Honda Accord vs Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES was a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales, it remained a popular choice among an older demographic, which posed a challenge for Lexus as they aimed to attract younger buyers without alienating their loyal customer base. The ES was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry, offering 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, while the interior boasted a layered dashboard with precise assembly and sporty F Sport packaging.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord underwent a redesign, adopting a more technical and conservative appearance compared to its predecessor. The Accord EX, priced at $37,000 in Canada, featured a dark grille, LED headlights, and a Canyon River Blue paint that garnered compliments. Inside, the Accord EX offered durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and a stylish metal mesh dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system reflected attention to detail and refinement. While the Accord's design was modern, it retained a sense of practicality and functionality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a reliable and well-equipped sedan.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. The ES 350, with its 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet 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 net 215 hp, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. While the ES 250 AWD provided all-wheel drive, the ES 350 and ES 300h were front-wheel drive. 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 EX was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) powered the front wheels, and the Accord's suspension and steering system offered good response and road feel. The Accord EX returned 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, although our test car achieved 8.2 L/100 km due to high temperatures and continuous air conditioning use. The Accord's ride quality was tactilely communicative, and its brakes performed well even in extreme heat. While the CVT's Sport drive mode was less satisfying, the Accord's ride and handling were commendable, making it enjoyable to drive on winding roads.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a generous 394 litres of cargo space, with a pass-through behind the centre armrest for long items. The second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat, providing additional space for larger items. The ES's lower centre of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to SUVs. Inside, the ES featured heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a moonroof. The interior offered ample storage, including big bottle pockets and a centre console storage bin.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX came standard with heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The Accord's back seat provided excellent leg support and legroom, and the 473-litre trunk offered ample storage space. However, the Accord EX lacked rear air conditioning vents, rear USB charging ports, and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. Despite these omissions, the Accord's interior was practical and comfortable, with numerous storage locations for personal items.

The 2022 Lexus ES featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Upper trim levels offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The ES included a centre console touchpad interface, a 10-inch head-up display, and a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist. Lexus Enform connected services provided safety, service, and remote control features.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX came with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The EX trim featured an eight-speaker audio system, but lacked SiriusXM satellite radio. The Accord's infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical controls for the stereo and main functions.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, which included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2023 Honda Accord featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and more. The Accord's safety features performed with accuracy and refinement, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The Accord's ADAS graphics communicated system status effectively, enhancing driver awareness.