2022 Lexus IS vs 2021 Honda Accord

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 with a wider, restyled grille, giving it a more sculpted appearance. The Honda Sensing safety system's radar unit was better integrated, enhancing the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. The Accord featured LED headlights and lowlights, providing excellent nighttime visibility. New alloy wheel designs were introduced, with 19-inch wheels standard on most trims. The Sonic Gray Pearl paint option added a unique touch to the Sport and Touring models. Inside, the Accord offered a sophisticated interior with high-quality cloth or leather-trimmed seats, depending on the trim level. The power moonroof, available from the Sport trim, slightly reduced headroom but was a standard industry feature. The Accord's interior was well-designed, with all essential controls within easy reach, and it offered a spacious trunk with 473 litres of cargo space.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to the original 2008 Lexus IS F, featuring a powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine. The IS 500 maintained a similar design to its predecessors, with a raised hood to accommodate the V8 engine and quad exhaust outlets. It rode on exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels and had minor trim modifications for a stealthy look. Inside, the IS 500 shared its interior with the IS 350 F Sport, offering a snug but comfortable cabin for four. The seats provided excellent support, and the driving position was intimate and engaging. The IS 500's climate control system was effective, keeping the cabin cool in hot weather, and it included seat heaters and a heated steering wheel for colder climates. However, trunk space was limited to 305 litres, and the centre console's touchpad controller took up valuable space. The IS 500's control layout was clear and intuitive, with a touchscreen infotainment system that improved usability.

The 2021 Honda Accord offered two engine options. The standard engine was a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder, delivering 192 lb-ft of torque and paired with a CVT. This engine was available on the SE, Sport, EX-L, and Touring trims. The more powerful option was a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine, producing 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine was available on the Sport 2.0 and Touring 2.0 trims. The Accord was front-wheel drive only, with no all-wheel drive option. The 1.5-litre engine offered better fuel economy, rated at 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 paddle shifters for a more interactive driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a 5.0-litre V8 engine, producing 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine was paired with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The IS 500 offered driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable ride and stability at high speeds. The car's brakes were upgraded for improved cooling and performance. The IS 500 delivered a thrilling driving experience, with a throaty engine note and responsive handling. However, it was not particularly fuel-efficient, averaging 13.3 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed for practicality and comfort, with seating for five and ample head-, hip-, and legroom in both rows. Standard features included dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and push-button start. The rear seats had a 60/40 split and a centre armrest, allowing for pass-through from the trunk. The Accord's trunk offered 473 litres of cargo space, which was generous for a midsize sedan. The cabin layout was intuitive, with all controls easily accessible. Small-item storage was adequate, with a cubby at the front of the centre console for miscellaneous items.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance offered a comfortable cabin with effective climate control and seat ventilation. The front seats were snug but supportive, with excellent thigh support and a driving position that enhanced control. The rear seats were suitable for average-height adults, with rear air conditioning vents but no smartphone charging. Storage was limited, with the centre console's touchpad controller taking up space. The trunk measured just 305 litres, which was small for a compact car. The IS 500's control layout was clear and user-friendly, with a touchscreen infotainment system that improved usability.

The 2021 Honda Accord featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with physical volume and tuning knobs. The system was responsive and attractive, with standard features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Higher trims added satellite radio, HD radio, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Touring trims included an on-board navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, and a head-up display.

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

The 2021 Honda Accord was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including vehicle stability assist, traction control, brake assist, a rearview camera, and LED daytime running lights. The Honda Sensing suite included lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, road departure mitigation, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It had two complete sets of LATCH connectors for child safety seats.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive package of safety features including driving assistance, collision warning, and emergency braking. The system was generally agreeable, with effective lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. However, the Curve Speed Reduction function could be overly aggressive, and the low-speed automatic braking was sometimes aggravating. The IS received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a four-star frontal-impact collision rating.