Honda Accord vs Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2023 Honda Accord underwent a significant redesign, with Honda opting to make the hybrid powertrain standard on most trim levels, except for the base EX variant in Canada, which retained a gas-only engine. This shift marked a departure from previous models where the hybrid was an optional upgrade. The Accord's new design embraced a more technical and conservative aesthetic, moving away from the shiny chrome of its predecessors. The EX model featured a dark grille, LED headlights, and a striking Canyon River Blue paint, complemented by pewter-finished wheels. Inside, the Accord EX boasted durable cloth seats with contrast stitching and a stylish metal mesh dashboard trim, integrating the air conditioning vents seamlessly. The digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system reflected Honda's attention to detail and refinement, making the Accord EX a well-outfitted choice for its price and class.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid received notable styling updates, particularly with its streamlined front fascia and the introduction of the "seamless horizon lamp," a slim lightbar that added a modern flair. The badge was repositioned above the grille, and the headlights were placed independently below it, drawing a clear family resemblance to the Hyundai Ioniq 6. The rear end featured a lightbar forming a wide "H" shape with the taillights, reminiscent of the new Hyundai Santa Fe. While the side profile remained similar to the 2023 model, the Sonata Hybrid's interior saw changes, including a redesigned steering wheel and a gear shifter moved to the steering column. The Preferred-Trend trim offered a basic black interior with leather upholstery, while the N Line trim featured a light grey option with Nappa leather and suede inserts. The Sonata Hybrid's design updates provided a fresh and modern look, enhancing its appeal.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 192 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 rpm and 5,000 rpm. This engine, carried over from the previous generation, featured refinements and was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that powered the front wheels. The Accord's suspension system, consisting of a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, managed the car's 59:41 front-to-rear weight distribution effectively. The steering system offered good response and road feel, while the ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes provided reliable stopping power. The Accord's fuel efficiency was rated at 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though our test car returned 8.2 L/100 km due to high temperatures and continuous air conditioning use. The Accord's driving dynamics were enjoyable, with precise steering and a responsive ride, though the tires could benefit from an upgrade for more grip.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid introduced an all-wheel drive (AWD) system for the first time, available on the Preferred-Trend trim for an additional $2,000. The Preferred-Trend trim featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The N Line trim offered a turbocharged version of the same engine, delivering 290 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, with power transferred via an 8-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The Sonata's steering feel and handling were commendable, and the configurable driver-information display added to the driving experience. The Sonata Hybrid's performance was enhanced by the availability of AWD, providing improved traction and stability.

The 2023 Honda Accord in Canada came standard with features such as heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The Accord EX also included a power sunroof, though some desirable features like a power-adjustable front passenger's seat, rear air conditioning vents, and rear USB charging ports were missing. The driver's seat could benefit from more seat-track travel, and the hard plastic lining the centre console sides was a source of discomfort. However, the Accord offered ample legroom and easy entry and exit for rear-seat passengers. The 473-litre trunk provided generous storage space, with a convenient push-button release and a handle to close the lid.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with 975 millimetres of front-seat headroom and 950 mm of rear-seat headroom. The front row was prioritized with 1,170 mm of legroom, while rear-seat passengers received 885 mm. The Preferred-Trend trim included heated and ventilated front seats, while the N Line trim featured sport seats without ventilation. The slimmer steering wheel rim was appreciated for its comfort, and the trunk close button added an extra convenience feature. The Sonata Hybrid's interior space and features provided a comfortable and flexible environment for passengers.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX featured a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, text-messaging support, and HondaLink connected services with Wi-Fi access. Two USB-C ports were available, and the EX trim came with an eight-speaker audio system. However, SiriusXM satellite radio was not included, and the physical controls for the stereo were somewhat confusing. Overall, the Accord EX offered basic tech features that were functional but not particularly impressive.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid impressed with its selectable functionality of the driver's side front USB-C port, allowing it to switch between data-transmitting and charging-only modes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on all trims, and the curved display combined the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display into a single panel. The N Line trim featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens, while the Preferred-Trend trim had a smaller digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system included HD Radio, Sirius XM, and a wireless charging pad on the N Line. The Sonata Hybrid's tech features were user-friendly and provided a modern and convenient experience.

The 2023 Honda Accord was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Accord also featured a reversing camera, automatic high-beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, a driver monitoring system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Honda Sensing suite performed with accuracy and refinement, and the Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist with junction turning detection, safe exit warning and assist, lane-following and lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, automatic emergency braking, and rear occupant alert. Hyundai's approach to safety and driver-assistance features was user-friendly, with easy-to-find controls and clear graphics. The Sonata Hybrid's safety features provided comprehensive protection and assistance for drivers and passengers.