Honda Accord Hybrid vs Lexus ES

The 2022 Lexus ES had long been a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES continued to attract a loyal customer base, primarily among an older demographic. This presented a challenge for Lexus, as the brand sought to appeal to younger buyers without alienating its existing clientele. The latest generation, launched in 2018, was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. The ES featured elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its spindle grille and headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES offered a well-assembled interior with bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport model, though the dashboard's asymmetrical design and analog chronometer were points of contention.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid exuded a near-luxury appearance, drawing comparisons to the Audi A7. The Accord's exterior was sleek and sophisticated, with a redesigned front grille and updated LED lighting. It was longer than its predecessor, providing a planted stance and a flowing roofline. The Accord Hybrid Touring trim, priced around $38,435, came with 19-inch alloy wheels and a choice of seven exterior colors. Inside, the Accord featured a new dashboard design with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, and leather seating. The interior was spacious, with generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was slightly compromised by the roofline. The trunk offered 16.7 cubic feet of space, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, achieving 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 hp, offering impressive fuel economy at 43 mpg city and 44 mpg highway. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt underpowered for a luxury sedan, with the V6 and hybrid variants providing more engaging performance.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, regardless of trim, was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, producing 204 horsepower. Power was sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission. The Accord Hybrid excelled in smooth and efficient driving, seamlessly switching between electric and gas power. While not overwhelming in acceleration, it provided ample power for highway merges and passing. The suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections, offering a balanced ride. The Accord's regenerative braking system featured six levels of regen, enhancing driver comfort. Its agile handling and ease of parking made it a relaxing and practical choice for various driving environments.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with a pass-through for long items and fold-flat rear seats in the ES 250 and ES 350. Its lower center of gravity and ground clearance compared to SUVs like the Lexus RX contributed to better handling and fuel economy. Inside, the ES provided ample storage, with bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious glove compartment. The dashboard layout, while functional, was not visually appealing, but it catered to mature drivers with features like a prominent volume knob.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid's cabin adopted a design similar to the Civic and CR-V, featuring honeycomb mesh trim and a user-friendly layout. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated seats, a traditional gearshift, and a dedicated volume knob. The front seats offered excellent support, while the rear seats provided generous legroom and shoulder room, though headroom was slightly limited. The trunk boasted 16.7 cubic feet of space, with a low load floor for easy access, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system. Upper trims upgraded to a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system. The ES featured a touchpad interface, a 10-inch head-up display, and a Panoramic View Monitor with Intuitive Parking Assist. Lexus Enform connected services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote, with various trial memberships.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad. The Touring trim included a head-up display, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and four USB ports. The intuitive menus and physical controls made the infotainment system user-friendly, while advanced tech features enhanced the overall experience.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came with the Honda Sensing suite, featuring automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The Touring trim added a multi-angle rearview camera and parking sensors. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional. The Accord Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with high scores in crash tests and safety features.