2021 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was available in several trims, including standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring, with prices ranging from $26,370 to $36,240. The hybrid powertrain added a $1,600 premium, except for the Touring trim, where it offered a $460 saving. The Accord Hybrid was not available in Sport trim. The car was praised for its design, showcasing a balance of proportion, stance, style, and detailing that was rare for Honda. Minor front styling updates included a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim featured new 19-inch aluminum wheels and a new Sonic Gray Pearl paint color. The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, was noted for its dark undertone, avoiding the typical brightness of silver metallic paint. The interior, regardless of color, was upscale, with simulated matte-finish wood trim, robust controls, and polished metallic accents. However, the hard plastic upper rear door trim was a noted disappointment.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to the original 2008 Lexus IS F, featuring a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Priced at $56,500 plus a $1,075 destination charge, it was a thrilling ride, offering both excitement and comfort. The IS 500 was $13,450 more than the IS 350 F Sport and $17,875 more than the IS 300. The test car, with Premium trim and Iridium paint, totaled $62,575. It included triple-beam headlights, a navigation system, a surround-view monitoring system, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and a power rear window shade. The IS 500 maintained a stealthy look with minor trim modifications and exclusive 19-inch wheels. Inside, it mirrored the IS 350 F Sport, with quality materials and a wide touchscreen display for infotainment. However, the Remote Touch Interface touchpad remained, taking up valuable space.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a generator/starter motor, and an electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, with torque available up to 2,000 rpm. The Accord Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and achieved 48 mpg in combined driving, except for the Touring trim, which returned 43 mpg due to larger wheels. The powertrain operated in three modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, with additional driver-selectable modes like EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport Mode. The 2021 model saw improvements in throttle response and sound, with the Touring trim averaging 42.8 mpg. The car's handling was athletic, with a compliant ride and excellent brake-by-wire regenerative braking.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance boasted a 5.0-liter V8 engine with 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. It weighed 11 pounds less than the RC F coupe and 143 pounds more than the IS 350 F Sport, with a weight distribution of 56% front and 44% rear. The eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential were standard. Driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, with a Custom mode available. The IS 500 accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. It featured an adaptive variable suspension and a Yamaha rear performance damper for improved ride comfort and stability. The brakes were upgraded for better cooling and performance. The IS 500 delivered a thrilling driving experience, though it averaged just 17.7 mpg, below the EPA rating of 20 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid offered impressive interior space, competing as a midsize sedan but providing full-size sedan roominess. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and spacious back seat were highlights, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment. Touring trim added heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin, a covered compartment with wireless charging, and large door panel bins. The trunk was a standout feature, offering 16.7 cubic feet of space, larger than any competitor in the segment, and capable of storing full-size suitcases on their sides.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with effective climate control and seat ventilation systems. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, with excellent thigh support and a driving position that fostered control intimacy. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, with rear air conditioning vents but no smartphone charging. Storage was decent, though the center console's touchpad controller took up space. The trunk was small at 10.8 cubic feet. The IS had an excellent control layout, with buttons, knobs, and clear lettering, complemented by a touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trim and higher offered wireless connectivity for these platforms, improved USB port access, and quick-charge USB ports for rear passengers. Wireless smartphone charging was standard from EX trim up. EX-L trim added a premium sound system, while Touring trim included navigation, HondaLink services, and a WiFi hotspot. The system required specific prompts for voice commands, and navigation struggled with finding nearby hospitals.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a touchscreen infotainment display, solving previous ergonomic issues. The system was intuitive, with separate climate and stereo controls. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, accurately handling queries and commands. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed for a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS by redesigning its LED headlights and making them standard. It included a rear-seat reminder, rear seatbelt reminder, and low-speed braking control on the Touring model. The Honda Sensing suite featured adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist refinements, though some aspects remained intrusive. The low-speed automatic braking system required recalibration, as it was overly sensitive with a full payload.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive package of safety features. The lane-departure warning system and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance were effective, though the Curve Speed Reduction function was overly aggressive. The low-speed automatic braking system was problematic in city traffic. The IS earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received a four-star frontal-impact rating.