2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup to include the new ES 250 series, featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with standard all-wheel drive, priced similarly to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and front-wheel drive. The ES 300h, a gas-electric hybrid, offered improved fuel economy at a premium. The ES lineup included various trims, with the Black Line Special Edition debuting in the ES 350. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition boasted features like adaptive suspension, Sport+ and Custom driving modes, and a Navigation Package. The F Sport trim added unique styling elements, while the Black Line Special Edition featured exclusive black and white design details. The ES's design, with its dramatic grille and sleek lines, was striking, and the interior, with its black and white contrast, exuded luxury.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid, available in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, was praised for its design, with a well-proportioned and stylish appearance. Minor styling updates included a new grille, bumper, and headlights, with the Touring trim receiving new 19-inch wheels. The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, featured a dark undertone that enhanced its appeal. The interior, with its black color scheme, offered a sophisticated look, with quality materials and well-arranged controls. The Accord Hybrid's cabin was spacious, with a large trunk and 60/40 split-folding rear seats, providing ample utility without compromising on style.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined. During testing, it averaged 22.9 mpg. The ES 350 F Sport was noted for its unexpected competence and driving enjoyment, with a firm ride and flat cornering stance, though it was not an outright sports sedan.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid utilized a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, with most trims achieving 48 mpg combined, while the Touring trim earned a 43-mpg rating. The powertrain operated in EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive modes, with drivers able to select EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport mode. The Accord Hybrid's powertrain was refined for improved throttle response and sound, with the Touring trim averaging 42.8 mpg. The car offered athletic handling and a compliant ride, with excellent regenerative braking.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a daring interior layout, with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats provided good legroom and comfort, with rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade. Storage was plentiful but oddly configured, with a wireless smartphone charger under the center armrest. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with a hands-free power trunk option.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, featuring 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 and a covered compartment with a wireless smartphone charger. The Accord Hybrid's trunk was a standout, offering 16.7 cubic feet of space, with 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added utility.

The 2021 Lexus ES faced challenges with its touchpad interface, requiring attention to navigate. However, it offered separate climate and stereo controls, dynamic voice command technology, and an optional 12.3-inch widescreen display. All trims included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more, with a 10-speaker premium sound system standard and an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included. EX trim and higher offered wireless connectivity and quick-charge USB ports. The EX-L trim featured a premium sound system, while the Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink services, and a WiFi hotspot. Voice command functionality required specific prompts, with some limitations in navigation tasks.

The 2021 Lexus ES came equipped with Lexus Safety System 2.0, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all but the base trim. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed for a Top Safety Pick+ rating by redesigning its LED headlights. It included a rear-seat reminder, rear seatbelt reminder, and low-speed braking control on the Touring model. Honda Sensing ADAS was refined for smoother operation, though some features remained intrusive. The low-speed automatic braking system required recalibration for improved performance.