2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid was visually indistinguishable from its non-hybrid counterparts, save for the “Hybrid” badges and aerodynamic 17-inch aluminum wheels. This subtlety was a strategic move by Honda, avoiding the quirky design cues often seen in hybrid models that could deter potential buyers. The Accord Hybrid maintained the sleek and sophisticated look of the standard Accord, appealing to those who appreciated its design. Available in four trims—Hybrid, Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring—the Accord Hybrid offered a range of features at competitive prices, starting at $25,620. The Hybrid EX trim, priced at $29,520, was particularly recommended for its comprehensive suite of driver-assistance and infotainment technologies, along with comfort features like heated front seats and side mirrors.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid embraced a bold and distinctive design, setting it apart in the sedan market. Its striking appearance, highlighted by a matte gray paint scheme and aerodynamic details, made it a standout choice for those seeking a visually unique vehicle. The interior, while more conventional, offered a refined and comfortable experience with soft-touch surfaces and a modern infotainment system. The Sonata Hybrid was available in three trims: Blue, SEL, and Limited, each offering a range of features to suit different preferences. The Limited trim, in particular, boasted a solar panel roof and a host of premium features, making it an attractive option for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid delivered impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 42.6 mpg in real-world testing, slightly below the EPA estimate of 48 mpg. Its 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, combined with a two-motor hybrid powertrain, produced 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for everyday driving. The Accord Hybrid excelled in city and suburban environments, returning 44.1 mpg on a testing loop. Despite a 200-pound weight penalty, it offered brisk acceleration, especially in Sport mode, though the eCVT transmission could be noisy under hard acceleration. The Accord Hybrid's handling was predictable and engaging, with a flat-cornering attitude and natural-feeling regenerative brakes, though it occasionally lost composure on uneven roads.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 192 horsepower through a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited trim's solar panel roof added about two miles per day to the driving range. The Sonata Hybrid offered solid acceleration and a smooth transition between battery and engine power. Its driving dynamics were refined, with light yet precise steering and minimal body roll in turns. The brakes provided strong stopping power with a soft pedal feel. The Sonata Hybrid's drive modes—Eco, Sport, Custom, and Smart—allowed for tailored driving experiences, though switching between modes required cycling through them.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid offered a spacious interior and trunk, matching the standard Accord's full-size dimensions. Its massive backseat provided exceptional thigh support and rear air-conditioning vents, though front-seat track travel was limited for taller drivers. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, which could be inconvenient for some. The Touring trim added heated and ventilated front seats and rear heating. The Accord Hybrid's 16.7-cubic-foot trunk was larger than most competitors, accommodating four full-size suitcases and additional items. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatback enhanced its utility, though a hatchback design would have been even more practical.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of trunk space, comparable to the standard Sonata and larger than the Camry Hybrid. Its cabin provided ample legroom for front passengers and decent rear-seat space, though the sloping roofline made rear entry slightly challenging. Once inside, rear headroom was adequate for adults. Front passengers enjoyed cargo pockets and a sizable center console, with a wireless charging pad in the Limited trim. The Sonata Hybrid's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, accommodating four adults and their luggage for weekend trips.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, in EX trim or higher, featured a user-friendly Display Audio infotainment system with a large, clear display and intuitive controls. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and quick-charge USB ports. The EX-L trim added a premium sound system, while the Touring trim offered navigation, a wireless charger, NFC technology, a WiFi hotspot, and expanded HondaLink services. HondaLink provided features like Amazon package delivery, a Find My Car function, and remote vehicle access. The Touring trim also included a head-up display, though voice-recognition technology could be improved.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, with the Limited trim upgrading to a 10.25-inch screen with navigation and real-time traffic updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though CarPlay only occupied two-thirds of the larger screen. The infotainment system was intuitive, with crisp graphics and a traditional volume knob. The Limited trim included a wireless charging pad and a head-up display, though the HUD's adjustability was limited for taller drivers. The Sonata Hybrid's technology suite offered a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid came equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. The system was refined and smooth in operation, particularly the adaptive cruise control. All models featured automatic high-beam headlights, a multi-angle reversing camera, and SmartVent front side airbags. The Accord Hybrid received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though only Touring versions with LED headlights earned a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim added a head-up display, 360-degree surround-view monitor, and parking sensors. The Sonata Hybrid's safety features were effective, though occasional false positives occurred. It earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with the base headlights receiving a "Marginal" score.