2022 Hyundai Sonata vs 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid was available in standard, EX, EX-L, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $26,370 to $36,240. The hybrid powertrain added a $1,600 premium, except for the Touring trim, where it offered a $460 saving. The Accord Hybrid was not available in Sport trim. The car was praised for its excellent design, with a well-proportioned and stylish appearance. Minor front styling updates included a new grille, revised bumper, and new headlights. The Touring trim featured new 19-inch aluminum wheels and a new Sonic Gray Pearl paint color. The test vehicle, an Accord Touring in Lunar Silver, had a dark undertone that avoided the typical brightness of silver metallic paint. The interior, regardless of color, was upscale, with quality materials and logically arranged controls. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display included both a volume and tuning knob, and the car offered excellent outward visibility.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata, redesigned for the 2020 model year, showcased a distinctive design with a wide grille, rounded front fascia, and sloped rear roofline. While the look was unique, it was subjective to personal taste. The interior was functional and spacious, with seating for five passengers. The Limited trim test car featured comfortable leather seats, though the tan upholstery color was not universally appealing. The Sonata N Line offered a sportier appearance with a body kit, gloss black accents, and N badging. The N Line's cabin included dark chrome trim and red stitching, with unique N-brand sport seats and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. The Sonata's design evolution demonstrated Hyundai's efforts to differentiate it from competitors, offering a blend of style and personality.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a generator/starter motor and a separate electric drive motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. This setup produced a combined 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.5 seconds. Most trims achieved 48 mpg in combined driving, while the Touring trim earned a 43-mpg rating due to its larger wheels. The powertrain operated in three modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Drive, and Engine Drive, with additional driver-selectable modes like EV Mode, Econ Mode, and Sport Mode. The refined powertrain offered improved throttle response and a more natural sound, with an average fuel economy of 42.8 mpg for the Touring trim. The Accord Hybrid Touring's 19-inch wheels and 235/40 tires provided excellent handling, and the brake-by-wire regenerative braking system was praised for its feel and response.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 195 lb-ft was available for the SEL Plus and Limited trims. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters standard on the 1.6-liter turbo engine. The Sonata N Line featured a 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission, and sport suspension. All Sonatas were front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel drive option. The Sonata provided a smooth ride and competent handling, with a quiet cabin offering near Genesis-like levels of noise abatement.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid impressed with its spacious interior, classified as a full-size sedan despite competing in the midsize segment. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and large back seat provided ample space and comfort, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats in the Touring trim. Interior storage was generous, with a large center console bin, hidden storage compartment, and large door panel bins. The Accord Hybrid's 16.7 cubic-foot trunk was the largest in its segment, offering ample space for luggage and 60/40 split-folding rear seats for added utility.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata offered 104.4 cubic feet of passenger space, classified as a "Large Car" by the EPA. Front-seat headroom and legroom were top-notch, while rear-seat space was adequate for two adults. The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk was spacious, accommodating a complete set of rolling luggage. The Remote Smart Parking Assist feature, standard on the Limited trim, allowed the Sonata to drive itself forward or backward with the press of a button on the key fob, making tight parking spots more manageable.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. EX trim and higher offered wireless connectivity for these platforms, improved USB port access, and standard 2.5-amp quick-charge USB ports for rear-seat passengers. Wireless smartphone charging was also standard on EX trim and higher. The EX-L trim featured a premium sound system, while the Touring trim included navigation, HondaLink subscription services, and a WiFi hotspot. The voice command system required specific prompts and pathways, which could be challenging for some users.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata's infotainment technology varied by trim level. Base SE versions included an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SEL added SiriusXM satellite radio and Blue Link connected services. SEL Plus, Limited, and N Line trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, wireless device charging, and dynamic voice recognition. The SEL trim included the Tech package as standard, featuring Highway Driving Assist, LED interior lights, and a panoramic sunroof. The Bose audio system was praised for its power and clarity, offering excellent value.

The 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid aimed to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS by redesigning its LED headlights and making them standard across all trims. The car included a rear-seat reminder and rear seatbelt reminder system, with low-speed braking control on the Touring model. The Honda Sensing suite of ADAS featured refinements to adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, though some aspects of the system remained intrusive. The low-speed automatic braking system required recalibration, as it could be overly sensitive in certain situations.

The 2022 Hyundai Sonata came equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. SEL trim added blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Limited trim featured a blind-spot view monitor, rear park assist, and surround-view monitor. The NHTSA awarded the Sonata five stars for overall crash protection, while the IIHS gave the 2021 Sonata top "Good" ratings in all crash tests. The Sonata's LED projector headlights received a "Good" rating, while LED reflector headlights were rated "Marginal."