2021 Lexus IS vs 2020 Honda Accord

The 2020 Honda Accord was recognized as one of the most stylish iterations in the model's history, despite some mixed opinions on its front styling and rounded roofline. It was designed as a mainstream family sedan, yet it exuded an upscale appearance, especially when equipped with the 19-inch alloy wheels available on the Touring, Sport 2.0, and Touring 2.0 trims. These larger wheels enhanced the car's visual presence, although the 17-inch wheels offered on other trims were a more economical choice for long-term ownership. The Accord was available in several trims, including LX, Sport, EX-L, and Touring, with prices ranging from $28,705 to $40,405. Inside, the Accord boasted high-quality materials, with soft touchpoints, premium leather, and realistic matte-finish simulated wood, making it a comfortable and luxurious space.

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and elegant design. It featured a fast roofline that balanced between a coupe-like dome and a fastback, while the signature "spindle" grille and narrow headlights gave it an assertive look. The exterior was meticulously crafted, with flawless paint, chrome, and panel gaps. Inside, the IS offered a tastefully simple dashboard with a retro hi-fi feel, aligning with its modern aesthetic. However, the analog clock felt outdated in the context of the car's otherwise contemporary design. The IS's interior was characterized by bold, assertive choices and high build quality, reflecting its sporty and luxurious nature.

The 2020 Honda Accord offered a range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivered 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, mated to a ten-speed automatic transmission. The Accord also featured a 212-horsepower hybrid powertrain, which impressed with its fuel efficiency, averaging 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The Accord 2.0T was quick and fun to drive, with adaptive dampers and sticky 19-inch tires enhancing its handling. However, the front-wheel-drive setup struggled to put all the power to the ground, and the brakes could use improvement. The Accord's steering was accurate, and it offered a comfortable ride, making it a versatile and enjoyable car to drive.

The 2021 Lexus IS was designed to excel in the luxury sports sedan category, with a focus on delivering a dynamic driving experience. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the AWD version had a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350 models, available with AWD in Canada, offered 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The IS's suspension and steering systems provided a crisp, precise, and balanced driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied depending on the powertrain, with the IS 300 RWD achieving 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The IS's performance was characterized by its linear operation and seamless transitions, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2020 Honda Accord was essentially a full-size car, offering more rear-seat legroom and cargo space than its competitors. The standard 12-way power driver's seat was comfortable, with ample thigh support and heating, while the rear seats provided a natural seating angle and plenty of support. The Accord's trunk offered 473 litres of space, accommodating full-size suitcases with ease. The interior featured clear instrumentation, ergonomic controls, and plenty of storage space, making it a practical and comfortable environment for passengers.

The 2021 Lexus IS prioritized a driver-centred focus, with an easily adjustable driver position and supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat was standard in IS 350 models, offering 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 cupholders throughout the cabin. The rear seats were comfortable for two passengers, though legroom was limited. The trunk offered 305.8 litres of space, with a deep configuration for added practicality.

The 2020 Honda Accord featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with volume and tuning knobs, main menu shortcut buttons, and sensible steering wheel controls. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with a ten-speaker premium audio system. The Touring trim added HondaLink subscription services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and wireless device charging. However, the infotainment system lacked natural voice recognition, requiring specific prompts for accurate responses. A head-up display was exclusive to the Touring trim, enhancing visibility and convenience.

The 2021 Lexus IS introduced a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Bluetooth connectivity. Lexus Enform services offered various connected features, with free trial periods for owners. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium audio system was a standout option, delivering exceptional sound quality. However, the subscription model for technology had potential drawbacks, with some features only available for a limited time. The IS's technology suite was comprehensive, offering a range of features to enhance the driving experience.

The 2020 Honda Accord was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and received five stars from the NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, which included forward collision warning, collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. However, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was reserved for the Touring trim. The Accord's safety systems could benefit from refinement, as some features gave false alerts.

The 2021 Lexus IS was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control. The IS also offered blind-spot monitoring, a backup camera, and LED lighting. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional safety features, with a three-year trial included.