2022 Lexus ES vs 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2022 Lexus ES had long been a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES continued to attract a respectable number of buyers each year. The challenge for Lexus was to appeal to a younger demographic without alienating its loyal, older customer base. The latest generation, launched in 2018, was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, supporting both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The ES featured elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES offered a well-assembled but asymmetrical dashboard, with the F Sport model boasting sporty two-tone leather seating.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, although claiming all-new body panels, retained a familiar look that might not have been immediately distinguishable from its predecessor to the casual observer. The eighth-generation GTI was longer and lower, maintaining its nimble character with a 103.6-inch wheelbase. The styling adhered to the classic GTI form, with a smooth hood and a subtle honeycomb-patterned air intake. Aerodynamic enhancements included redesigned side-view mirrors and underbody paneling. The GTI came with red brake calipers and varying wheel sizes depending on the trim. It offered a range of colors, including some vibrant options like Kings Red Metallic and Pomelo Yellow Metallic. Inside, the GTI featured plaid cloth seats as standard, with leather upholstery available on higher trims, and retained its iconic golf-ball shifter knob.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models, each with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 hp, excelling in fuel economy with 43 mpg city, 44 mpg highway, and 44 mpg combined.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, sent power to the front wheels. The GTI's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined with the manual transmission, slightly improving with the automatic. The GTI's retuned suspension and electronic torque-sensing limited-slip differential enhanced its handling, allowing it to tackle corners with ease and maintain traction.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with a pass-through for longer items and fold-flat rear seats in the ES 250 and ES 350 models. Its lower center of gravity and ground clearance compared to the Lexus RX contributed to better handling and fuel economy. Inside, the ES provided ample storage, with large bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious glove compartment. The dashboard layout, though not visually appealing, was functional, with a prominent volume knob for easy access.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI, known for its practicality, offered 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 34.5 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The GTI's driver-centric interior featured a center stack angled toward the driver and a unique "light and sight" panel for adjusting headlights and defogging settings. Rear-seat legroom was surprisingly generous, making the GTI suitable for family use.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa+Lexus. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system was standard, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio available on higher trims. The ES also offered a 10-inch head-up display and a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist. Lexus Enform connected services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote, with various trial memberships.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI featured a 10.25-inch digital driver information display, customizable with different gauge layouts and ambient lighting profiles. The infotainment system included an 8.25-inch touchscreen on the S trim and a 10-inch display with navigation on higher trims. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with a 9-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system on the SE and Autobahn trims. Volkswagen's Car-Net system offered Remote Access, Safe and Secure, and Hotspot features, with additional options like Plus Nav and Plus Speech available at low costs.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The ES also came with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offered IQ.Drive, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, on automatic models. This included Travel Assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Park Distance Control was standard on all trims, with Park Assist available on the Autobahn trim. As a newly redesigned vehicle, the GTI had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.