2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid was a striking departure from its predecessors, capturing attention with its sleek, fastback profile and elegant design. The car's transformation was remarkable, with a design that seemed almost too sophisticated to be a Hyundai creation. The Sonata's exterior featured the coolest LED running lights, a wide grille, and a low stance, all contributing to its aerodynamic appeal. Inside, the Sonata boasted a luxurious interior with big screens, ambient lighting, and high-quality materials, making it feel more upscale than its price suggested.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was praised for its proportionate and stylish design, with minor front styling changes enhancing its overall look. The Accord's Lunar Silver paint and new 19-inch wheels added a touch of sophistication, although the wheels required extra effort to keep clean. The interior of the Accord was spacious and upscale, with a classy matte-finish wood trim and polished metallic accents. Despite some hard plastic elements, the cabin maintained a high-quality feel, and the controls were logically arranged for ease of use.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a 51-hp electric motor, producing a combined 192 hp. The six-speed automatic transmission provided a more traditional driving experience, though it occasionally hesitated during acceleration. The Sonata Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency, with the Blue trim achieving an impressive 50 mpg city, 54 mpg highway, and 52 mpg combined. The car's silent interior, plush ride, and competent chassis made for a comfortable driving experience, with the powertrain operating smoothly at lower speeds.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid, on the other hand, utilized a two-motor hybrid system with a 2.0-liter engine and a combined output of 212 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque. The car accelerated quickly, reaching 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and offered a refined driving experience with improved throttle response. The Accord Hybrid's fuel economy was commendable, with most trims achieving 48 mpg combined, while the Touring trim returned 43 mpg due to its larger wheels. The car's suspension and handling were tuned for athletic performance, providing an engaging driving experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Limited trim featured solar panels that contributed to additional driving range and efficient air conditioning. The interior offered spacious rear-seat legroom, heated seats, and a quiet cabin, making it comfortable for passengers. The trunk provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space, and the car's visibility was enhanced by 360-degree cameras. The push-button gear selector and dual-zone climate control added to the car's convenience and functionality.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, offering a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a roomy back seat. The Touring trim included heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin and hidden compartments. The Accord Hybrid's trunk was a standout feature, offering 16.7 cubic feet of space, larger than any competitor in its segment, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added utility.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid's infotainment system on the Limited trim was a highlight, featuring a soothing color scheme and intuitive interface. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link, with a digital key for unlocking and starting the vehicle. The car's Highway Driving Assist and head-up display provided helpful driving information, while the voice recognition system was fast and responsive.

For 2021, the Honda Accord Hybrid made its 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system standard across all trims, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX trim offered wireless connectivity for these platforms, along with improved USB port access and quick-charge ports for rear passengers. The EX-L trim featured a premium sound system, while the Touring trim added navigation and a WiFi hotspot. However, the voice command system required specific prompts and pathways for successful operation.

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim offered additional features like parking sensors and Highway Driving Assist. The car's safety credentials were further bolstered by a driver's knee airbag and rear emergency braking.

In 2021, the Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to improve its safety ratings by redesigning its LED headlights to meet IIHS standards. The car included a rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder system, with the Touring model gaining low-speed braking control. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced driving assistance systems received refinements for smoother operation, though some features still required further calibration for optimal performance.