2025 Honda Accord vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra
Comparison Overview
Trying to choose between the reliable reputation of the 2025 Honda Accord and the impressive entry price of the 2026 Hyundai Elantra can be tough. If budget is king, the Elantra starts at just $22,625, significantly undercutting the Accord’s $28,295 MSRP, which is a $5,670 difference right out of the gate. However, the Accord offers substantially more capability, boasting 192 horsepower compared to the Elantra's 147 hp, which drivers will feel in daily passing maneuvers. While the Elantra edges out slightly on fuel economy at 35 combined MPG versus the Accord's 32 combined MPG, the larger Accord provides better roominess, measuring 195.7 inches long versus the Elantra’s 185.4 inches. Ultimately, this boils down to whether the Accord's extra power and size justify its higher initial outlay against the Elantra's stronger value proposition.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Elantra
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra wins for commuters due to its superior combined MPG rating of 35 versus the Accord's 32.
2025 Honda Accord
The 2025 Honda Accord is better for families because its 195.7-inch length provides more overall cabin and cargo space than the Elantra.
2025 Honda Accord
The Accord is the clear choice for enthusiasts, delivering 192 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque compared to the Elantra's 147 hp.
2026 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra offers exceptional value by saving buyers $5,670 in initial purchase price while still achieving excellent fuel economy.
Choose the Honda Accord if...
- You need more muscle on the highway, as the Accord provides 192 hp versus the Elantra’s 147 hp.
- You frequently carry rear passengers or need more luggage space, given the Accord's 16.7 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prefer the established reputation and slightly larger footprint of a traditional midsize sedan (195.7 inches long).
Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price under $23,000 is your top priority, as the Elantra starts at $22,625.
- You prioritize efficiency, benefiting from the Elantra’s slightly better 31/40 MPG city/highway ratings.
- You are comfortable with less power in exchange for a smaller vehicle footprint (71.9 inches wide).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Accord | Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 195.7" | 185.4" |
| Width | 73.3" | 71.9" |
| Height | 57.1" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 111.4" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 192 hp @ 6000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 192 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/37 MPG | 31/40 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 32 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 429.2/547.6 mi. | 384.4/496.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 160W | — |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.9 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.4 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 40.8 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.4 in. | 50.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/50R | 195/65R15 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 15 x 6.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| EV Battery Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Accord and 2026 Hyundai Elantra.
How much more expensive is the 2025 Honda Accord than the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2025 Honda Accord carries an MSRP of $28,295, which is exactly $5,670 more than the Elantra's starting price of $22,625. This price gap is one of the most significant differentiators between these two sedans.
Is the fuel economy difference significant enough to matter?
The difference is minor but measurable; the Elantra achieves 35 combined MPG, while the Accord manages 32 combined MPG. However, the Accord offers better highway cruising efficiency at 37 MPG compared to the Elantra's 40 MPG.
If I often drive on busy highways, will I notice the power difference?
Yes, the Accord offers significantly more power with 192 horsepower versus the Elantra's 147 horsepower. This 45 hp advantage means the Accord will accelerate and pass other vehicles more confidently.
Which sedan offers more usable space for cargo?
The Honda Accord provides more space with 16.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity, easily beating the Hyundai Elantra’s 14.2 cubic feet. For families packing for road trips, this extra volume is helpful.
Do either of these cars use premium gasoline?
No, both the 2025 Honda Accord and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra specify that they run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, keeping ongoing running costs lower for both models.
Are the transmissions different in these two models?
No, based on the provided specifications, both the Accord and the Elantra utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). They both send power through the front wheels.
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