MSRP$18,995 | MSRP$40,000 |
Average price$24,081 | Average price$38,960 |
Listings276 | Listings14 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
2021 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews SummarySmall cars aren't asked to do much beyond the basics: provide efficient, reliable transportation at a manageable price. Plenty of models fit this form, and in some rare cases, they manage to do it while also being fun to drive, like the Mazda3. In other cases, the vehicle manages to feel more upscale than the competition, like the Honda Civic. But the Volkswagen Jetta's legacy has historically been defined by its ability to offer both an upscale interior and a rewarding driving experience. But then something happened with the Jetta. Starting with the 2011 model year, Volkswagen attempted to broaden the Jetta's appeal, and until 2018 we were left with a drab interior, an underpowered engine, and an uninspiring driving experience. VW’s hallmark was always that its cars felt a little special, so by adopting a homogenous look and feel, VW removed what made the Jetta unique and desirable to its fans. So Volkswagen had some work to do with the seventh-generation Jetta, which launched in 2019. Does this car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or does it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars? | |
2021 Lexus ES Reviews SummaryWhen you think of a Lexus ES, you think of a cushy, comfortable, and reliable luxury sedan that your parents or grandparents might like. The roomy and quiet cabin, the relaxed driving demeanor, and the relatively affordable price all harken back to the original Lexus mission. And these stereotypes about the car are accurate. But in F Sport trim, with the 3.5-litre V6 engine, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 shows a different side of its presumed personality. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.4L 147 hp I4 | Engine3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City29 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway39 | MPG Highway32 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.4L 147 hp I4 | Engine Name3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Torque184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City29 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway39 | MPG Highway32 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.1 cu ft | Cargo Space13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight2965 lbs | Curb Weight3690 lbs |
Height57.6 in | Height56.9 in |
Length185.1 in | Length195.9 in |
Width70.8 in | Width73.4 in |
Wheelbase105.7 in | Wheelbase113.0 in |
Maximum Payload882 lbs | Maximum Payload905 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $18,995 | $40,000 |
Average price | $24,081 | $38,960 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.5 | 4.8 |
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | ||
Summary | Small cars aren't asked to do much beyond the basics: provide efficient, reliable transportation at a manageable price. Plenty of models fit this form, and in some rare cases, they manage to do it while also being fun to drive, like the Mazda3. In other cases, the vehicle manages to feel more upscale than the competition, like the Honda Civic. But the Volkswagen Jetta's legacy has historically been defined by its ability to offer both an upscale interior and a rewarding driving experience. But then something happened with the Jetta. Starting with the 2011 model year, Volkswagen attempted to broaden the Jetta's appeal, and until 2018 we were left with a drab interior, an underpowered engine, and an uninspiring driving experience. VW’s hallmark was always that its cars felt a little special, so by adopting a homogenous look and feel, VW removed what made the Jetta unique and desirable to its fans. So Volkswagen had some work to do with the seventh-generation Jetta, which launched in 2019. Does this car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or does it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars? | When you think of a Lexus ES, you think of a cushy, comfortable, and reliable luxury sedan that your parents or grandparents might like. The roomy and quiet cabin, the relaxed driving demeanor, and the relatively affordable price all harken back to the original Lexus mission. And these stereotypes about the car are accurate. But in F Sport trim, with the 3.5-litre V6 engine, the 2021 Lexus ES 350 shows a different side of its presumed personality. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.4L 147 hp I4 | 3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City | 29 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 39 | 32 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.4L 147 hp I4 | 3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 29 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 39 | 32 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.1 cu ft | 13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2965 lbs | 3690 lbs |
Height | 57.6 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 185.1 in | 195.9 in |
Width | 70.8 in | 73.4 in |
Wheelbase | 105.7 in | 113.0 in |
Maximum Payload | 882 lbs | 905 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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