Honda Accord Hybrid vs Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup since its debut in 1990, had evolved over seven generations by 2022. Despite a decline in sales, it remained a popular choice among an older demographic. Lexus faced the challenge of attracting younger buyers without alienating its loyal customer base. The ES, built on the Global Architecture-K platform, offered a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. Its design featured elegant proportions, a sleek roofline, and the distinctive Lexus "spindle" grille. The interior, while well-assembled, had an asymmetrical dashboard and sporty F Sport packaging, which added a touch of boldness to the otherwise conservative design.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid exuded a near-luxury appearance, drawing comparisons to the Audi A7. The redesigned model was longer and featured a more upright front grille, blacked-out LED headlights, and a flowing roofline. The Accord Hybrid Touring offered six exterior colours and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin was updated with a new dashboard design, a digital instrument display, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The interior boasted features like Amazon Alexa, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and black leather interior added to its upscale feel.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models 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 a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. The ES 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 hp, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. The ES 300h excelled in fuel efficiency, with ratings of 5.5 L/100 km city, 5.2 hwy, and 5.3 combined.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower. The powertrain, coupled with a continuously variable transmission, provided smooth and efficient performance. The Accord Hybrid's suspension absorbed road imperfections well, offering a comfortable ride. The regenerative braking system, with six levels of regen, enhanced the driving experience. Despite its increased length, the Accord remained agile and easy to park, making it a relaxing and familiar drive.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered 394 litres of cargo space, with a pass-through for long items and fold-flat rear seats for additional storage. The sedan's lower centre of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling and fuel economy compared to SUVs. Inside, the ES featured heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a moonroof. The interior had ample storage, including big bottle pockets and a spacious glove compartment.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid adopted a layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, with a honeycomb mesh trim hiding the air vents. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. The Accord Hybrid's traditional gearshift replaced the previous button setup, offering convenience and ease of use. The front seats provided excellent support, while the rear offered generous legroom and shoulder room. The trunk, with a capacity of 473 litres, was deep and easy to access.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES featured a centre console touchpad interface, a 10-inch head-up display, and a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist. Lexus Enform services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Touring trim included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, a head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Accord's intuitive menus and physical controls for volume and climate added to its user-friendly experience.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included features like a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and Intelligent High Beam Control. The ES also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a multi-angle rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord Hybrid Touring added front and rear parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.