2020 Honda Accord Hybrid vs 2021 Hyundai Sonata

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid stood out for its understated elegance, blending seamlessly with its non-hybrid counterparts. The most distinguishing marks were the modest "Hybrid" badges and the aerodynamic 17-inch wheels. This subtle design philosophy ensured it appealed to a broad spectrum of buyers, avoiding the polarizing aesthetics often seen in hybrid versions of mainstream vehicles. Available in four trims—Hybrid, Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, and Hybrid Touring—the Accord Hybrid catered to various tastes and budgets. Pricing started at $25,620, a $1,600 premium over the standard Accord for the first three trims, whereas the Hybrid Touring was $960 cheaper due to the costlier standard turbocharged engine in the non-hybrid Touring version.

While the Hybrid Touring trim I tested cost $36,070, the well-balanced Hybrid EX, at $29,520, emerged as a recommendation. It came equipped with crucial driver-assistance and infotainment technologies, a 12-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and heated side mirrors. Those wanting luxury could opt for the Hybrid EX-L for $32,020, which came with leather seats and a 10-speaker premium sound system.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata, on the other hand, was redesigned in 2020, boasting a bold and distinctive style. It had a love-it-or-hate-it aura due to its broad grille and tapered tail. The N Line treatment added functional and stylistic changes to enhance the Sonata’s sporty appeal. Larger air intakes, gloss black side mirrors, 19-inch wheels, and a subtle rear spoiler, all gave it a performance-oriented look.

Inside, the N Line version featured sport front seats with Nappa leather bolsters, Dinamica suede inserts, and red stitching, underscoring its sporty intentions. The aluminum pedal covers, dark chrome accents, and a panoramic sunroof added to its upscale ambiance. The Sonata's interior felt spacious and premium, with the combination of high-quality materials and thoughtful design touches.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, aimed at delivering the EPA-estimated 48 mpg in combined driving. My real-world driving yielded an impressive 42.6 mpg, with city and suburban testing showing 44.1 mpg, and even after an energetic drive with Sport mode, the figure stood at 41.2 mpg. With a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a two-motor hybrid powertrain generating 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, it had a slight 200-pound weight gain over the standard model but still managed brisk acceleration.

Driving the Accord Hybrid, especially in Sport mode, proved speedy enough for urban and freeway commutes despite the electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) generating a persistent drone under heavy acceleration. The car's handling was predictably stable, with precise steering and natural-feeling regenerative brakes, but it showed a loss of composure on uneven roads and mid-curve dips.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line contrasted with a robust turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) featuring paddle shifters and a launch control system, it offered thrilling acceleration and a sportier drive.

Driving modes—Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Custom—allowed for varied driving experiences, complemented by an Active Sound Design (ASD) system for an exhilarating engine note. Enhanced suspension, steering, and braking systems provided agile handling and dependable braking performance, especially noteworthy on the winding roads of the Santa Monica Mountains. Despite front-wheel drive, it managed corners with minimal understeer and strong acceleration with only occasional torque steer, showcasing an excellent balance of performance and comfort.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid retained the exceptional interior space and trunk room of the standard Accord, making it a practical choice for families. The 16.7-cubic-foot trunk could hold four full-size suitcases with room to spare, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seatback offered flexibility for longer items. However, taller front-seat occupants might struggle due to limited seat travel, and the absence of height adjustment for the front passenger seat was a minor drawback.

Passenger comfort was a strong point, with plush seats and available amenities like front and rear heating and ventilation in the Touring trim. Generous storage and functional design elements like USB charging ports and rear air-conditioning vents added to the appeal, although the floor mats proved a challenge for cleaning pet hair.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line, while comfortable for front-seat occupants with well-bolstered heated sport seats and a manual height adjuster for the passenger, fell short in the rear-seat comfort compared to its sibling, the Elantra N Line. Though it felt wider, legroom and thigh support were only marginally better, and the hard plastic seatbacks could be uncomfortable for taller passengers.

The Sonata's trunk offered 16 cubic feet of space, comparable to the Accord's, with the added convenience of a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and Hyundai's Smart Trunk hands-free release feature. Interior storage was practical but marred by a cumbersome center console design.

In 2020, the Honda Accord Hybrid with EX trim or higher boasted a user-friendly Display Audio infotainment system. This included a power and volume knob, a tuning knob, shortcut buttons, and a clear, lush display. Standard features encompassed Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and HD Radio. Higher trims added a premium sound system, navigation, a wireless charger, and more. HondaLink services offered multiple smart connectivity features and remote access functions, enhancing convenience. While voice recognition could improve, the overall system was intuitive and integrated well with daily use.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line integrated a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring navigation, a Bose premium sound system, wireless smartphone charging, and a suite of connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it lacked a WiFi hotspot. The absence of a tuning knob detracted from user experience, and the volume knob's placement caused occasional screen activations. Nonetheless, the system included Hyundai Digital Key (for Android users) and Sounds of Nature for a calming effect.

The 2020 Honda Accord Hybrid included the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and a road-departure mitigation system. Additionally, automatic high-beam headlights, a multi-angle reversing camera, and SmartVent front side airbags were standard. Higher trims added a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The Accord received high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line was equipped with Hyundai’s SmartSense, offering a broad array of ADAS, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane-centering assistance. Additional features included Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Highway Drive Assist for Level 2 autonomy. This sophisticated safety package provided a stress-free driving experience. While its specific crash-test ratings were pending, the standard Sonata had high safety ratings.