The Honda Accord is a perennial favorite in the midsize sedan segment. Despite the popularity of SUVs, the Accord continues to be one of the more popular options on sale, being a well-rounded sedan for families and commuters alike.
With the introduction of the current Hyundai Sonata in 2020, Hyundai unveiled one of the better-looking and value-oriented midsize sedans. Beyond its gorgeous styling, the Sonata features a large trunk, a lengthy list of tech features, and a few performance-oriented trims.
Choosing between the Accord and Sonata may be more difficult than you think. Here’s a brief look at some of the similarities and differences between the two models.
Hyundai Sonata vs. Honda Accord Price
Hyundai Sonata prices start at $26,565, while the most expensive Hyundai Sonata is the Limited trim that costs $36,440. The cheapest Honda Accord is the LX which costs $28,390 and the most expensive Honda Accord is the EX that’s priced at $30,155.
There’s a price difference of $1,825 when you compare the base Sonata to the entry-level Accord. And there’s a $6,285 difference in price between the range-topping Sonata and Accord in the Honda’s favor.
As the cheaper midsize sedan of the two, the Hyundai Sonata tends to be available with better lease deals than the Honda Accord. Additionally, Hyundai’s financing rates are usually better than Honda’s.
Hyundai Sonata vs. Honda Accord Fuel Economy
The base Hyundai Sonata is the most frugal gas-powered option in the lineup. It comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. The sedan is rated at up to 32 mpg combined.
The Honda Accord comes with a turbo 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and FWD. The Accord can also get up to 32 mpg combined.
Both midsize sedans are available with hybrid options. The Sonata Hybrid comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that can get up to 52 mpg combined. The Honda Accord Hybrid, which is covered separately on our site, comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with two electric motors. It’s rated at up to 48 mpg combined.
Hyundai Sonata vs. Honda Accord Passenger & Cargo Space
While both the Hyundai Sonata and Honda Accord are classified as midsize sedans, they offer a different amount of interior space. The Accord is slightly longer and taller than the Sonata.
Despite the Sonata’s smaller size, it offers passenger space than the Accord when it comes to front and rear headroom, and front legroom. The Accord has more front hip room, rear legroom, and rear hip room. While the Sonata has roughly four more inches of front legroom than the Accord, the Accord offers nearly six extra inches of rear legroom.
Cargo capacities for the two midsize sedans are fairly even. The Sonata offers up to 16 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk, while the Accord has 16.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
Hyundai Sonata vs. Honda Accord Technology
Hyundai is known for offering its vehicles with high-tech features. The Sonata comes with an eight-inch touchscreen as standard and is available with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Sonata is also available with a Bose audio system, Hyundai’s Digital Key, and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system.
The gas-powered Accord comes with a seven-inch touchscreen and a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster as standard. The only major feature is an eight-speaker audio system.
Which Is Better: Sonata or Accord?
The Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata are fairly matched. Each sedan has its own individual strengths, but the Honda Accord stands out as the better overall option for most drivers. It comes with more standard tech features, a lot more rear legroom, and a larger trunk. The Accord’s range-topping trim is far more affordable than the Sonata’s, too.
While the Sonata isn’t the winner in this comparison, it’s still a standout midsize sedan. It has a gorgeous exterior design, a value-packed starting price tag, an incredibly efficient hybrid engine, and roomy front seats.