2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat

2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Lexus ES
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$23,995

MSRP

$40,000

Average price

$24,283

Average price

$38,960

Listings

98

Listings

14
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.3 out of 10

2021 Volkswagen Passat Reviews Summary

In 2011, when a Volkswagen Passat was launched customized for the North American market, VW thought the sedan was the key to domination. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default mid-size sedan choice for most buyers at that time, after all, particularly in the U.S. where mid-size cars were much more strongly preferred. A lot has changed since then: SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan. Both the Passat and the Arteon are nearing the end of their lives here in Canada as they’ll be discontinued at the end of the 2022 model year.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously available Comfortline trim level is gone, leaving just the Highline and Execline models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard. Our test car was a U.S.-spec SE model, the closest Canadian equivalent of which would be the Highline, though some equipment varies.

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

2.0L 174 hp I4

Engine

3.5L 302 hp V6

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

174 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

302 hp @ 6600 rpm

MPG City

24

MPG City

22

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

32
2021 Volkswagen Passat
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus ES
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Volkswagen Passat
$23,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Lexus ES
$40,000MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$23,995
$40,000
Average price
$24,283
$38,960
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.8
Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.3 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Summary

In 2011, when a Volkswagen Passat was launched customized for the North American market, VW thought the sedan was the key to domination. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry were still the default mid-size sedan choice for most buyers at that time, after all, particularly in the U.S. where mid-size cars were much more strongly preferred. A lot has changed since then: SUVs are surging in popularity, and a diesel-emissions scandal has forced VW to focus more on electric cars. With the flashier Arteon now in the lineup, however, the Passat has been repositioned as VW's value-focused midsize sedan. Both the Passat and the Arteon are nearing the end of their lives here in Canada as they’ll be discontinued at the end of the 2022 model year.

The Passat got a significant update for the 2020 model year, so changes for 2021 are fairly limited. The previously available Comfortline trim level is gone, leaving just the Highline and Execline models. Adaptive cruise control is now standard. Our test car was a U.S.-spec SE model, the closest Canadian equivalent of which would be the Highline, though some equipment varies.

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
2.0L 174 hp I4
3.5L 302 hp V6
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
302 hp @ 6600 rpm
MPG City
24
22
MPG Highway
36
32
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