2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Honda Civic

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement about its driver with its athletic proportions and great stance. It looked like it was moving even when standing still, thanks to its elegant design and fast roofline. The spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave it an assertive look. Inside, the dash was tastefully simple, with a retro hi-fi feel. The interior matched the exterior with bold, assertive choices and a modern aesthetic, although the analog clock felt outdated.

The 2021 Honda Civic, with its history of segment-defining models, continued to impress with its 10th-generation design. Available in sedan, hatchback, and performance-tuned Type R formats, the Civic offered a range of options. The Touring sedan, with its Cosmic Blue Metallic paint and 18-inch wheels, looked great from some angles but could be polarizing from others. Inside, the Civic's cabin featured quality materials and thoughtful detailing, although the infotainment screen size and some design elements showed their age.

The 2021 Lexus IS brought serious sport to the luxury sports sedan category. Tested at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, the IS introduced the "Lexus Driving Signature" for seamless transitions in various driving situations. The IS 300 RWD had a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 241 horsepower, while the AWD version had a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 hp. The IS 350 models, both AWD and RWD, had a 311 hp V6. The RWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS 350 RWD could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD rated at 21/31/25 mpg and the IS 350 AWD at 19/26/22 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Civic offered a choice between a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with 174 hp. The turbo engine, available in EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, provided the Civic with all the power it needed. The sophisticated suspension and steering made the Civic a delight to drive, especially with the Touring trim's 18-inch wheels. However, the CVT transmission could be frustrating, despite its contribution to excellent fuel economy. The test car averaged 34.8 mpg, beating the EPA estimate of 33 mpg combined.

The 2021 Lexus IS excelled in driver-centered form and function. The driver position was easily adjustable, and the F Sport trim's bolstered seat included heating and ventilation. The IS used NuLuxe synthetic upholstery, which was eco-friendly and easy to clean. Storage space was ample, with various compartments and a 10.8 cubic feet trunk. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom negotiable with front-seat occupants.

The 2021 Honda Civic sedan sat low to the ground, making entry and exit a bit of a workout. Once inside, the driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, but the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Leather upholstery was standard from EX-L trim. The Civic's interior was roomy, with excellent rear seat support and a comfortable backrest angle. The center console provided remarkable storage space, and the trunk offered 15.1 cubic feet, or 14.7 cubic feet in the Touring trim.

The 2021 Lexus IS finally offered a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lexus Enform services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote, with various trial periods. The Navigation Package included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system was a recommended option for audiophiles.

The 2021 Honda Civic's technology showed its age. The LX trim had a 5-inch LCD screen, Bluetooth, and a 1.0-amp USB port. The Sport trim upgraded to a 7-inch touchscreen, eight-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 1.5-amp USB port. The EX trim added HD Radio and SiriusXM, while the Touring trim included navigation and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The voice recognition system in the Touring trim was unsophisticated, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable.

The 2021 Lexus IS came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, and LED lighting. The IS had not yet been rated by IIHS or NHTSA but was expected to perform well.

The 2021 Honda Civic came with Honda Sensing, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. LaneWatch, available from EX trim, used a camera to monitor the right lane but had limitations. The Civic earned a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS for the Touring trim and five-star ratings from NHTSA in every assessment.