Honda, first known as a Japanese motorcycle company, has been around since the late ‘60s. The inexpensive Civic boosted sales in the early 1970s, and once the Accord was released, autos were flying off the lot.
Hyundai, the South Korean automaker, lacked power and build quality when it first showed up on the scene in the late ‘80s. After adding an unheard-of 100,000-mile warranty and insane attention to detail to every one of its cars, Hyundai soon made a name for itself among the other brands
in the competitive auto industry. Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, weighs in on the Honda vs. Hyundai debate.Honda vs. Hyundai: Where Hyundai shines
When it comes to reliability, Honda takes second place. While it does produce vehicles with above-average predicted reliability ratings like the Ridgeline, Fit, and CR-V, models like the Accord, Accord Hybrid, and Pilot fall short. All of Hyundai’s autos have earned above-average predicted reliability ratings.
If price is a concern, Hyundai will likely be your best bet. While neither brand is known for its luxurious offerings, Hyundai’s lineup is even more affordable than Honda’s. Hyundai typically also offers a lower starting price, and currently has four vehicles (Accent, Venue, Elantra, and Veloster) starting at under $20,000.
Honda first got into the subcompact SUV game in 2016. Hyundai followed suit in 2018 with less distracting instruments and a more modern design.
Honda currently produces the HR-V, with plenty of cargo space, fuel economy, and impressive handling when taking corners. It can also be reconfigured in various ways. Unfortunately, the HR-V lacks quick acceleration, easy-to-use tech, and many features we’d expect to come standard.
We much prefer the Kona and Venue from Hyundai, as they offer a lower starting price than the HR-V and include more standard features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a touchscreen infotainment system. Also, the Kona accelerates quicker than the HR-V and the Venue gets better fuel economy.
For a midsize SUV, the Hyundai wins in the Honda vs. Hyundai battle. While the two-row Honda Passport may feel lighter and accelerate at a quicker pace, the Santa Fe starts at a lower price, offers better gas mileage, and scores a higher predicted reliability rating.
Hyundai also dominated the three-row SUV. The Honda Pilot and Hyundai Palisade feature a balanced ride, space for adults in all three rows, and the ability to tow 5,000 pounds. Even with the Pilot’s extra cargo space and awesome fuel economy, it still falls short of the Palisade.
The Hyundai offers higher safety and predicted reliability ratings, as well as a higher-end cabin, more room, and much more tech features that come standard.
We all know EVs are the future, and both Honda and Hyundai have converted their best-selling models into hybrids. These include Hyundai’s Kona EV and Sonata Hybrid, as well as Honda’s CR-V Hybrid and Accord Hybrid. Electric models include the Hyundai Ioniq and Honda Clarity.
In this category, Hyundai’s roster is more environmentally conscious and has a lower base price than Hondas. Hyundai’s hybrid models also garner class-leading fuel economy.
MORE: Honda Is More American Than You Might Think
Honda vs. Hyundai: Where Honda takes gold
When it comes to performance, the CR-V, Civic, Clarity, Accord, Accord Hybrid, Fit, and Odyssey all scored above eight. According to U.S. News, “Often, these models boast quicker acceleration, sharper handling, and superior ride quality to rivals in their respective classes.”
Hyundai’s Ioniq and Sonata Hybrid earned about eight as well, but hybrids and EVs are supported by smooth powertrains with exceptional fuel efficiency.
When comparing automakers Honda vs. Hyundai, we found that while both offer lots of cargo space, comfort, and build quality, Honda tends to use higher-quality materials throughout. Its cabins are also a bit roomier when it comes to stuffing your luggage in the back.
The Sante Fe is Hyundai’s only vehicle that received above an 8 out of 10 for its interior score. Honda has the Ridgeline, CR-V, Accord, and Fit.
If you want a compact SUV, the Honda CR-V beats out the Hyundai Tucson overall in the Honda vs. Hyundai challenge. For a modern, semi-luxurious feel and quick acceleration, the CR-V delivers. However, if a long list of standard features and a better warranty is a priority, there’s a chance you’d also be satisfied with the Tucson.
Honda also excels in the small and midsize car class. The compact Civic provides engaging road manners, an accommodating cabin, energetic powertrains, and impressive fuel economy. The midsize Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata have been going head to head for years.
The Accord starts at a lower price point, has a higher predicted reliability rating, and has more modern safety add-ons. But the Accord has roomier seats in the rear, sharper handling, more trunk space, brisk acceleration, and a bit of a better safety rating than its competitor.
Where the brands see eye to eye
Both companies scored pretty well in crash tests. The Accord and the Insight scored a Good rating in all six crash tests from the IIHS. Other Hyundai vehicles like the Palisade, Kona, Santa Fe, Elantra, Tucson, Sonata, Venue, and Veloster also earned top marks.
Honda and Hyundai both equip their autos with lots of standard and available safety technology.
Both the Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata feature standard adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, driver drowsiness monitoring, and forward collision warning. Add-ons include rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and a head-up display.
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