2023 Honda Accord vs 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2023 Honda Accord underwent a redesign that introduced a more technical and conservative appearance, moving away from the shiny chrome and exuberant character of its predecessor. The hybrid powertrain became standard on most trim levels, except for the base LX and EX variants, which retained the gas-only engine. The Accord EX, priced at $30,705 including destination, featured a Canyon River Blue paint that garnered compliments and a pewter wheel finish that struck a balance between the LX's silver wheels and the black wheels of other trims. 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 paired with a touchscreen infotainment system, reflecting Honda's attention to detail and refinement.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid received significant styling updates, particularly with its streamlined front fascia and the "seamless horizon lamp," giving it 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. The Limited-trim test car sported 17-inch wheels and a fashionable enamel gray color called "Transmission Blue," which could be selected without additional cost. The interior saw changes with vents flowing across the dash, a redesigned T-shaped steering wheel, and a gear shifter moved to the steering column. The Sonata Hybrid offered three interior color schemes, with the tan and charcoal combo being a favorite.

The 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX were equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 192 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 rpm and 5,000 rpm. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), powered the front wheels. The Accord's suspension system managed its 59:41 front-to-rear weight distribution effectively, and the steering system offered good response and road feel. The Accord EX returned 28.7 mpg on the evaluation route, slightly below the EPA's 32 mpg combined estimate due to testing conditions. The Accord's ride quality was communicative yet quiet, with excellent brake pedal modulation and nimble handling. However, the CVT's Sport mode was less satisfying, and the Michelin Energy tires squealed during spirited driving.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 192 horsepower. Unlike most hybrids, it used a six-speed automatic transmission, providing more control and an EPA rating of 47 mpg combined. The steering feel was commendable, and the handling was appropriate for a family sedan. The Sonata Hybrid's brakes were touchy, but the paddles on the steering wheel allowed for regenerative braking management in Eco mode and gear shifting in Sport mode. The configurable driver-information display was a highlight, allowing simultaneous viewing of the tachometer and hybrid system's power flow.

The 2023 Honda Accord EX added features like a darker wheel finish, heated exterior mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. However, it lacked a height-adjustable front passenger seat, rear air conditioning vents, and rear USB charging ports. The driver's seat needed more seat-track travel, and the hard plastic lining the center console was uncomfortable. The rear seat offered excellent leg support and legroom, and the 16.7 cubic-foot trunk was spacious and easy to load.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid provided competitive space with 37.8 inches of front-seat headroom with the panoramic moonroof and 46.1 inches of front legroom. The rear-seat headroom was 37.4 inches with the moonroof, and legroom was 34.8 inches. The Limited-trim test car featured heated and ventilated seats and a slimmer steering wheel rim. The trunk close button was a neat convenience feature, though not entirely necessary for a sedan.

The 2023 Honda Accord featured a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Bluetooth connectivity, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HondaLink connected services. The EX trim had an eight-speaker audio system but lacked SiriusXM satellite radio. The voice recognition system worked well with Siri, and the physical controls for the stereo were a delight, despite a misleading function control knob.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered a selectable functionality for the driver's side front USB-C port, allowing it to switch between data-transmitting and charging-only modes. The curved display combined the infotainment touchscreen and driver-information display into a single panel, with logical and intuitive haptic buttons for climate control and media functions. The Limited trim included navigation, natural language voice-recognition, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. A wireless charging pad was standard, along with HD Radio, Sirius XM, and two rear-seat USB charging ports.

The 2023 Honda Accord came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The EX trim offered an optional package with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for 2023.

The 2024 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid included blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim featured a blind-spot-view monitor, surround-view monitor, Highway Driving Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Hyundai's infotainment system made safety features easy to find and understand with clear graphics.