Honda Accord vs Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai's 2023 Elantra aimed to appeal to a broad audience with its various trim offerings. The base SE model was significantly affordable, while the SEL or Limited trims added a sense of upscale sophistication that belied their relatively modest price points. For the more environmentally conscious or performance-minded drivers, Hyundai offered a range of hybrid models and sporty versions like the Elantra N Line and Elantra N, catering to different tastes and budgets. The Elantra Limited test vehicle, in particular, showcased a high-quality cabin replete with classy features such as ambient lighting, high-tech displays, and an elegant Melange with Gray interior. Despite some controversial exterior styling and a bit of hard plastic on the upper door panels, the Elantra’s interior was impressively stylish and conveniently outfitted. On the other hand, the 2023 Honda Accord presented a more conservative, modern look, shedding much of its previous chrome accents for a streamlined aesthetic. While less flashy than its predecessor, our Accord EX test vehicle in Canyon River Blue did receive a fair amount of praise for its new paint job. The EX trim added pewter wheels for a nice visual balance. Inside, the Accord showcased practical and durable materials, including well-crafted cloth seats with contrast stitching, and a stylish dashboard with integrated vents. While the controls and overall layout were user-friendly and functional, the conservative design left some longing for a bit more flair and comfort amenities, particularly given its price point.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited might not have delivered eyebrow-raising specs on paper, with its 147 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and CVT. However, its driving dynamics turned out to be unexpectedly satisfying. The Elantra Limited managed to average an impressive 33 mpg even on a demanding evaluation route. It might not have been fast, but it was peppy enough for daily commutes, and its handling remained composed and reliable, whether on city streets, suburban roads, or twisty mountain paths. Notably, the Elantra N Line and Elantra N models offered independent multi-link rear suspensions to enhance sportiness and agility. Comparatively, the 2023 Honda Accord LX and EX came with a more powerful turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produced 192 horsepower and an equal measure of torque. Paired with a CVT that successfully mimicked traditional automatic transmission, the Accords felt more robust. However, weighing in at 3,280 pounds, the power was only adequate rather than thrilling. Fuel economy was slightly disappointing in our tests, registering 28.7 mpg in combined driving conditions. Nevertheless, the Accord’s steering precision, ride comfort, and braking performance shone brilliantly, making it a pleasure to drive, particularly in challenging canyon roads.

The 2023 Elantra didn’t sacrifice practicality for style. With generous interior space, the Elantra comfortably accommodated a family of four. The driver enjoyed a comfortable six-way power seat and dual-zone automatic climate control. However, the back seat left something to be desired with its overly reclined position and lack of amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. The trunk, offering 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, was cleverly designed to maximize practicality, allowing full-size suitcases to be stowed vertically. The 2023 Honda Accord showcased a thoughtful mix of features and practicality in its EX trim. While adding luxuries like heated front seats and a power sunroof, it missed out on rear air vents, USB charging ports, and a height-adjustable front passenger seat, which could be problematic for some users. The Accord excelled in cargo space, boasting an impressive 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space. The trunk allowed easy loading, and the rear seats folded in a 60/40 split to enhance its usability, making it convenient for various hauling needs.

Hyundai pulled out all the stops with the Elantra Limited’s tech package. The 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment screens were standout features, bringing high-tech elements to the compact sedan segment. This setup included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and even wireless smartphone charging. However, wired connections were necessary for the use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice recognition had mixed success, and the Bose audio system underwhelmed compared to competitors. The addition of Digital Key technology and a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert were useful innovations. The 2023 Honda Accord’s tech package felt basic yet functional. The 10.2-inch instrument cluster and 7-inch infotainment touchscreen sufficed for most daily needs. It included wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but missed out on features like SiriusXM satellite radio, which some competitors offered. While functional, the system lacked the wow factor, though the physical controls were user-friendly. HondaLink connected services and a basic yet decent eight-speaker audio system rounded out the tech offerings.

Hyundai went all out in the safety department for the 2023 Elantra. The standard features list was extensive, including automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rear-seat reminder system. The Elantra Limited added even more, with cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist. This robust package ensured driver confidence in varied driving conditions. The Elantra received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, and the previous year’s Top Safety Pick from IIHS was a testament to its safety credentials. The Honda Accord also shone brightly with its suite of standard safety systems in the 2023 model. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist were all standard. Upgrading to EX trim allowed for the addition of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, enhancing safety with a modest $550 option package. Honda Sensing’s suite was sophisticated and reliable, making the Accord a safe choice. The Accord earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS for the 2023 model, confirming its high safety standards.