2021 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2020 Lexus ES
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Lexus ES is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is the better choice, offering superior fuel efficiency, a spacious interior, and advanced technology features.
Choose the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid if:
- You want excellent fuel efficiency and a smooth hybrid powertrain.
- You need a spacious interior with generous storage and trunk space.
- You appreciate modern technology and connectivity features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Choose the 2020 Lexus ES if:
- You prioritize a luxurious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials.
- You prefer a powerful V6 engine with smooth and confident acceleration.
- You value advanced safety features and a refined ride.
Overview | |
MSRP$39,900 | MSRP$26,570 |
Average price$30,624 | Average price$25,517 |
Listings203 | Listings227 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 Lexus ES Reviews SummarySUVs might dominate the luxury car market, but many luxury brands were built on sedans, like the 2020 Lexus ES. While crossovers and SUVs combine added cargo space with all-weather driving capability, sedans are all about driving in comfort. Lower ride height allows sedans to be far more refined in on-road driving dynamics, offer better fuel economy, and still have enough room for a weekend’s worth of bags. SUVs might have the attributes that you might need in certain scenarios, but sedans like the 2020 Lexus ES excel in ways that are relevant in everyday driving. The 2020 Lexus ES is one year off a complete redesign, though it maintains the same comfort-first formula. It is available in a racy 350 F Sport trim level, but don’t expect any major leaps in performance. The ES delivers on a serene ride and a quiet, well-appointed cabin. For 2020, the ES gains some in-cabin tech features, joining a long list of standard technology. | |
2021 Honda Accord Hybrid Reviews SummaryMidsize sedan buyers have never had it better. Across the board, in one way or another, nearly every model is worthy of your consideration. But the 2021 Honda Accord is a standard-bearer in the segment, the car to beat in most respects. This year, Honda updates the 2021 Accord with a handful of changes intended to keep it at the top of its class and puts more emphasis on the hybrid version of the car, which is the subject of this review. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 302 hp V6 | Engine2.0L 212 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm | Horsepower212 hp @ 6200 rpm |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity1.3 kWh |
MPG City22 | MPG City48 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway48 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 302 hp V6 | Engine Name2.0L 212 hp I4 Hybrid |
Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm | Horsepower212 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity1.3 kWh |
MPG City22 | MPG City48 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway48 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/MoonroofOptional | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.7 cu ft | Cargo Space16.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight3649 lbs | Curb Weight3326 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height57.1 in |
Length195.9 in | Length196.1 in |
Width73.4 in | Width73.3 in |
Wheelbase113.0 in | Wheelbase111.4 in |
Maximum Payload905 lbs | Maximum Payload1193 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Lexus ES is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid is the better choice, offering superior fuel efficiency, a spacious interior, and advanced technology features.
Choose the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid if:
Shop Now- You want excellent fuel efficiency and a smooth hybrid powertrain.
- You need a spacious interior with generous storage and trunk space.
- You appreciate modern technology and connectivity features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Choose the 2020 Lexus ES if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a luxurious and comfortable interior with high-quality materials.
- You prefer a powerful V6 engine with smooth and confident acceleration.
- You value advanced safety features and a refined ride.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $39,900 | $26,570 |
Average price | $30,624 | $25,517 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.8 | 4.9 |
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 8.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | SUVs might dominate the luxury car market, but many luxury brands were built on sedans, like the 2020 Lexus ES. While crossovers and SUVs combine added cargo space with all-weather driving capability, sedans are all about driving in comfort. Lower ride height allows sedans to be far more refined in on-road driving dynamics, offer better fuel economy, and still have enough room for a weekend’s worth of bags. SUVs might have the attributes that you might need in certain scenarios, but sedans like the 2020 Lexus ES excel in ways that are relevant in everyday driving. The 2020 Lexus ES is one year off a complete redesign, though it maintains the same comfort-first formula. It is available in a racy 350 F Sport trim level, but don’t expect any major leaps in performance. The ES delivers on a serene ride and a quiet, well-appointed cabin. For 2020, the ES gains some in-cabin tech features, joining a long list of standard technology. | Midsize sedan buyers have never had it better. Across the board, in one way or another, nearly every model is worthy of your consideration. But the 2021 Honda Accord is a standard-bearer in the segment, the car to beat in most respects. This year, Honda updates the 2021 Accord with a handful of changes intended to keep it at the top of its class and puts more emphasis on the hybrid version of the car, which is the subject of this review. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 302 hp V6 | 2.0L 212 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drive Train | FWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm | 212 hp @ 6200 rpm |
EV Battery Capacity | 1.3 kWh | |
MPG City | 22 | 48 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 48 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 302 hp V6 | 2.0L 212 hp I4 Hybrid |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | |
Horsepower | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm | 212 hp @ 6200 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 1.3 kWh | |
MPG City | 22 | 48 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 48 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Optional | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.7 cu ft | 16.7 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3649 lbs | 3326 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 57.1 in |
Length | 195.9 in | 196.1 in |
Width | 73.4 in | 73.3 in |
Wheelbase | 113.0 in | 111.4 in |
Maximum Payload | 905 lbs | 1193 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier iterations, shedding its "boring" label with a more aggressive design. The large spindle grille, introduced in 2016, grew even larger in the 2020 model, fitting well with the car's larger proportions. 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 aluminum trim accents.
The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid, available in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, was praised for its stylish design and excellent proportions. Minor front styling changes for 2021 included a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim featured new 19-inch aluminum wheels and a new Sonic Gray Pearl paint color. The interior of the Accord Hybrid was spacious and upscale, with high-quality materials and logically arranged controls. The Lunar Silver exterior color with a Black interior was particularly striking, though the gloss black inserts on the wheels required extra cleaning effort.
The 2020 Lexus ES was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with 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+. The ES was not a high-performance vehicle but offered a pleasant driving experience with precise steering and a hushed ride.
The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a generator/starter motor, and an electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. The Accord Hybrid offered three operational modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, along with selectable EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport Mode. The Touring trim, with its larger wheels, achieved 43 mpg, while other trims returned 48 mpg in combined driving. The Accord Hybrid provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, with excellent handling and a compliant ride.
The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The ES had 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was mid-pack for the midsize luxury segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting the car's utility for larger items.
The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, offering a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a large back seat. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin, a covered compartment with a wireless smartphone charger, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's trunk had a class-leading 16.7 cubic feet of space, with 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added utility.
The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlling the standard 8-inch or available 12.3-inch display. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with real hard buttons for easy navigation. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system and a head-up display.
For 2021, the Honda Accord Hybrid made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim added wireless connectivity for these platforms, along with improved USB port access and quick-charge USB ports for rear-seat passengers. The EX-L trim featured a premium sound system, while the Touring trim included navigation, HondaLink subscription services, and a WiFi hotspot. The system worked well but required specific voice commands for navigation.
The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. The system also featured pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist. The ES was equipped with a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
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. The car also included a rear-seat reminder, rear seatbelt reminder system, and low-speed braking control on the Touring model. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems was refined for smoother operation, with easier access to settings via a dashboard button. However, the lane departure warning and low-speed automatic braking could be improved for better user experience.
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