2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Toyota Camry
CarGurus highlights
![Winning Vehicle Image](http://images.ctfassets.net/c9t6u0qhbv9e/2020ToyotaCamryTestDriveReviewsummary/5cfe7d2d70467aaafbc3067d541bce06/2020_Toyota_Camry_Test_Drive_Review_summaryImage.jpeg)
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Toyota Camry was 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus IS scored 7.3 out of 10. Despite the Lexus IS's sportier drive and luxurious design, the Toyota Camry edges ahead with its superior cargo capacity, comprehensive safety ratings, and better fuel economy. For a well-rounded sedan that offers value, reliability, and practicality, the 2020 Toyota Camry emerges as the better choice.
Choose the 2021 Lexus IS if:
- You seek a sportier drive: The Lexus IS offers performance-focused engineering and a range of powerful engine options.
- You value luxurious interior design: With premium materials and a tasteful, retro hi-fi-inspired dashboard, the IS stands out aesthetically.
- You appreciate advanced tech offerings: The IS's array of connected services and optional high-end Mark Levinson audio system cater to tech-savvy drivers.
Choose the 2020 Toyota Camry if:
- You prioritize value and a higher cargo capacity: The Camry offers 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, sharply contrasting the Lexus IS's 10.8 cubic feet.
- You prefer better fuel economy options: The four-cylinder Camry models achieve impressive fuel economy figures.
- You want established safety ratings: With a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, the Camry boasts proven safety.
Overview | |
MSRP$24,425 | MSRP$39,050 |
Average price$22,242 | Average price$35,575 |
Listings1337 | Listings326 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 Toyota Camry Reviews SummaryIf you can't beat them, join them. That seems to be Toyota's philosophy in updating the eighth generation of the Camry for the 2020 model year. This latest version of the perennial best seller debuted in 2017 as a 2018 model—and promptly lost its sales crown to Toyota's own RAV4 crossover SUV. As buyers continue to defect from cars, Toyota hopes to entice more shoppers to stick with its midsize sedan by offering all-wheel drive on the Camry for the first time since 1991. Also new for 2020 is the Camry TRD, a sportier version with a 301-horsepower V6 engine that makes its case to a buyer who might never have considered a Camry. | |
2021 Lexus IS Reviews SummaryThe Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 203 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City29 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway41 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 203 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City29 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway41 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.1 cu ft | Cargo Space10.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3241 lbs | Curb Weight3715 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height56.5 in |
Length192.1 in | Length185.4 in |
Width72.4 in | Width72.4 in |
Wheelbase111.2 in | Wheelbase110.2 in |
Maximum Payload925 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
![Winning Vehicle Image](http://images.ctfassets.net/c9t6u0qhbv9e/2020ToyotaCamryTestDriveReviewsummary/5cfe7d2d70467aaafbc3067d541bce06/2020_Toyota_Camry_Test_Drive_Review_summaryImage.jpeg)
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Toyota Camry was 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus IS scored 7.3 out of 10. Despite the Lexus IS's sportier drive and luxurious design, the Toyota Camry edges ahead with its superior cargo capacity, comprehensive safety ratings, and better fuel economy. For a well-rounded sedan that offers value, reliability, and practicality, the 2020 Toyota Camry emerges as the better choice.
Choose the 2021 Lexus IS if:
Shop Now- You seek a sportier drive: The Lexus IS offers performance-focused engineering and a range of powerful engine options.
- You value luxurious interior design: With premium materials and a tasteful, retro hi-fi-inspired dashboard, the IS stands out aesthetically.
- You appreciate advanced tech offerings: The IS's array of connected services and optional high-end Mark Levinson audio system cater to tech-savvy drivers.
Choose the 2020 Toyota Camry if:
Shop Now- You prioritize value and a higher cargo capacity: The Camry offers 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, sharply contrasting the Lexus IS's 10.8 cubic feet.
- You prefer better fuel economy options: The four-cylinder Camry models achieve impressive fuel economy figures.
- You want established safety ratings: With a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, the Camry boasts proven safety.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $24,425 | $39,050 |
Average price | $22,242 | $35,575 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.8 | 4.6 |
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | If you can't beat them, join them. That seems to be Toyota's philosophy in updating the eighth generation of the Camry for the 2020 model year. This latest version of the perennial best seller debuted in 2017 as a 2018 model—and promptly lost its sales crown to Toyota's own RAV4 crossover SUV. As buyers continue to defect from cars, Toyota hopes to entice more shoppers to stick with its midsize sedan by offering all-wheel drive on the Camry for the first time since 1991. Also new for 2020 is the Camry TRD, a sportier version with a 301-horsepower V6 engine that makes its case to a buyer who might never have considered a Camry. | The Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm | |
MPG City | 29 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 41 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm | |
Horsepower | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 29 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 41 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.1 cu ft | 10.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3241 lbs | 3715 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 56.5 in |
Length | 192.1 in | 185.4 in |
Width | 72.4 in | 72.4 in |
Wheelbase | 111.2 in | 110.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 925 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
When the 2020 Toyota Camry burst onto the scene, it managed to reconnect with its legacy of quality, reliability, and value while also integrating an expressive new style unprecedented in its history. The design of the Camry was audacious, marked by a pronounced front fascia and sharply defined lines, which gave it a sporty character. While not all trims boasted the TRD model's dramatic wing and aerodynamic kit, every Camry model shared bold aesthetic cues reminiscent of a BMW, such as the distinctive character line bisecting the door handles and the dynamically shaped C-pillar. Offered in 14 different exterior colors, including options for a black roof, the Camry aimed to redefine what it meant to be fashionable in its segment.
Inside, Toyota utilized luxurious materials and an elegant, sweeping dashboard design that lent even the base trims a sophisticated atmosphere. Special touches in the TRD model, like red trimming and vivid red seatbelts, echoed the aesthetic found in high-performance cars like Porsches and Ferraris. The interior's leather and wood elements, particularly in the higher trims, highlighted that a top-tier Camry could almost rival entry-level Lexus models in luxury.
Turning to the 2021 Lexus IS, it made several statements about its driver by its very presence. The IS displayed athletic proportions and an impressive stance that suggested motion even when stationary. Its design achieved elegance through the long distance between the front axle and the dashboard, while the fast roofline straddled the line between a stylish coupe and a sporty fastback. The rear passenger door featured an upward kick that visually compressed the cabin, enhancing the car's sporty look. The iconic spindle grille, dressed in a diamond mesh pattern, alongside narrow, assertive headlights, gave the IS a formidable presence. Lexus’s refinement in paint, chrome, and panel gaps maintained the high standards expected of the brand.
Inside, the IS sported a tastefully simple dashboard that evoked a retro hi-fi look, characterized by a collection of well-integrated, cool components. While the analog clock once signified luxury, it appeared somewhat old-fashioned against the interior's otherwise bold, modern lines. Overall, the Lexus IS's interior design communicated a seamless blend of authentic quality and aesthetic sophistication.
The 2020 Toyota Camry offered diverse powertrain options, starting with the robust 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 301 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination made the Camry feel capable, especially in the XLE trim, where it aspired to touch luxury-car territory. However, its performance in the TRD model felt subdued despite enhancements like a dual exhaust system.
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was the Camry's other noteworthy option, producing 203 horsepower (206 in XSE trim). Paired with the same eight-speed automatic, this engine made for a lighter, more agile vehicle. The reduced weight, particularly evident in the 150-175 pound difference compared to V6 models, translated to a noticeable improvement in steering responsiveness.
A recent addition to the Camry lineup was an all-wheel-drive version that utilized technology borrowed from the RAV4. This system could send up to 50% of torque to the rear wheels during slippery conditions while disengaging when not needed, minimizing fuel consumption impacts. Front-drive models boasted a combined fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon in the XLE and XSE trims, dropping slightly to 28 mpg with all-wheel drive.
As for the 2021 Lexus IS, it epitomized the brand’s commitment to a sport-luxury driving experience. The IS offered several powertrains, starting with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbo engine in the IS 300 RWD, producing 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 260 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The top-performing IS 350 models (both RWD and AWD) were equipped with a tuned version of the same V6, cranking up to 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
Both RWD variants came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models were paired with a six-speed automatic. Boasting a reported top speed of 143 mph, the IS impressed with 0-60 mph times ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to a swift 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the IS varied by powertrain, with the IS 300 RWD offering an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined and the AWD models slightly lower at 22 mpg combined. The more powerful IS 350 RWD achieved 23 mpg combined, and the IS 350 AWD matched the IS 300 AWD at 22 mpg.
Ergonomics in the 2020 Toyota Camry were intuitive, with accessible controls and well-arranged features. The front seats offered increased legroom and hip room, making for a roomy driving experience despite the tighter rear legroom compared to previous models. Though rear legroom had declined, making it less spacious than its competitors like the Honda Accord, it maintained practicality. The all-wheel-drive addition necessitated modifications without compromising interior space or trunk capacity. However, its trunk held 15.1 cubic feet, smaller than several competitors.
The 2021 Lexus IS catered to a driver-focused experience with adjustable seating positions and supportive sport seats, especially the perforated NuLuxe fabric seats in the IS 350 models. Storage was ample, with several compartments and pockets. However, the rear seat was cramped compared to others in its class, providing comfort for two but squeezing three. The trunk offered 10.8 cubic feet, which, although deep, fell short of the Camry’s cargo space.
The 2020 Toyota Camry had made strides by adding both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, standardizing compatibility for more users. This addition, along with Amazon Alexa and SiriusXM satellite radio trials, complemented the functional but somewhat dated Toyota infotainment interface. The 7-inch screen on lower trims could upgrade to an 8-inch variant, and higher trims enjoyed a larger multi-information display and optional head-up display. The Camry also featured a three-month WiFi Connect trial and remote services through its smartphone app.
In contrast, the 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, moving away from the touchpad-centric interface. The range of Lexus Enform services came with various complimentary trial periods, while a subscription model was integrated into some features like Dynamic Navigation. The Mark Levinson premium audio system stood out as a touchpoint for audiophiles, offering superb sound quality.
![CarGurus logo](http://images.ctfassets.net/c9t6u0qhbv9e/58XOJE7NDAl8LYGmBDpiHZ/f48b0ee41962fec7becb4d971304d625/LOGO_Round.png?h=120)
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.