Honda Accord 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 respectable number of buyers each year. The challenge for Lexus was to appeal to a younger demographic without alienating its loyal, older customer base. The latest generation, launched in 2018, was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, shared with models like the Lexus RX and Toyota Camry. This platform supported both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations and offered multiple engine options. The ES boasted elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its prominent spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the ES featured a precisely assembled dashboard with an asymmetrical design, giving the driver's side a cockpit feel. The F Sport model added sporty two-tone leather seating, which contrasted with the car's overall conservative design.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord underwent a redesign, adopting a more technical and conservative appearance. The new model featured a hybrid powertrain as standard on most trims, with only the base LX and EX variants retaining a gas-only engine. The Accord LX had a base price of $27,295, while the EX cost $29,060, with additional options available. The EX trim offered a pewter wheel finish and a Canyon River Blue paint option, which received positive feedback. Inside, the Accord EX featured durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and a stylish metal mesh dashboard trim. The digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system reflected Honda's attention to detail and refinement. Overall, the Accord EX was well-equipped for its price and class, offering a modern yet conservative design.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models, each with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It achieved an EPA rating of 25 mpg city/34 mpg highway/28 mpg combined. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, achieving 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway/26 mpg combined. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 horsepower, excelling in fuel economy with 43 mpg city/44 mpg highway/44 mpg combined. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt underpowered for a luxury sedan, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. The ES 350's V6 offered more engaging performance, while the ES 300h prioritized fuel efficiency.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX were equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 192 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) powered the front wheels, providing adequate performance for the 3,280-pound EX. The Accord's suspension and steering systems offered good response and road feel, while the brakes performed well even under duress. The EPA estimated 32 mpg in combined driving for the Accord LX and EX, though real-world testing returned 28.7 mpg due to extreme heat and continuous air conditioning use. The Accord excelled in urban and suburban environments, offering excellent visibility and nimble handling. On winding roads, the Accord's dynamic tuning inspired confidence, though the tires felt squishy and squealed during spirited driving.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a generous 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space, with a pass-through behind the center armrest for long items. The second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat, providing additional cargo space. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES featured ample storage and convenience features, including big bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious glove compartment. The dashboard layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for the audio system.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX added several features over the LX trim, including heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat. However, it lacked a height-adjustable front passenger seat, rear air conditioning vents, and rear USB charging ports. The Accord offered a spacious back seat with excellent leg support and easy entry and exit. The trunk provided 16.7 cubic feet of space, with a lid that swung up by itself for easy loading. Overall, the Accord offered decent storage and comfort, though some features were missing.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio were standard, with upper trims receiving a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system. The ES featured a touchpad interface, which was an improvement over the previous setup but still challenging to use on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, along with a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX featured a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The EX trim came with an eight-speaker audio system, though SiriusXM satellite radio was not included. The Accord's physical controls for the stereo and main functions were user-friendly, though the tuning knob was misleading. Overall, the Accord's tech was basic but functional.

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

The 2023 Honda Accord featured Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim offered an optional safety package with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with its ADAS performing accurately and reliably.