Accord vs Sonata
The Accord and the Sonata land in the same midsize sedan category, so the comparison is fair, and the differences are telling. Call it a near draw on paper, with just a few specs pulling the two apart.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Accord wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Sonata wins
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance3.8
- Fuel Economy & Range1.7
- Engine & Performance2.7
- Fuel Economy & Range1.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Accord has 11 lb-ft more torque
Small gaps can still matter over time, and here the Accord leads 192 lb-ft to 181 lb-ft. The Accord’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Sonata has available all-wheel drive
It’s a simple yes-or-no difference: the Sonata includes it, the Accord does without. Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Design & Size
- Accord 195.7 in × 73.3 in × 57.1 in
- Sonata 192.9 in × 73.2 in × 56.9 in
The official dimensions put the Accord and the Sonata within a whisker of each other.
Dimensions
| Spec | Accord | Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.3 in | 73.2 in |
| Height | 57.1 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 111.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Accord leads
By a small margin, the Accord is the stronger of the two in this area. The Accord comes with 11 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Accord is the safer choice.
Torque
Accord: 192 lb-ft Sonata: 181 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On fuel economy & range, both deliver about the same. Both cover fuel economy & range well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The differences on space & practicality are small enough to ignore in daily use. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Sonata leads
The Accord keeps it close on off-road & towing, yet the Sonata holds a small lead. The Sonata scores with available all-wheel drive. The Sonata offers all-wheel drive; the Accord doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. Bottom line for off-road & towing: the Sonata has the edge.
AWD / 4WD available
Accord: no Sonata: yes All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the safety & tech section; the two are too close to separate. On safety & tech alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Accord | Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 192 hp | 191 hp |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft (winner) | 181 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Accord | Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 29 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 37 mpg | 38 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 14.8 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Accord | Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 16.7 cu ft Biggest cargo area | 16 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Accord | Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Accord | Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.3 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | Hyundai SmartSense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Accord | Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7 in | 192.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 73.3 in | 73.2 in |
| Height | 57.1 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 in | 111.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Accord | Sonata |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $28,395 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Accord if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (192 lb-ft vs 181 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Honda and happy with it
Choose the Sonata if…
- you want all-wheel drive available
- you already know your way around Hyundai’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Accord or the Sonata?
The Accord and the Sonata split the comparison (engine & performance for the Accord, off-road & towing for the Sonata), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Is the Accord bigger than the Sonata?
Neither by much. The Accord and the Sonata have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Comparing the Accord and the Sonata feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. What I like most about the Accord here is 11 lb-ft more torque. The Sonata isn’t without merit: available all-wheel drive is a real advantage.
Match the strength to your habits (engine & performance for the Accord, off-road & towing for the Sonata), and you won’t go far wrong.
My pick: I’d go with the Accord if I cared most about engine & performance, and the Sonata if off-road & towing mattered more.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.