2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2020 Lexus ES

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier iterations, shedding its "boring" label with a more aggressive design. The large spindle grille, which had been growing since 2016, integrated well with the 2020 model's larger proportions, though it remained a bold statement. The rear design was more subdued, featuring thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows. Inside, the ES boasted a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen, rivaled only by Mercedes-Benz in terms of interior quality. The ES 350 F Sport trim added unique exterior and interior elements, including a black mesh grille, 19-inch alloy wheels, and exclusive Circuit Red color options.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid maintained a subtle appearance, nearly indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts except for "Hybrid" badges and aerodynamic 17-inch aluminum wheels. This approach avoided the odd design cues often seen in hybrid models, making it appealing to those who liked the standard Accord's look. The Accord Hybrid was available in four trims: Hybrid, Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring, with prices starting at $25,620. The Hybrid EX trim, recommended for its balance of features and price, included driver-assistance technologies, a 12-way power driver’s seat, and heated front seats.

The 2020 Lexus ES came equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 131 mph. The ES provided confident acceleration and a comfortable, refined ride, thanks to its Dynamic Control Shocks. The F Sport trim offered an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with adjustable dampers and additional drive modes, including Sport+ for a more engaging driving experience. Despite its Toyota Camry and Avalon roots, the ES's upgraded suspension and paddle shifters made for a livelier drive.

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. The Accord Hybrid was quick enough for typical driving scenarios, especially in Sport mode, though the electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) produced a noticeable drone under hard acceleration. The car's extra weight contributed to a road-hugging feel but could affect composure on undulating pavement. Overall, the Accord Hybrid offered a blend of ride, handling, and communication from the road surface, making it enjoyable to drive.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could slide back significantly without compromising rear-seat legroom, and rear-seat headroom was improved with the 2019 redesign. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The ES had 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment, but the rear seats did not fold down, limiting cargo flexibility.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid did not compromise on passenger space or trunk room, maintaining the same full-size interior and 16.7-cubic-foot trunk as the standard Accord. The backseat offered exceptional thigh support, rear air-conditioning vents, and available USB charging ports. However, front-seat track travel was limited, potentially causing discomfort for taller drivers. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, which could be an issue for some. Interior storage was generous, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seatback added utility. The trunk could accommodate large items, making the Accord Hybrid practical for various needs.

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, a touch-sensitive pad controlling the standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch display. While not a touchscreen, the Remote Touch pad was intuitive once presets were set. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing usability. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. A head-up display was available, providing crisp graphics and customization.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, with EX trim or higher, included a robust Display Audio infotainment system with a power and volume knob, tuning and scrolling knob, and shortcut buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and quick-charge USB ports. Higher trims added a premium sound system, navigation, wireless smartphone charger, NFC technology, WiFi hotspot, and expanded HondaLink services. HondaLink offered features like in-car delivery of Amazon packages, Find My Car, and emergency calling. The Touring trim also included a head-up display, visible even with polarized sunglasses.

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist for limited semi-autonomous driving. Additional safety features included front- and side-impact airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

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