2021 Lexus IS vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement about its driver with its athletic proportions and great stance. Its design captured motion even while standing still, and its elegance was evident in the distance between the front axle and dashboard. The fast roofline and the kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added to its sporty look. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive squint. Inside, the dash was tastefully simple, with a retro hi-fi feel to the center stack. The interior matched the exterior with bold, assertive choices and a modern aesthetic. However, the analog clock felt like an anachronism in this modern context.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid, available in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, ranged in price from $26,370 to $36,240. The Accord Hybrid was praised for its great looks, with minor front styling changes, a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights for 2021. 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, had a dark undertone that avoided the drab brightness of typical silver metallic paint. The new wheels looked terrific but were challenging to clean. The interior, regardless of color, looked remarkably upscale with classy simulated matte-finish wood trim, robust controls, and polished metallic accents. However, the hard plastic upper rear door trim was a disappointment.

The 2021 Lexus IS was developed with a focus on the "Lexus Driving Signature," aiming for linear operation faithful to the driver's intentions. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD had a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. The IS 350 models, both AWD and RWD, had the same V6 engine, tuned to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. RWD models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS had a top speed of 143 mph, with 0-60 mph acceleration ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD rated at 21/31/25 mpg, the IS 300 AWD at 19/26/22 mpg, the IS 350 RWD at 20/28/23 mpg, and the IS 350 AWD at 19/26/22 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system pairing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a generator/starter motor and a separate electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This system produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, with torque available right away and remaining constant to 2,000 rpm. The Accord Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and returned 48 mpg in combined driving for most trims, with the Touring trim rated at 43 mpg. The powertrain control module determined the appropriate operational mode: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, or Engine Drive. Drivers could also select EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport mode. For 2021, Honda refined the powertrain for improved throttle response and a more natural sound and feel. The Accord Hybrid Touring averaged 42.8 mpg, matching the EPA's rating. The car handled well with its 19-inch wheels and 235/40 tires, offering athletic handling and a compliant ride. The brake-by-wire regenerative braking system was excellent in terms of feel, modulation, and response.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a driver-centered focus with a great driver position and comfortable, supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat was standard in IS 350 models and included heating and ventilation. The IS came with perforated NuLuxe fabric, a synthetic upholstery that looked and felt like leather but was eco-friendly, lightweight, and easier to clean. Storage space was ample, with an open cubby, twin cupholders, big door pockets, a decent glovebox, and an under-armrest compartment. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom negotiated with front-seat occupants. Trunk space was adequate at 10.8 cubic feet, with a temporary spare stored beneath the trunk’s load floor.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid amazed with its spaciousness, competing as a midsize sedan but actually a full-size sedan. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and enormous back seat provided good leg support, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats in the Touring trim. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin, a covered compartment with hidden storage and an available wireless smartphone charger, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's trunk was enormous at 16.7 cubic feet, the same size as other Accords and larger than any competitor in the segment. It was deep enough to store full-size suitcases on their sides, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats expanded the car's utility even more.

The 2021 Lexus IS finally offered a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touchpad remained but was no longer the default option. Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote were included with free trial periods. The Navigation Package included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for the first three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system was a recommended option, offering superb sound quality and including a CD player.

For 2021, Honda made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard on the base Accord Hybrid, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trim offered wireless connectivity for these platforms, improved USB port access, and standard 2.5-amp quick-charge USB ports for rear-seat passengers. Wireless smartphone charging was standard with EX trim and higher. EX-L trim featured a premium sound system, while Touring trim included navigation, HondaLink subscription services, and a WiFi hotspot. The system worked well but required specific prompts for voice commands. The navigation system struggled to locate the closest hospital, highlighting a limitation in voice-activated navigation.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not yet been rated for crashworthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA. However, it was expected to receive good ratings based on the previous generation's performance. The IS came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, enhanced lane-tracing assist, full-speed dynamic adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Additional features included vehicle dynamic integrated management, a location-specific tire pressure monitoring system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, LED headlamps, taillamps, and running lights, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect with a three-year trial.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to earn a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS by redesigning its LED headlights and making them standard for every trim. The Accord Hybrid included a standard rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder system. The Touring model gained low-speed braking control, a front and rear automatic emergency braking system for parking. Honda Sensing, the collection of advanced driving assistance systems, was refined for smoother and more accurate operation. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems were improved, and a button was added to the dashboard for easier access to the Honda Sensing menu. However, the system remained intrusive, and the low-speed automatic braking needed recalibration.