2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Volkswagen Jetta

2021 Volkswagen Jetta
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus ES
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$18,995

MSRP

$40,000

Average price

$23,975

Average price

$38,890

Listings

280

Listings

15
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

2021 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews 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?

2021 Lexus ES Reviews Summary

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.
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

1.4L 147 hp I4

Engine

3.5L 302 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

147 hp @ 5000 rpm

Horsepower

302 hp @ 6600 rpm

MPG City

29

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

39

MPG Highway

32
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus ES
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Jetta
$18,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$18,995
$40,000
Average price
$23,975
$38,890
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.8
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read 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
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