2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. Honda Accord

The midsize car market is very competitive, making it challenging to choose the best car. Two candidates worth considering are the Hyundai Sonata and Honda Accord. Let’s look at how these two vehicles compare.

Engine and Performance

The Sonata‘s base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that’s good for 191 horsepower. You can step up to a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine for a touch more power. Both engines achieve good gas mileage, which is one of Sonata’s chief strengths. You’ll manage 27 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The Sonata lineup also has a performance-oriented third engine option that churns out 290 horsepower. The gas mileage numbers for this four-cylinder inline are 23 mpg on city roads and 33 mpg on the highway.

The Accord’s base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged V-4 capable of putting out 192 horsepower. You can upgrade to a 2.0-liter turbocharged V-4 that produces 52 horsepower. The base engine can achieve 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, giving it a slight edge over the Sonata. However, these figures drop to 22 mpg and 32 mpg, respectively, with the more powerful engine, so the Sonata wins there.

Seating and Cargo Storage

The Accord’s cabin offers seating for five, with plenty of legroom in the back and front for all passengers. It’s also well-equipped to carry boosters and car seats since it features two sets of LATCH connectors and a tether anchor in the back row. The base trim features cloth upholstery, but leather seats are available in the higher trims. In the trunk, you’ll find 16.7 cubic feet of storage, which is more than adequate for most daily transportation needs.

The Sonata also seats five, with ample interior space for adult passengers to sit anywhere they like in the first or second rows. The cabin stands out for its upscale feel and design. If you need to install child seating for the kids, you’ll find two complete sets of LATCH connectors on the outermost rear seats and a tether anchor in the middle seat. Behind the second row, the Sonata offers 16 cubic feet of storage in the trunk. That’s plenty of room to transport luggage for a weekend away or bags of groceries and gear.

Infotainment and Technology

Both the Accord and Sonata have similar standard infotainment features. Their base infotainment systems each feature an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Bluetooth connectivity is also standard.

If you want additional features in the Sonata, you can upgrade to a larger touch screen, add a USB port in the rear row, and include satellite radio. Other available upgrades for the Sonata include a 12-speaker premium stereo and a navigation system. In the Accord, optional upgrades include an eight-speaker or a 10-speaker premium stereo, a navigation system, and a wireless hot spot.

Safety and Reliability

One of Sonata’s advantages over the Accord is its long warranty. Hyundai provides you with a five-year basic warranty and a 10-year powertrain warranty, which are longer than the Accord’s three-year basic and five-year powertrain coverage.

Both cars come with a wide range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning. In case the unexpected occurs, both vehicles also feature automatic emergency braking to help you avoid a crash.

The Sonata and Accord performed excellently in safety testing carried out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Both agencies gave the Sonata and Accord top overall marks for their performance in crash tests.

Trims and Pricing

The 2021 Sonata is available in five trims: the SE, SEL, SEL Plus, N Line, and Limited. With a starting price of $23,700, the SE is an excellent choice for buyers on tight budgets, as it undercuts the least expensive Accord by more than $1,000. It features cloth seating and manually adjustable driver and front passenger seats.

The SEL adds heated front seats and proximity keyless entry, which always comes in handy if you’re trying to get into the car with your hands full. The SEL Plus offers a little more luxury in the cabin with synthetic leather and suede upholstery, while the N Line trim is the one to go for if you’re looking for a high-performance ride. It features a 290-horsepower turbocharged engine and a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The top Limited trim includes genuine leather upholstery, a larger infotainment screen, ventilated front seats, and a sunroof.

The Accord is also available in five trims: the LX, Sport, Sport Special Edition, EX-L, and Touring. The base trim has a starting price of $24,970 and is equipped with an 8-inch infotainment screen and a four-speaker stereo. Move up to the Sport trim to get an eight-speaker stereo and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. You also have the option to add the larger 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which will cost an extra $4,530. The Sport Special Edition is ideal if you like a more luxurious cabin because it features heated front seats and leather upholstery.

The Accord’s EX-L trim adds several infotainment upgrades, including a 10-speaker stereo and wireless device charging. Finally, the top Touring trim is equipped with the larger engine as standard and also features ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a navigation system.

Both the Sonata and the Accord are available in hybrid models. The Sonata hybrid has a slight edge over the Accord in terms of combined gas mileage, achieving 52 mpg compared to the Accord’s 48 mpg.

We hope our comparison of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata and Honda Accord has helped in your search for a midsize car. If you’re looking for great gas mileage, a classy interior, and the peace of mind of an exceptionally long warranty, the Sonata might just be your best choice. If you have questions about the Sonata, don’t hesitate to contact us. Here at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth, we’re ready to help you through your auto purchase so you can get on the road in no time.