2021 Honda Accord vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2021 Honda Accord represents Honda's effort to elevate the model with added features, a new trim level, and competitive pricing, emphasizing safety and receiving high praise for its efforts. Conversely, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, following a significant refresh in 2021, sees minimal changes but introduces standard automatic high-beam headlights, new paint colors, and standard rear USB charging ports across all models, despite the removal of V8 engines due to supply chain issues.

Performance ratings from CarGurus place the Accord at a 9 and the E-Class at an 8 out of 10. The Accord offers two engine options, with the more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four providing engaging drive dynamics and improved fuel economy over the standard 1.5-liter engine. Despite lacking all-wheel drive, its performance is praised for everyday driving and efficiency. The E-Class, particularly the AMG E53 models, features a powerful turbo-six engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering 429 horsepower and a 4.4-second acceleration to 60 mph. Its engineering includes an AMG-tuned air suspension and performance exhaust system, offering a dual character of luxury cruising and dynamic driving.

In the realm of daily usability and practicality, the 2021 Honda Accord excels as a family sedan designed with both style and functionality in mind. It offers comfortable seating for five, with ample head-, hip-, and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The Accord boasts 16.7 cubic feet of luggage capacity in its trunk, surpassing most competitors in the midsize sedan category. This generous space, combined with convenient features like dual-zone automatic climate control and a variety of interior appointments across trim levels, underscores the Accord's design philosophy of balancing everyday drivability with aesthetic appeal. The 2022 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, particularly the AMG E53 Cabriolet, is a testament to luxury and sophisticated design, catering to a more premium market segment. It ensures comfort for all passengers, with a special emphasis on the driver and front passenger experience, integrating advanced features like the Airscarf neck-warming system and rapid-heating front seats. The E-Class Cabriolet's luggage capacity stands at 9.5 cubic feet with the top raised, reducing slightly when the top is lowered. This space, while less than the Accord's, is optimized within its design to maintain a sleek and luxurious profile, making it ideal for those valuing premium comfort and style over maximum utility.

Technology offerings see the Accord equipped with an 8-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and additional features in higher trims. The E-Class excels with the MBUX system, featuring dual 12.3-inch screens, a wide range of interaction methods, and advanced navigation and audio system options.

The Accord and E-Class excel in safety, with the Accord earning top ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and featuring a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies. The E-Class includes standard safety features like forward collision warning and Mercedes' Pre Safe systems, with additional advanced features available through packages.

The Accord offers excellent value, with a starting price significantly lower than the E-Class and a range of features and performance that compete well within its segment. The E-Class, while offering unparalleled luxury and customization options, comes with a higher cost, especially in higher trims and with added options.