2022 Subaru WRX vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES had a long-standing reputation as 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. Lexus faced a challenge with the ES, as it was popular among an aging demographic, which the company needed to balance with efforts to attract younger buyers. This balancing act often resulted in safe, albeit somewhat uninspired, design choices. The latest generation, launched in 2018, utilized the Global Architecture-K (GA-K) platform, supporting both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, along with multiple engine options.

The ES's exterior was elegant but not overly striking, featuring a sleek roofline and the distinctive Lexus "spindle" grille. The interior, while precisely assembled, had an asymmetrical dashboard that felt cluttered. The F Sport model added sporty two-tone leather seating, which seemed at odds with the rest of the car's more conservative design. Overall, the ES offered a blend of elegance and practicality, though it struggled to fully escape its safe design ethos.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, on the other hand, presented a more subtle front-end design despite being two inches wider than its predecessor. The signature hood scoop and small hexagonal grille were complemented by sharp LED headlights. The side profile was cleaner, with black plastic cladding that served both aesthetic and aerodynamic purposes. The rear featured dramatic fender flares, a large plastic bumper, and taillights designed to resemble illuminated magma. The WRX's overall look was smoother and more streamlined, though the body cladding could be distracting on brightly colored models.

Inside, the WRX saw significant improvements in fit and finish. The sport seats were supportive and well-upholstered, with premium cloth or Ultrasuede options depending on the trim. The flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and carbon-fiber-pattern trim accents added to the sporty feel. Despite some parts being borrowed from other Subaru models, the WRX's interior felt modern and well-executed.

The 2022 Lexus ES came in three models, each with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 131 mph.

The ES 350, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. This model, only available in front-wheel drive, could sprint from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds and had the same top speed as the ES 250 AWD. Its fuel economy was rated at 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined.

The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor, resulting in a net 215 horsepower. It used an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT) and was front-wheel drive only. The hybrid model achieved 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured a new 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine, producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The WRX came standard with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT, dubbed the Subaru Performance Transmission, featured eight shift points and faster shift times compared to the previous generation.

The manual transmission was praised for its notchy and precise feel, making it a delight to drive. The WRX's suspension, mounted on the Subaru Global Platform, provided a more forgiving ride quality and reduced body roll in corners. The new platform and suspension tuning allowed the WRX to handle rough roads with ease, maintaining composure even on challenging terrain.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a generous 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, which remained unchanged in the hybrid ES 300h. The rear seats in the ES 250 and ES 350 could fold flat, providing additional cargo space for larger items. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance compared to an SUV like the Lexus RX contributed to better handling and fuel economy. Inside, the ES featured ample storage options, including large bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious center console storage bin. The dashboard layout, while not visually appealing, was functional and user-friendly.

The 2022 Subaru WRX, despite lacking a hatchback option, offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, an improvement over the previous model. The rear seats had a 60/40 split-fold function, allowing for additional cargo capacity. The sport seats were comfortable and supportive, with premium cloth or Ultrasuede upholstery depending on the trim. The WRX's standard all-wheel drive and practical interior made it a viable option for daily commuting and performance driving.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa+Lexus compatibility. The base model included a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, while upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES also had a 10-inch head-up display and a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist on higher trims. Lexus Enform connected services provided various trial memberships for safety, maintenance, and remote features.

The 2022 Subaru WRX featured an 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen display on premium trims and higher, with physical controls for climate and audio functions. The base trim had a unique setup with two 7-inch displays. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the integration was not seamless. An 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system was available on higher trims, offering excellent audio quality.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which offered a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent High Beam Control. Additional standard features were blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2022 Subaru WRX's safety features varied by transmission. CVT-equipped models came with Subaru's EyeSight suite, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-tracing assist. Manual transmission models did not have EyeSight due to the risk of stalling during panic stops. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on the Limited and GT trims. The WRX's new platform absorbed more energy in crashes, enhancing safety.