The Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata Are Going in Radically Different Directions This Year
The Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata continue to duke it out in the midsize sedan category as two of the best all-around options in the segment. But one model is thriving so far into 2023 while the other appears to be struggling.
The new-gen Honda Accord is thriving
The 2023 Accord, the first model in the sedan’s 11th generation, has been completely overhauled with refreshed and handsome styling, a revised powertrain lineup and a host of added technology.
The revamping of the already appealing Accord seems to have struck a chord among consumers. According to GoodCarBadCar, annual sales of the Accord are up over 17% through the first five months of the year. Its May year-over-year sales increased by a notable 81%.
A far more robust inventory of models is likely contributing to the Accord’s uptick in sales this year. In its May 2022 report, Honda announced it was hampered by its lowest available inventory in “recent history.” But it stands to reason the updates to the Accord are also playing a major role in its sales success so far this year.
The 2023 Accord starts at $28,390 and is motivated by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine developing 192 horsepower with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. The two lowest trims come with this setup, but buyers can opt for a hybrid powertrain beginning with the $32,990 Sport Hybrid trim. The drivetrain features two electric motors and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering 204 horsepower.
The new Accord continues to be a solid pick for practicality with plenty of passenger space and a 16.7 cubic-foot-capacity trunk. The cabin also features either a seven- or 12.3-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and generous standard features.
The Sonata can’t match the Accord’s recent sales increase
Hyundai’s on-hand inventory is also likely far better than it was this time last year, and that is inauspicious given sales of the Sonata are trending downward, at least in terms of monthly sales.
The Sonata’s sales figures for May reveal a 14.5% decrease year-over-year with just over 4,300 units sold.
In a bit of good news for Hyundai, the Sonata’s annual sales are up a notable 58.5%, but again, some of this could be attributed to a better supply of models.
No matter the factors behind the Sonata’s lackluster sales in May, it still trails the Accord by a massive margin. Over 20,000 Accord models sold in May, outselling the Sonata by a five-to-one margin. Honda has sold 82,000 Accords so far this year compared to about 19,000 Sonatas.
The 2023 Sonata doesn’t have the freshness of the Accord, but it’s still an appealing—though clearly not as popular—midsize option. The Sonata starts at $26,215 and is motivated by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 191 horsepower to the front wheels. Buyers can also opt for a 1.6-liter turbo-four or a hybrid version delivering 192 horsepower and up to 52 combined mpg.
The Sonata’s cabin is notably upmarket for its price point, and it comes with a long list of standard features, giving it strong value prospects. The Sonata’s trunk is also 16 cubic feet, and it will seat five passengers with ample accommodations.
The Sonata is certainly a strong player against the Accord, and buyers won’t go wrong choosing either midsize sedan. However, recent sales figures show far more in the market are choosing the Honda.
