2023 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Sonata

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata, in its early years, was often seen as a mimic of the Honda Accord, with similar design elements and a lack of originality. However, Hyundai used this imitation as a learning opportunity, gradually improving the Sonata's quality and design while maintaining a competitive price. By the seventh generation, the Sonata had developed its own distinctive style, featuring a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and a sloped rear roofline. The interior offered a functional and spacious cabin with seating for five, though the tan upholstery in the Limited trim was not to everyone's taste. The Sonata N Line added sporty touches, transforming its appearance with features like a body kit, gloss black accents, and dual exhaust outlets, while the interior boasted unique N-brand sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid exuded a near-luxury appeal, drawing comparisons to the sleek Audi A7. The redesigned model was longer and featured a more refined exterior with a new front grille and updated LED lighting. The Accord's interior was updated with a new dashboard design and a standard digital instrument display, while the Hybrid Touring trim offered advanced tech features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Canyon River Blue Metallic paint and black leather interior added to its upscale feel, though the sleek roofline slightly compromised rear headroom. The Accord's trunk space was generous, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This base engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and provided a smooth, competent ride. The Sonata N Line, however, was a different beast, boasting a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension. This made it a thrilling option for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, and while an all-wheel drive option would have been a welcome addition, the Sonata's ride and handling were commendable.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 204 horsepower. The hybrid system provided smooth and efficient performance, with seamless transitions between electric and gas power. The Accord's suspension absorbed road imperfections well, offering a comfortable ride without being overly firm. The regenerative braking system was enhanced with six levels of regen, allowing for fine-tuning and a more comfortable driving experience. Despite its increased length, the Accord remained agile and easy to park, making it a relaxing car to drive in various environments.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata boasted a spacious cabin with 2,956 litres of passenger space, classifying it as a "Full-size Car" by Natural Resources Canada. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, though rear-seat space was adequate but not overly generous. The Sonata's 453-litre trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. A standout feature was the Remote Smart Parking Assist, allowing the Sonata to drive itself forward or backward with the press of a button, though it was more of a novelty than a necessity.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid adopted a layout similar to the Civic and CR-V, featuring a strip of honeycomb mesh trim that concealed the air vents. The interior was well-designed, with easy-to-reach controls for the dual-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seats. The Accord Hybrid's traditional gearshift was a welcome change, providing a convenient spot to rest your hand. The front seats offered excellent support, while rear legroom and shoulder room were generous, though headroom was slightly compromised by the sleek roofline. The Accord's 473-litre trunk was deep and easy to access, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment system varied by trim level, with base SE versions featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, while the N Line and Ultimate Hybrid trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Bose system was praised for its power and clarity, offering excellent value for the price. Pairing an iPhone via Bluetooth was quick and easy, and the system provided seamless connectivity for calls and messages.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering an intuitive interface with easy-to-navigate graphics. The Touring trim included advanced tech features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, Google Built-in with Google Assistant and Maps, Amazon Alexa, and a head-up display. A 12-speaker Bose audio system, HD radio, and four USB ports were also included, providing a comprehensive suite of tech features.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came with a comprehensive package of safety features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist. The Sonata received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and top "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crash tests. The Sonata N Line and Ultimate Hybrid received a "Good" rating for crash avoidance and mitigation, while other trims received a "Marginal" rating for their LED reflector headlights.

The 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid was equipped with a robust suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Accord Hybrid Touring added front and rear parking sensors and a head-up display. The Accord received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, earning "Good" ratings in all crash tests and for its crash avoidance and mitigation features.