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the 2021 Honda Accord Touring at speed in the city at night

The Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry Should Be Worried About the Hyundai Sonata

Though the family sedan has taken a backseat to the booming crossover SUV segment, there are still some great sedans worth buying. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are both favored examples of the sedan segment. After spending time with the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, I think it’s giving the Japanese favorites a run for their …

Though the family sedan has taken a backseat to the booming crossover SUV segment, there are still some great sedans worth buying. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are both favored examples of the sedan segment. After spending time with the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, I think it’s giving the Japanese favorites a run for their money.

A photo of the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line outdoors.
2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line | Hyundai

Is the 2020 Hyundai Sonata a good car?

After driving the 2020 Sonata for a week, I think it’s a great car. There’s not a perfect sedan. The push-button gear shifters were a little weird, and there were some tech features that felt a tad unnecessary. But overall, I can hardly imagine a better car for its price point.

interior of the 2020 Hyundai Sonata hybrid
Hyundai Sonata hybrid | Hyundai

It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick in both the 2020 model year and the 2021 Hyundai Sonata. Plus, it’s loaded with standard and optional features, and the parking cameras and blind-spot cameras are awesome. Personally, I don’t love the Hyundai grille style. But I know others that do.

“If you want a car that hits luxury-brand benchmarks at an affordable price, the Sonata could be just the thing.”

Car and Driver

If you want a large, family sedan with maximum luxury paired with maximum value, the Sonata is it. The Hyundai Sonata Limited I tested was a hybrid. Not everyone wants a hybrid powertrain, but this one gets great mileage and the system feels smooth except for a slight grabbiness to the regenerative braking. Other than that it just felt normal and seamless.

The 2020 Toyota Camry and the 2020 Honda Accord

For the 2021 model year, the Accord and the Camry took enough notes to edge out the 2021 Hyundai Sonata––according to U.S. News and World Report. The 2021 Honda Accord and the 2021 Toyota Camry tie for first place as the best midsize cars for 2020 and 2021. All three of these midsize family sedans come recommended by Consumer Reports.

2020 Toyota Camry XSE AWD front
2020 Toyota Camry XSE AWD front | Toyota

“The best-executed Camry that Toyota has ever produced.”

Car and Driver

The 2020 Honda Accord and the 2020 Toyota Camry are also fantastic family sedan options. However, the Hyundai Sonata keeps improving. In fact, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid won best hybrid and electric car from U.S. News and World Report. So, when it comes to eco-friendly innovation paired with luxury appointments for a mainstream price, no one beats the Hyundai Sonata.

the 2020 Honda Accord in red on a scenic road with a forested landscape in the background
2020 Honda Accord Sport 2.0T

“The 2020 Accord is not only the best-driving family sedan, it’s also one of the best-equipped choices in its class.”

Car and Driver

What is the best midsize family sedan?

The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the best in its class. While its gas version fell just short of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, the Sonata is gaining on the competition. The Accord remains athletic and the Camry keeps up with its reputation for reliability.

a white TRD Toyota Camry driving at speed on a winding road
Toyota Camry TRD | Toyota

But the Sonata is a great example of the fact that––although the sedan segment isn’t the most exciting––the midsize car class is still dynamic. The Camry and the Accord might need to watch out. If they aren’t careful, the Hyundai Sonata could top them in coming years. In fact, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid already has.

2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a fantastic family sedan
2021 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid | Hyundai
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