Hyundai vs Honda: Which is the Better Choice in 2024?

Start your engines, because today we are taking a deep dive into the world of cars. Choosing between two top contenders like Hyundai and Honda can be a thrill, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Fear not! We are here to steer you in the right path. So, fasten your seatbelt and get ready to hit the gas as we compare these two brands in all the areas that matter most. It is time to take a closer look at Hyundai vs Honda - let's roll!

Cehck out Mazda vs Toyota 

Hyundai vs honda

Despite entering the US auto market with a couple of decades' time difference, Honda and Hyundai are two of the most practical car brands available. While Honda vehicles have a sporty edge, Hyundai has established itself as a value brand with its competitive prices and industry-leading warranty coverage.

Here is a complete comparison table of hyundai vs honda

As these brands vie for supremacy in the majority of mainstream car segments, you will likely encounter them while searching for your next car. To assist you in narrowing down your choices, we will compare Honda and Hyundai in several ways by examining their performance in the areas that are most important to new car buyers, as well as in each of the new vehicle categories in which they compete.

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Interior and cargo space

According to a study by the U.S. News & World Report, Honda vehicles tend to have a higher average interior score than Hyundai. The U.S. News & World Report study compared 32 Honda and Hyundai vehicles across multiple categories, including interior design, cargo space, and quality.  Honda's impressive scores in this category can be attributed to its reputation for providing spacious cargo areas, high-quality materials, and comfortable seating. For instance, the Honda Civic offers supportive and spacious seats, while the Hyundai Elantra's seats lack adequate support and cushioning. Moreover, Honda's high-end trims feature luxurious materials like leather upholstery, where Hyundai's premium models lack such premium materials. The Honda CR-V offers up to 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Hyundai Tucson has a maximum of 61.9 cubic feet.

The Honda Odyssey minivan and Honda Pilot SUV offer generous cargo and passenger room as well, with the Odyssey providing up to 158 cubic feet of cargo space and seating for up to eight passengers, while the Pilot offers up to 109 cubic feet of cargo space and seating for up to seven passengers. Hyundai's Palisade SUV also provides ample space for passengers and cargo, with up to 86.4 cubic feet of cargo space and seating for up to eight passengers.

From an analysis conducted by the U.S. News & World Report we can see Hyundai's average interior score is lowered by some models with scores in the 6.6 and 6.7 range, as well as the Kona EV, which scored a 6.2 out of 10 in interior quality. The Tucson, with an 8.7 score, is Hyundai's top-performing model in this category. Honda's overall superiority in this category makes it a better choice for those seeking an elegant, spacious, and comfortable interior.

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Tech and Features

In a recent interview with Hyundai's Vice President of Product, Mike O'Brien, he emphasized the importance of safety and how it is at the forefront of every decision they make when it comes to designing their vehicles. And according to a study by J.D. Power, Honda was ranked number one in the 2021 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.

The 2022 Honda Civic base model and the 2023 Honda City come equipped with a plethora of features, including Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smartphone app remote control, and even a PM 2.5 cabin air filter. Meanwhile, Hyundai has earned a reputation for innovative safety technology. The 2022 Hyundai Kona, for instance, boasts advanced safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. And now, the Hyundai Creta and Alcazar come standard with six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-Start Assist Control, Rear Disc Brakes, Seat Belt Height Adjustment and ISOFIX mounts, ensuring the safety of both driver and passengers.

Engines and Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a key consideration for many car buyers, and Honda has been a reliable choice in this regard for a long time. But with Hyundai making strides in this area, is Honda still the top dog? Let's find out by analyzing a table.

Interior and Utility

Both Honda and Hyundai vehicles offer great utility for drivers, with spacious interiors and versatile cargo areas. In terms of cargo space, Honda's CR-V offers 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 75.8 cubic feet with the second row folded down. In the interim, the Hyundai Santa Fe presents 36.4 cubic feet of storage capacity behind the second row and 72.1 cubic feet when the second row is folded down.

When it comes to passenger space, Honda's Accord offers a spacious cabin with 105.6 cubic feet of passenger volume, while Hyundai's Sonata offers 104.4 cubic feet of passenger volume. Both cars supply comfortable seating for up to five passengers.

In terms of utility features, Honda offers several options including a power tailgate, roof rails, and a Magic Seat system that allows for versatile cargo configurations. Meanwhile, Hyundai's vehicles offer features such as a hands-free power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, and a sliding second-row seat for added convenience.

Overall, both Honda and Hyundai vehicles offer great utility for drivers with spacious interiors and useful features to make everyday life easier.

Powertrain, Driving Feel, and Fuel Economy

Did you know that Honda and Hyundai have been stepping up their game in the powertrain department lately? Honda's turbocharged engines, like those found in the Civic Type R and Accord, offer a responsive and enjoyable driving experience. But Hyundai has been making impressive strides in this area too, as reported by Car and Driver. Their Theta II engine, found in the Sonata and Santa Fe, delivers a smooth and refined driving experience with plenty of low-end torque. Also, Hyundai's EcoShift dual-clutch transmission offers quick and smooth gear changes, providing a sporty driving feel.

When it comes to driving feel, Honda has been praised for their sporty handling and responsive steering. The Honda Civic has been described as a fun-to-drive car with sharp handling and precise steering. Hyundai, however, has been recognized for its comfortable ride quality and smooth handling. The Hyundai Tucson has been praised for its comfortable ride and easy-to-drive nature.

And if you are looking for fuel efficiency, both Honda and Hyundai have got you covered. Honda is investing heavily in developing more efficient engines and transmissions and expanding their lineup of electrified cars. Their commitment to producing eco-friendly vehicles with exceptional performance and driving dynamics is really admirable.  In an interview with Henio Arcangeli Jr, the Executive Vice President of American Honda, he emphasized Honda's commitment to producing eco-friendly vehicles that offer exceptional performance and driving dynamics. And according to the EPA, both brands offer a range of efficient models. The 2022 Honda Civic sedan with the 2.0-liter engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivers up to 34 mpg combined, while the 2022 Hyundai Elantra with the 2.0-liter engine and CVT delivers up to 37 mpg combined.

Safety

When it comes to safety, Honda and Hyundai have been consistently excelling. In testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Honda and Hyundai models frequently receive above-average ratings. According to a report by U.S. News & World Report, Honda and Hyundai models often rank among the top vehicles in their respective classes in terms of safety ratings and features. Both automakers offer cutting-edge safety technologies that drivers can rely on, including a range of standard features and additional options.

In recent years, both car makers developed advanced safety technology for their vehicles. Honda has introduced its Sensing suite of driver-assist features, which includes a variety of advanced safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. Similarly, Hyundai offers its SmartSense suite of safety features, which includes many of the same features as Honda's Sensing suite.

In an interview with Car and Driver, Brian Latouf, chief safety officer for Hyundai Motor North America, emphasized Hyundai's commitment to safety, stating that "Safety is at the forefront of everything we do." He further noted that Hyundai's goal is to provide customers with the latest safety technology, such as advanced driver-assist features and crash-prevention technology.

Standard safety features in Honda and Hyundai vehicles include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and driver-attention monitoring. More advanced features like rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring are often included in higher trims or can be added as options. With an unwavering commitment to safety, Honda and Hyundai are making strides to ensure that drivers can feel confident and protected on the road.

Pricing and Value

When it comes to pricing, Hyundai tends to offer more affordable cars compared to Honda. However, Honda offers more standard features in their base models, which can provide better value for the money. In terms of resale value, Honda cars tend to hold their value better over time compared to Hyundai cars.

Target audieans and market segments 

Hyundai vs Honda are two renowned automobile manufacturers with distinct target audiences and market segments. While both companies offer a range of vehicles, they often differ in terms of their brand positioning, target demographics, and market segmentation strategies. Let's explore the target audience and market segments of Hyundai and Honda.

Hyundai 

Hyundai has positioned itself as a value-oriented brand with a focus on affordable vehicles that offer modern features and technology. The target audience of Hyundai typically includes individuals and families seeking reliable transportation at a reasonable price point. Some key market segments for Hyundai are:

Young Professionals and First-Time Buyers

Hyundai appeals to young professionals and first-time car buyers who prioritize affordability, fuel efficiency, and stylish designs. Models like the Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Venue are popular choices in this segment.

Budget-Conscious Consumers 

Hyundai targets consumers who are value-conscious and prioritize getting the most features and quality for their money. Models like the Hyundai Accent and Hyundai Tucson cater to this market segment.

Eco-Friendly and Technology Enthusiasts

Hyundai has also targeted consumers who are environmentally conscious and interested in advanced technology. Their Hyundai Ioniq lineup, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric models, appeals to this segment.

Honda 

Honda is known for its reputation of producing reliable, practical, and fuel-efficient vehicles. The brand focuses on offering a wide range of vehicles which makes different market. The target audience of Honda comprises a diverse group of consumers. Some key market segments for Honda are:

Families and Safety-Conscious Consumers 

Honda has a strong presence in the family vehicle segment. Models like the Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and Honda CR-V are popular choices among families, offering spacious interiors, safety features, and reliability.

Performance and Sports Enthusiasts 

Honda's performance-oriented vehicles, such as the Honda Civic Type R and Honda Accord Sport, appeal to consumers who seek a blend of practicality and exhilarating driving experiences.

Environmentally Friendly and Hybrid Seekers 

Honda has made efforts to target environmentally conscious consumers with its hybrid models, such as the Honda Insight and Honda Clarity. These vehicles cater to individuals who prioritize fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

FAQ

Is Honda better than Hyundai?

The question of whether Honda is better than Hyundai is subjective and depends on personal preferences. Both brands have their strengths and weaknesses. Honda cars are generally known for their smooth and refined ride quality, and e standard features in their base models, while Hyundai cars are typically sportier and more responsive and more advanced safety features. Ultimately, the choice between the two brands will depend on the individual's priorities and what they are looking for in a car.

What is the difference between Honda and Hyundai?

The main difference between Honda and Hyundai is their brand reputation and the features offered in their vehicles. Honda has a reputation for producing safe and reliable cars, while Hyundai is known for offering affordable vehicles with advanced technology and safety features.

Do Hondas last longer than Hyundai?

S. News and World Report have conducted a study that reveals that when it comes to reliability, Hyundai has a slight edge over Honda. Although Honda is a trustworthy brand and has been around for many years, Hyundai has managed to outperform it in terms of predicted reliability, as per the data for 2020. All of Hyundai's models scored above 3.5 out of 5 for predicted reliability, while Honda's older models may have an advantage in this aspect. However, if we talk about new cars or SUVs, Hyundai is the clear winner.

Are Hyundai cars good quality?

Yes, Hyundai cars are known for their good quality and reliability. According to RepairPal, Hyundai boasts a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking 4th out of all 32 car brands.

Conclusion

Well, here is our detailed comparison of Hyundai vs Honda for you. However, when it comes to choosing between the two, it ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of the buyer. Both brands have a lot to offer, so it is worth taking a test drive of each brand's vehicles to determine which one best suits your lifestyle. So, it is time to hit the road, choose your ride, and make some memories!