2021 Honda Accord vs 2022 Lexus ES

The 2021 Honda Accord was a staple in the midsize sedan market, competing fiercely with rivals like the Toyota Camry, Mazda6, and Hyundai Sonata. For 2021, Honda refreshed the Accord's design, introducing a wider, restyled grille that gave the car a more sculpted appearance. The Honda Sensing safety system's radar unit was better integrated, enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. The Accord's LED headlights and lowlights provided excellent nighttime visibility, while the new alloy wheel designs and Sonic Gray Pearl paint option added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Accord offered a mix of cloth and leather-trimmed seats, with a power moonroof available from the Sport trim. The interior was well-regarded for its quality materials and thoughtful design, making it a strong contender in its segment.

The 2022 Lexus ES, a mainstay in the luxury sedan market, faced the challenge of appealing to both its loyal, older demographic and attracting younger buyers. The ES featured elegant proportions with a sleek roofline and the distinctive Lexus "spindle" grille. The interior, while precisely assembled, had an asymmetrical dashboard that gave a cockpit feel but appeared somewhat cluttered. The F Sport package added bold two-tone leather seating, enhancing the sporty vibe. Despite its quirks, the ES maintained its reputation for luxury and comfort, offering a refined driving experience with a focus on quality craftsmanship.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options: a 192-horsepower 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a more powerful 252-horsepower 2.0-litre turbo-four. The 1.5-litre engine, paired with a CVT, provided 192 lb-ft of torque and was available on the SE, Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims. The 2.0-litre engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered 273 lb-ft of torque and was available on the Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0 trims. The Accord's fuel economy varied, with the 1.5-litre engine achieving 7.2 to 7.5 L/100 km combined, while the 2.0-litre engine consumed 9.1 L/100 km combined. The Accord's driving dynamics were engaging, with smooth braking and pointed steering, although it lacked the athleticism of its Acura counterparts.

The 2022 Lexus ES came in three models, each with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, achieving 8.4 L/100 km combined. The ES 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, produced 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, offering a more spirited drive with a 9.2 L/100 km combined rating. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor, achieving an impressive 5.3 L/100 km combined. While the ES 250 AWD provided all-wheel drive, its performance was underwhelming for a luxury sedan, making the V6-powered ES 350 a more engaging option for drivers seeking excitement.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample space for five passengers and a generous 473 litres of cargo space in the trunk. The interior featured dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a well-organized cabin layout. The rear seats had a 60/40 split, allowing for pass-through from the trunk, enhancing cargo versatility. While small-item storage was limited, the Accord's thoughtful design ensured that essential controls were easily accessible to the driver and front-seat passenger.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered 394 litres of cargo space, with the hybrid model maintaining the same capacity due to its efficient battery placement. The ES's lower centre of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterparts. Inside, the ES featured heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a moonroof. The cabin provided ample storage options, including big bottle pockets and a spacious centre console. While the dashboard design was not visually appealing, its functionality was commendable, with a user-friendly layout.

The 2021 Honda Accord came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring physical volume and tuning knobs for ease of use. Standard technology included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added features like satellite radio, a wireless phone charger, and a 10-speaker premium audio system. The Touring trims offered advanced features such as an on-board navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience with modern conveniences.

The 2022 Lexus ES featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard 10-speaker Pioneer sound system provided quality audio, while upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker surround sound system. The ES's infotainment system utilized a touchpad interface, which, while improved, remained challenging to use on rough roads. Advanced features like a 10-inch head-up display and a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist were available on higher trims, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Honda Accord was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including vehicle stability assist, traction control, brake assist, and a rearview camera. The Honda Sensing suite added advanced driver-assist technologies like lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, earning a Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall safety rating, respectively.

The 2022 Lexus ES also excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags. The ES's comprehensive safety suite contributed to its high safety ratings and provided peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.