2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2021 Lexus ES

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid was nearly indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for the “Hybrid” badges and aerodynamic 17-inch aluminum wheels. This subtle approach was a smart move by Honda, avoiding the odd design cues that often deter buyers from hybrid models. The Accord Hybrid maintained the same attractive look as the standard Accord, making it appealing to those who appreciated the existing design. Four trim levels were available, with prices starting at $25,620. The Hybrid EX trim, priced at $29,520, was particularly recommended for its comprehensive driver-assistance and infotainment technologies, along with heated front seats and side mirrors.

Inside, the Accord Hybrid offered an upscale feel, especially with the leather seats and simulated matte-finish wood trim. The interior color options provided a significant contrast against the black dashboard, carpets, and door panels, enhancing the overall aesthetic. However, the floor mats were notably difficult to clean, particularly for pet owners. Despite this minor inconvenience, the Accord Hybrid’s interior was praised for its comfort and style.

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup to include the new ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). This model was priced similarly to the ES 350, which had a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive (FWD). The ES 300h, a gas-electric hybrid version, offered significant fuel economy improvements for a $1,910 premium. The ES lineup included Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $40,000 to $50,910, plus a $1,025 destination charge.

The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition, priced at $54,070, featured numerous upgrades, including adaptive variable suspension, Sport+ and Custom driving modes, and a Navigation Package. The F Sport trim added 19-inch wheels, unique styling details, and a black headliner. The Black Line Special Edition was available in limited quantities, each accompanied by a matching set of Zero Halliburton luggage. The ES’s design, particularly in F Sport trim, was striking, with a dramatic grille and sleek lines, making it a visually appealing sedan.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, with its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and two-motor hybrid powertrain, produced 212 combined horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. During testing, it achieved 42.6 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA estimate of 48 mpg. On a specific testing loop, it returned 44.1 mpg in city and suburban driving and 41.2 mpg after a spirited drive in Sport mode. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty, the Accord Hybrid was quick enough to lead traffic from a stoplight and merge onto freeways with ease, especially in Sport mode. However, the electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) produced a noticeable drone under hard acceleration.

The Accord Hybrid’s handling was generally predictable and composed, with a flat-cornering attitude and natural-feeling regenerative brakes. However, on undulating pavement, the car occasionally lost its composure, particularly over mid-curve whoops and dips. Despite these minor issues, the Accord Hybrid provided an engaging driving experience, with a deft blend of ride, handling, and road communication.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available on models with adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds and had an EPA rating of 25 mpg in combined driving, though it averaged 22.9 mpg during testing.

The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its official acceleration time suggested, though it struggled with traction, often breaking the front tires loose. The car’s firm ride, flat cornering stance, and overall athleticism were impressive, making it a surprisingly enjoyable drive. However, it was not an outright sports sedan, and the steering response could have been quicker. Despite these limitations, the ES 350 F Sport provided a competent and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid offered the same spacious interior and trunk as the standard Accord, making it an excellent family sedan. The backseat provided exceptional thigh support, rear air-conditioning vents, and available USB charging ports. However, taller drivers might find the front-seat track travel insufficient, and the lack of height adjustment for the front passenger seat could be a drawback. The seat cushions were comfortable, and the Touring trim added front heating and ventilation and rear heating.

The Accord Hybrid’s trunk, measuring 16.7 cubic feet, was larger than its competitors, accommodating four full-size suitcases with room to spare. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback added versatility, though a hatchback design would have been even more practical.

The 2021 Lexus ES’s interior was daring yet functional, with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent comfort and thigh support. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, a supportive bottom cushion, and rear air conditioning vents. However, the trunk, at 13.9 cubic feet, was relatively small, comparable to a Toyota Corolla. The hands-free power trunk was a convenient feature, though.

Outward visibility in the ES was excellent, and storage was plentiful, albeit in the form of numerous small nooks and crannies rather than large bins. The wireless smartphone charger was tucked under the center armrest, adding to the car’s practicality.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, in EX trim or higher, featured a robust Display Audio infotainment system with a user-friendly interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and quick-charge USB ports. The EX-L trim added a premium sound system, while the Touring trim included navigation, HD digital traffic data, a wireless smartphone charger, NFC technology, a WiFi hotspot, and expanded HondaLink service plans. HondaLink offered features like in-car delivery of Amazon packages, a Find My Car function, and smartphone remote locking, unlocking, and engine starting. The Touring trim also included a useful head-up display (HUD).

The 2021 Lexus ES’s infotainment system was less user-friendly due to its touchpad interface, which required constant attention to operate. However, the climate and primary stereo controls were separate and easily accessible. The ES featured dynamic voice command technology, which was effective and allowed users to bypass the touchpad. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display was visually impressive but would have benefited from touchscreen functionality. The ES included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services, with free trial periods ranging from three to ten years. The standard 10-speaker premium sound system was good, but the available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system was likely superior.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic-sign recognition, and road-departure mitigation. The system was smoother and more refined than previous iterations, particularly the adaptive cruise control. All Accord Hybrids also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a multi-angle reversing camera, and SmartVent front side airbags. The EX trim and higher added a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0 (LSS 2.0), which bundled several ADAS features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, road-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. For 2021, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert became standard on all trims except the base. The ADAS proved effective during testing, though the lane-centering technology occasionally struggled. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.