2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Volkswagen Passat
Overview | |
MSRP$23,995 | MSRP$40,000 |
Average price$24,264 | Average price$38,890 |
Listings96 | Listings15 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
2021 Volkswagen Passat Reviews SummaryIn 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 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 | |
Engine2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway32 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 174 hp I4 | Engine Name3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Torque206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower174 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City22 |
MPG Highway36 | 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 Space15.9 cu ft | Cargo Space13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight3314 lbs | Curb Weight3690 lbs |
Height58.7 in | Height56.9 in |
Length193.6 in | Length195.9 in |
Width72.6 in | Width73.4 in |
Wheelbase110.4 in | Wheelbase113.0 in |
Maximum Payload948 lbs | Maximum Payload905 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $23,995 | $40,000 |
Average price | $24,264 | $38,890 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 6.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read 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 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 174 hp I4 | 3.5L 302 hp V6 |
Torque | 206 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 174 hp @ 5200 rpm | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 22 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 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 | 15.9 cu ft | 13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3314 lbs | 3690 lbs |
Height | 58.7 in | 56.9 in |
Length | 193.6 in | 195.9 in |
Width | 72.6 in | 73.4 in |
Wheelbase | 110.4 in | 113.0 in |
Maximum Payload | 948 lbs | 905 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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