Honda Accord 77·Hyundai Sonata 84on the MotiveGrid Score·Honda Accord about $3,350 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Honda Accord is the cheaper one to own — roughly $3,350 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Honda Accord is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Honda Accord vs. Hyundai Sonata
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Honda Accord versus 2026 Hyundai Sonata.
Metric
Honda Accord
Hyundai Sonata
MotiveGrid Score
77
84
Cost of Ownership
87
83
Powertrain
60
67
Driver Assistance
43
32
Livability
56
60
Safety
80
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$39,816
$43,167
Depreciation (5-yr)
$10,733
$12,952
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$10,526
$10,526
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,080
$11,210
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,790
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$4,272
$4,164
Registration (5-yr)
$865
$850
Starting Price
$28,395
$27,675
Horsepower
192 hp
191 hp
MPG (combined)
32 mpg
32 mpg
Cargo volume
16.7 cu ft
15.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$28,395
MSRP
$28,395
Mo · 5yr
$664
$39,816 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$27,675
MSRP
$27,675
Mo · 5yr
$719
$43,167 / 5 years
Best for families
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Hyundai Sonata scores higher overall.
Honda Accord
0
/ 100
Hyundai Sonata
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Accord
87
Sonata
83
Winner: Accord
$3,350 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Accord
60
Sonata
67
Winner: Sonata
+7 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Accord
43
Sonata
32
Winner: Accord
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Accord
56
Sonata
60
Winner: Sonata
+4 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Honda Accord is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $3,350 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Sonata still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Honda Accord
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Honda Accord
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Sonata
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Honda Accord
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Sonata
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Honda Accord
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$664
$39,816 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$664/mo
Hyundai Sonata
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$719
$43,167 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$719/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Honda Accord comes out about $3,350 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.