Head-to-head · vehicle level

Honda Accord vs. Hyundai Sonata

Honda Accord 77Hyundai Sonata 84on the MotiveGrid ScoreHonda 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.
MetricHonda AccordHyundai Sonata
MotiveGrid Score7784
Cost of Ownership8783
Powertrain6067
Driver Assistance4332
Livability5660
Safety8099
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
Horsepower192 hp191 hp
MPG (combined)32 mpg32 mpg
Cargo volume16.7 cu ft15.6 cu ft
Seating55
DrivetrainFWDFWD
Gas
2026$28,395
2026 Honda Accord sedan in three-quarter front view
MSRP
$28,395
Mo · 5yr
$664
$39,816 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$27,675
   in three-quarter front view
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.
Accord
80
Sonata
99
Winner: Sonata
+19 pts
IIHS Top Safety Pick+
Full standard crash-avoidance suite
02

Which vehicle is right for you

🏆

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.

Where these rank

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