It’s true that that the typical family vehicle has shifted from sedans to crossovers in recent years, but it cannot be ignored just how popular mid-size sedans remain. As many rivals have dropped out of the segment, the iconic Honda Accord has just moved to an all-new generation, and one of its biggest rivals is ready to escalate the rivalry once again. This is the heavily refreshed Hyundai Sonata, which has a lot of new tricks to take on the Accord head-to-head. So who takes the win in the 2024 Hyundai Sonata vs. Honda Accord? Well, let’s go ahead and find out!
Pricing and Equipment
So, for this faceoff comparison, let’s begin by quickly establishing selected trim levels.
This time around, we wanted to keep with the mainstream mid-level trims that most people buy, so for the Accord, that is the Sport trim. The price is just under $33k for 2024 to start, and then just under $34k after destination.
MSRP (Accord Sport): $32,895 | Options: $0 | Destination: $1,095 | Total: $33,990
Next, for the refreshed Sonata, we have the SEL w/ Convenience package in its newly simplified trim structure. As we often see, the Hyundai will be less expensive than its Japanese rival, with a total price of $31,750.
MSRP (Sonata SEL): $27,500 | Options: $3,050 | Destination: $1,115 | Total: $31,750
If you’re interested in buying either of these two, click here and we have a tool that will help you find the best price in your local area as well as show you invoice pricing.
Now as far as this comparison, it will be conducted objectively. We have done our best to weigh the points awarded throughout in major and minor categories, but at the end of the comparison we will sum up with our thoughts and revisit that price difference for a value assessment.
But now, let’s get into it!
Exterior Design
As soon as you walk up to these two, you will see designs that focus a lot on looking sporty and premium. The new Accord’s grille has a simple look to it, but still bold with the black mesh. The new Sonata though is a much more angular, with bold lines and shapes everywhere.
The other element that really stands out is the lighting. We have a large light bar across the front which serves as a DRL and turn signal indicator, while the headlights themselves are separated below. The Accord is much more conventional here, and it is worth noting that it uses reflector LED headlights instead of the more premium projector LED’s on the Hyundai.
Moving along to the sides, their considerable lengths contribute to how sleek they look. The Honda has a couple extra inches of length, so we will see later on if that helps with its interior space, but until then, we have very sharply-styled alloy wheels on both, although they are an inch larger on the Accord.
Length: 193.3-in (Sonata) | 195.7-in (Accord)
And then in the back, the interesting designs continue, and the features are very similar. On these trims, exhaust outlets are hidden, we have small spoilers, and the taillights are mostly LED, everything besides for the reverse light on the Sonata.
Additional Features
Now as far as other features, both model’s mirrors have built in blind spot monitoring but only the Sonata’s are heated.
And then as far as all the other safety systems, both of them include every active safety feature as standard equipment on all versions.
The last thing on the outside, is that warranty coverage is significantly longer on the Hyundai, and that it includes an extra year of complimentary maintenance.
Warranties (both): Basic: 3yr/36k mi | PT: 5yr/60k mi
Comp. Maintenance (Accord): 2yrs
But you’ll be spending most of the time inside the cabins, so let’s check those out.
Interior Design
Walking up to the vehicles, both have smart entry systems with built-in remote start, even though the Hyundai’s fob looks like something from a spaceship.
And after opening the doors, just like the outside, you’re going to see a more futuristic design on the new Sonata, but both of them look fairly upscale.
There are tons of differences throughout, but before we get into each of them, let’s talk about the seats. While both are power adjusting and made of cloth, only the Sonata is including heated seats, which seems like an important feature to mention this time of the year especially.
Now that we have climbed inside, let’s look at the overall cabin and talk about the quality of the materials. The doors both shut with authority, and we have high quality plastics and leatherette covering all the common touch points. Overall, both are well executed and roughly the same.
After firing up the cars, you’ll be greeted by customizable digital gauge clusters. The Hyundai’s is part of a new dual screen arrangement and comes in at 12.3-inches vs. 10.2 in the Honda.
The steering wheels are leather wrapped, manual adjusting and not heated until you move further up the trim structures.
Storage and Technology
But now let’s get into interior storage because there are some interesting things to note here. Even though Honda is usually the king of storage, the relocation of the Hyundai’s shifter allows it to match the Accord in console and front storage space. But Accord doesn’t match the wireless phone charger in the front storage unless you get the top Touring trim.
Heading to the shifters, neither of them have the push-button style shifters like they used to, and in the case of the Sonata, it’s now relocated to the steering column. Once in reverse, both have cameras with good resolution, as well as active trajectory, and electronic parking brakes.
I’m happy to report that both mid-level trims have dual zone automatic climate controls with very high-quality knobs.
And speaking of knobs, let’s twist the volume knobs to sample the audio systems. Ultimately both of them sound perfectly adequate for the price point, and if you want something better, they offer Bose upgrades.
Sonata: 6-speaker sound system
Accord: 8-speaker sound system
Now moving into the infotainment systems, this is a place where the Sonata is playing catch-up to the Accord. It now has a 12.3-inch screen just like the Accord for 2024, and both of them have very impressive displays in terms of the resolution and responsiveness. The critical functionality though is wireless AA and ACP that both models now have for 2024.
NOTE: The Accord doesn’t get Google Built in until the Touring trim level
And wrapping up the front, the Sonata includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror, as well as a panoramic sunroof, which is not offered on the Accord.
Rear Seats and Cargo
But now let’s head to the rear areas, which are historically where Honda is always the strongest. Indeed, the Accord’s extra length comes in handy, with about 8% more rear legroom, and it even has 7% more headroom.
Sonata: Legroom: 37.4-inches | Headroom: 34.8-inches
Accord: Legroom: 40.8-inches | Headroom: 37.3-inches
The space is the biggest highlight for both models, since you don’t have a bunch of amenities on these mid-level trims. Neither have vents but the Sonata does have USB ports for charging devices.
Now moving on to the trunks, the Accord prevails here as well with the largest trunk space in the segment. But it doesn’t beat the Sonata by much, and by less than the 5% difference required to score a point.
Sonata: 16.0-cu.ft
Accord: 16.7-cubic feet
What does score a point though is the fact that this Sonata has a spare tire.
But you know time it is now: we are going to take this fight to the streets!
Powertrains
As we go out on the road, you are going to find some really big differences with the powertrains. That’s because if you want any more than just the basic level of equipment for the Accord, it comes exclusively as a hybrid, which includes this Sport. Sonata also offers hybrid models but only the top Limited trim is exclusively hybrid, and this SEL Convenience is gas-only.
So now that you know why, the Sonata has a traditional 2.5L 4-Cylinder with 191 hp, and the Accord has a 2.0L I-4 with dual-electric motors, good for 204 hp. As you would expect, that means the Accord is quite a bit faster and the extra torque is especially felt.
Sonata: 2.5L I-4: 191 hp | 181 lb.ft
Accord: 2.0L I-4 + dual electric motors: 204 hp | 247 hp
Now the other aspect of the powertrain is the transmission. We have 8-speed automatic in the Sonata and a form of eCVT in the Accord Hybrid. While the Accord does have shift simulations, YouTube comments clearly show that most people prefer the regular stepped feel of a traditional automatic transmission.
Note: AWD is offered on only the Sonata SEL for 2024 and is unavailable on Accord
Test Drive and Fuel Economy
If you choose a sedan these days, you are probably wanting the more agile and maneuverable feel over a crossover. Both are pretty good but if you want a real athletic feel on the Sonata, the N-Line is recommended. Meanwhile, the Accord Sport has the Honda sporty heritage baked right in, with excellent balance and fast responding steering.
Ride quality wise, they are both quite comfortable, but when it comes to quietness in the cabins, the Sonata has a slight advantage. A 1 dB change is considered perceptible by the average adult, and that’s exactly what the Sonata beats the Accord by.
Sonata: 55.6 dB
Accord: 56.6 dB
Finally, as you might have predicted, it’s the Hybrid Accord that has the fuel economy advantage. It gets 15 MPG better combined, which translates to a lot of savings over the time you own it.
Sonata: 25/36/29 MPG
Accord Hybrid: 46/41/44 MPG
2024 Hyundai Sonata vs. Honda Accord winner!
So, there you have it; this was a close race between two of the best mid-size sedans on the market! But now let’s talk about who should be your personal winner based on what you value most.
Accord:
- Maximum rear seat and cargo space
- Reputation of Honda reliability
- Hybrid fan – More widely offered hybrids trims, better MPG’s
Sonata:
- More affordable price tag
- More premium features for the money (heated seats, leather)
- Bolder design
We want to know your opinions so make sure to head to the comment section and let us know which one you would pick!
Anyway, thanks for joining us for another Car Confections Comparison, and be sure to subscribe for more Comparisons, Full Reviews, and coverage of all the latest automotive delicacies.
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