Lexus ES vs Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a thrilling blend of power and sophistication. It retained the essence of the original IS F with its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This power was channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering an exhilarating driving experience. The IS 500's design was subtly aggressive, with a raised hood and quad exhaust outlets, riding on exclusive 19-inch wheels. Inside, it shared its interior with the IS 350 F Sport, featuring quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system. Despite its high price, the IS 500 provided a balance of performance and luxury, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus ES was a staple in the Lexus lineup, known for its elegance and practicality. The ES had evolved over seven generations, maintaining its appeal to a loyal, albeit aging, demographic. The latest ES model was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, offering a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. Its design was sleek, with a prominent spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes. Inside, the ES featured a well-assembled interior with bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport model. While the dashboard design was asymmetrical, it was functional and complemented by a small analog chronometer. The ES aimed to balance tradition with modernity, appealing to both loyal customers and potential younger buyers.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a powerhouse, boasting a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine, shared with the RC F and LC 500, was paired with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The IS 500 offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, providing a thrilling ride. The adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper ensured a comfortable and stable driving experience. However, the IS 500's fuel efficiency was a drawback, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, achieving 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350 came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor, delivering 215 hp and impressive fuel economy of 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. While the ES 250 AWD was practical, it lacked the performance expected in a luxury sedan. The ES 350 offered more engaging driving dynamics, while the ES 300h excelled in fuel efficiency.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance prioritized comfort and convenience. Its climate control system effectively maintained a cool cabin temperature, even in hot conditions, and the seat ventilation system added to the comfort. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, providing excellent support and a driver-focused position. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, but rear passengers lacked smartphone charging options. Storage space was limited, with a small trunk measuring 10.8 cubic feet. The IS featured a well-organized control layout, with buttons and knobs for easy operation, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered practicality and convenience with its spacious interior and ample storage options. The trunk provided 13.9 cubic feet of space, with a pass-through for long items and fold-flat rear seats in the ES 250 and ES 350 models. The ES's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES featured large bottle pockets, cupholders, and a center console storage bin. The dashboard layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for easy access. The ES catered to mature drivers with its thoughtful design and practicality.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a touchscreen display. The 8-inch touchscreen came standard, along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, delivering impressive sound quality. The dynamic voice command system was a standout feature, accurately handling voice queries and commands. The IS also included connected services related to safety and a WiFi hotspot connection, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a comprehensive infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa+Lexus compatibility. The base system included a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, while upper trims received a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES retained the touchpad interface, which was an improvement over the previous setup but still challenging to use on rough roads. Upper trims featured a 10-inch head-up display, enhancing safety by displaying critical information in the driver's line of sight. The ES also offered a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist, providing added convenience for drivers.

The 2022 Lexus IS was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive suite of safety features. It included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, and low-speed automatic braking. While some features were helpful, others could be irritating in certain situations. The IS earned top safety ratings, with a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it received a four-star frontal-impact collision rating for the driver and front passenger.

The 2022 Lexus ES also featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. The ES came with standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags. It received top safety ratings, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The ES's comprehensive safety features contributed to its high safety ratings.