As I reported early on (for our new members here) I brought up the interesting fact that the (prior) gen Accord is extremely close to the ES dimensions wise. I posted that spec sheet comparison. Now I updated it for the new Accord.

Now enter the 2023 all-new Honda Accord Hybrid, all new for 2023. What do you think? Early reviews (see Savage Geese) is that the new Accord reminds them of the ES. About as quiet, faster, peppier, more fun. Not sure why Acura doesn't make a version of the Accord. What do you guys think about this comparison? Objectively.

The dimensions seem advantageous for the Accord, where it counts. Interior room and cargo room. It has roughly the same fuel mileage, yet faster 0-60. Stops faster. And I don't know the results yet but I assume will have superior safety/crash/crush measurements, particularly in side impacts, if it follows suit with Acura's latest products. It will be very interesting to see!

 

Well all mid-size sedans will have very similar specs LOL. Honda Accord is one of the best in this segment, and with the newly redesigned generation, it is better than it ever bee.
The Honda Accord EX-L Hybrid trim (comparable to Lexus ES300H base) starts at around $33K, which is $10K less than the ES, little high in my opinion, $28K - $30K will be more appropriate. However the base LX starts at almost 28K that's very interesting to see. I remember back then the Accord LX starts at around $22K .

However, current 7th gen. ES despite being came out 5 years ago, my opinion, I'd say the 2023 ES300H still beat the crap out of the new Accord in every aspects:
- Outside: It looks more elegant and refined, looks like a dam premium/luxury vehicle, offer much more exterior packages and colors.
- Inside: Def. feel more premium, pretty sure better material, it just look more well-put than the Accord. Again offer more customized packages and colors
- Tech: I think ES has better Tech having the latest Toyota/Lexus interface
- Drive: I'm pretty sure it drives more cloudily than the Accord LOL. The accord may drive more sporty though. Non hybrid Accord probably has better transmission vs the infamous jerky tran. like the ES350 LOL
- Safety: I think the 5-year old generation ES has more standard safety features than the Accord.
- Other: ES win all other aspects such as branding, reliability, re-sale etc.

For a difference of $10K the Accord EX-L Hybrid has no chance vs the ES 300H (just like the last Toyota Avalon, LOL for the almost same price, who not going with the Lexus ES), but is it worth saving $10K LOL I don't know.

 

This is not news. The new Accord is closely based on the previous one, which is dimensionally very similar to the Avalon and ES. I personally asked Savagegeese in the comments under his test of the new Accord to compare the two, and he was kind enough to reply:
"The ES is better still but, if you dont need the extra 15% luxury and price the Accord does most everything similar. The (Accord) hybrid delivers on MPG., Comfortable no BS interior. (But) Its just a snoozer. The ES has more attention to detail and superior audio system."

 

yeah no safety is my bread and butter. the last gen ES was a pile of donkey butter that got barely acceptable tweaks in its last two years.

The LAST gen Accord was pretty on par with the current ES, if not superior, particularly in the latest updated side crash test.

This newest Accord will likely smoke the ES in safety. It has Honda's latest iteration of ACE technology (which was way more foreward thinking than any Toyota product at the time)

The Corolla and Camry have superior side structure crush to the ES.... so it's pretty likely the new Accord will smoke the current ES..

Current ES (even with 2023's structural upgrades) only runs a -15.0 centerline in 2.0.

 

Oh believe me it was news when I first posted it... the forum was surprised the Accord was that close dimensionally. when you say "it's not news" that's because I made it news originally. I'm the only one to do an excel spreadsheet comparison. so that's where you learned it from

 

I think if I was in this class for me and my family and I was looking for an Accord/ES sized car, I'd probably pick the Accord. More spacious cabin, safer, more fuel economy in the city. So long as the cabin is quiet. It's faster, brakes stronger, is very likely safer, more fuel economy. I think at that point you have to be objective and drop the brand/nameplate ego and look at a car for what it can do vs what you think others might perceive you sporting in the driveway. GIve credit where credit is due, I think Honda did a great job. I wonder if it has wireless apple car play?

Now we wait for the next Camry/ES to see if they can one up the Accord.

 

Car and Driver rates the ES300h 6.5 out of 10.
Car and Driver rates the 2023 Accord Hybrid 10 out of 10.

Just the messenger. Toyota has their work cut out for the next gen. They did a fine job but need to improve with more safety and tech.

 

My 2020 ES300h has a 13.1 gal fuel tank. Did Lexus reduce that for 2023 to 11.1?

 

I drove a lot of Accords, all the models from 1994 to 2009. Very cheaply made but reliable (except for the trannys).
These new models are just trouble, especially the 1.5T.
I think they need a couple more generations to make the Accord as good as the current ES is. Actually it is very stupid to compare those two cars.
And then, the looks, a weird combo of Dodge, Ford, Audi...the grill mesh inside is just awkward.





No, the fuel tank is the same as before.

 

I sort of figured that and if that figure is wrong others could be also.

 

Probably the same reason Lexus doesn’t make a version of the Camry.

Anyhow, is anyone surprised two mainstream midsize sedans designed primarily for the North American market are similarly sized?

 

Why is the size so important? Bentley and Chevy Caprice had similar dimensions, and that’s where the similarities end. Can we compare a Caprice to a Bentley?

 

Con & Drivel rates every Honda 10/10, no hyperbole they literally do.

 

Acura does make a version of the Accord.
The Acura TSX is actually a rebadged Accord Euro.

 

Huh I though ES is Lexus version of Camry?
GS was also another "slightly small" sporty version of Camry LOL