2021 Honda Accord vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Honda Accord presented itself as a mid-generation refresh to stay competitive among its rapidly evolving rivals such as the Mazda Mazda6, Subaru Legacy, Kia K5, and Hyundai Sonata. For 2021, Honda sold the Accord in six trim levels: LX, Sport 1.5T, Sport Special Edition (SE), EX-L, Sport 2.0T, and Touring. The test model, the Sport 2.0T, had several updates that included a wider, restyled grille giving the Accord a flatter and more sculpted face. This refreshed look also helped better disguise the Honda Sensing safety system's radar unit, enhancing the vehicle's overall appearance.

All Accords, except the base model, featured LED headlights and lowlights that increased nighttime visibility. The fog light openings had also been reduced in size, giving the car a more sophisticated and unified look. Alloy wheel designs were refreshed, with the base LX sporting 17-inch wheels, while other models including the Sport and Sport Special Edition rode on distinct 19-inch wheels wrapped in all-season rubber. The new Sonic Gray Pearl paint job available for specific trims provided an attractive and unique color option in the segment.

The interior varied based on trims, with lower trims like the LX and Sport featuring high-quality cloth seats, while higher trims included fully leather-trimmed interiors. A power moonroof became available from the EX-L trim and above, although it reduced the headroom by two inches.

In contrast, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class retained its remarkable look from the 2021 makeover. The sleek, elongated silhouette of the S-Class offered a modern take on the classic sedan, accentuated by the substantial distance between the front axle and the dashboard. The exterior exuded elegance, highlighted by a proud Mercedes-Benz grille and star hood ornament.

Inside, the S-Class featured a waterfall of open-pore wood trim cascading down the dashboard, complemented by a 12.8-inch touchscreen in the center stack and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel. Mercedes ensured that every material, from wood to leather, was meticulously fitted and assembled, enveloping occupants in luxury and comfort.

The 2021 Honda Accord gave buyers a choice between two powertrains. The base engine, a 192-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, delivered 192 pound-feet of torque and was mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Honda improved its Idle Stop performance to ensure quicker restarts. The more powerful option, a 2.0-liter turbo-four coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, churned out 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The absence of all-wheel drive limited it to front-wheel drive only.

Fuel efficiency was a notable distinction between the two engines. The 1.5-liter engine achieved EPA estimates of 30 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The 2.0-liter engine, while more powerful, sacrificed fuel economy with 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Paddle shifters on the Sport and Sport SE added a layer of driving pleasure, particularly useful in hilly terrain, although not equating to a full manual transmission experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, particularly the S500 model tested, featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder mild-hybrid engine. This EQ Boost system added a significant 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque to the engine's 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, ensuring smooth and responsive performance when needed. The S580 variant stepped up the game with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, also benefiting from the EQ Boost. Both models used a nine-speed automatic transmission and came standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Despite their substantial weight, both models boasted impressive 0-60 mph times—4.9 seconds for the S500 and 4.4 seconds for the S580. The S-Class delivered a surprisingly agile performance owing to its rear-axle steering system, ensuring flat and predictable handling. Fuel efficiency for the S500 registered at 21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined, while the S580 posted 16 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.

The 2021 Honda Accord was designed with daily drivability in mind. This well-rounded sedan comfortably seated five adults and offered generous head-, hip-, and legroom in both rows. Convenience features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, auto up/down power windows, push-button start, and multiple power outlets were standard. Notably, higher trims added a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob (or push-button/lever pull shift system in the 2.0T models), heated seats, and seating memory positions.

The rear seats had a 60/40 split and a center armrest, making use of the ample 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space. Despite not being overly luxurious, the Accord's cabin was well-designed, with all knobs and buttons easily reachable. Small-item storage included a central console cubby, which in higher trims, housed a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class excelled in providing an opulent and serene environment. This executive sedan came with powered sun blinds, a Panorama Sunroof, and a plushly carpeted 13.8-cubic-foot trunk. Mercedes included six USB-C ports and a 115-volt power supply, ensuring practicality alongside luxury.

Front-row occupants enjoyed active multicontour seats with raid-heating, ventilation, massage functions, and memory settings. For ultimate comfort, the Luxury Line package offered features such as a heated steering wheel, heated armrests, and rear-seat heating. Rear-seat passengers, especially in the Executive Line-equipped S580, had added amenities like active multicontour seats with memory and heating, headrest adjustments, and a high-end rear-seat entertainment system.

While both vehicles offered luxurious interiors, the S-Class significantly outshone with extra comfort features and executive-level options. The Accord, however, was no slouch, providing practicality and high-quality materials, especially in higher trims.

Technology was a strong suit for the 2021 Honda Accord. Each model came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, complete with physical volume and tuning knobs. Standard tech features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, hands-free text messaging, and two USB ports. Higher trims boasted additions like satellite radio, HD radio, a wireless phone charger, a 10-speaker premium audio system, an extra USB port, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi hotspot, and Near Field Communication. Only the top-tier Touring 2.0T trim offered a head-up display and HomeLink Remote.

A step up in the tech ladder, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class came standard with the latest MBUX infotainment system showcased on a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen. This OLED screen, which far outperformed traditional LED and LCD displays, provided superior image quality and reduced energy consumption. The 12.3-inch digital instrument panel offered customizable visual themes, and an optional 3D instrument cluster added depth to the panel.

The advanced augmented reality navigation superimposed visual cues on the screen to assist drivers. The available augmented reality head-up display further enhanced this experience, projecting guidance onto the windshield. The Burmester 3D Surround system delivered exceptional audio quality, with an option to upgrade to the 4D Surround sound system, which included headrest speakers.

Besides infotainment, the S-Class featured cutting-edge tech in its powertrain and chassis, such as the EQ Boost and rear-axle steering, underscoring its commitment to innovation.

The 2021 Honda Accord came with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard offerings included vehicle stability assist with traction control, brake assist, a rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, and automatic high beams. The Honda Sensing suite added driver-assist technologies such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. Advanced trims offered low-speed braking control and blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert.

The Accord excelled in safety ratings, earning the highest Top Safety Pick+ designation by the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The presence of LATCH connectors in the rear seats facilitated child safety seat installation.

Mercedes-Benz took safety a notch higher with the 2022 S-Class. Significant features included Magic Vision Control, which adjusted windshield spray based on various conditions. The driver assistance suite encompassed technologies like adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, active brake assist, active parking assist, and more. The Pre-Safe system prepared the vehicle for imminent collisions, enhancing occupant protection.

The S-Class also supported car-to-X communication, sharing road condition information with other vehicles. For executive safety, rear-passenger airbags and belt bags were available.