Honda Vs. Hyundai: Compare Models, Performance & More
While browsing affordable models with exceptional flair, you'll inevitably have to look at a Honda vs. Hyundai comparison. These two freeway titans offer great technology for convenience and safety in their vehicles at an accessible price, allowing you to easily upgrade at the finance desk and on the road with efficient engines. However, Honda creates incredible value for their owners by building more reliable and durable models while also offering innovative, family-friendly options like the Odyssey minivan.
We at Planet Honda NH proudly present the legacy of our long-standing brand. See how it compares to Hyundai so you can feel confident in your investment.
What Is the Brand History and Origin of Honda vs. Hyundai?
In 1946, the brand we know today began in Japan when Soichiro Honda produced an auxiliary bicycle engine. He introduced that ingenuity to farming equipment and motorcycles before finally, in 1963, the Honda S500 sports car entered production. Entering the American market 19 years later, Honda has kept its dedication to efficiency, quality, and evolutionary service on racetracks and interstates alike.
Hyundai began its automobile history in 1967 as an established organization in Seoul, South Korea. Its first model was released in 1968 in cooperation with Ford, and the 1975 Hyundai Pony was produced for the Korean public as Hyundai's first solo project. In 1986, the Hyundai Pony Excel landed in North America as its first U.S. release.
What Are the Main Differences Between Hyundai and Honda Vehicle Models?
Honda landed in North America first, so it naturally has more variety. Check out some of the new Honda vehicles available at our showroom!
Honda vs. Hyundai SUVs
Hyundai is well-known for its array of legendary SUV names, like the potent Palisade, the inexpensive Venue, and the all-around effective Tucson. However, Honda is far from being a slacker in the SUV compartment. The Honda CR-V is a household name, as is the subcompact crossover HR-V, the roomy but efficient Pilot, and the all-electric Passport.
Honda vs. Hyundai Sedans
Where Hyundai has a broader range of SUVs, Honda dominates the sedan segment in our comparison. The Civic and Accord models are well-recognized for their affordable price points, efficient engines, and comfortable cabins. Hyundai options, like the Elantra, Sonata, and IONIQ 6, have solid price points but can't offer the satisfaction you get when you sit behind the wheel of a Honda sedan.
Honda vs. Hyundai Trucks
The Honda Ridgeline is the only Honda truck offering great utility for a small pickup with excellent towing capacity and a solid payload limit for the class. However, the only Hyundai truck on offer is the Santa Cruz, which describes itself as a "half pickup, half SUV." As a result, you get a lower total payload weight and need to purchase higher-end trims to guarantee the 5,000-pound towing limit of the Ridgeline.1, 2
Honda vs. Hyundai Other Body Styles
Where Hyundai is stuck with SUVs and cars, Honda brings more to the table with the massive and modern Honda Odyssey minivan.
Which Brand Offers Better Vehicle Performance: Hyundai or Honda?
In most cases, when you compare these two automakers, you'll see that a Honda model provides a stronger engine than a Hyundai model and still carries competitive MPG values. Outside of exceptions like the Palisade, you'll get more horsepower and torque from behind the wheel of a Honda.
Honda | Hyundai | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic | CR-V | Ridgeline | Elantra Hybrid | Tucson Hybrid | Palisade | |
| Engine | 2.0L I-4 Hybrid (available) | 2.0L I-4 Hybrid (available) | 3.5L V-6 | 2.0L I-4 Hybrid | 1.6L I-4 Hybrid | 3.8L 6-Cyl |
| Horsepower | 181 | 204 | 280 | 139 | 178 | 291 |
| Torque | 232 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft | 125 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD, Real Time AWD Available | AWD | FWD | AWD | FWD, AWD Available |
| Towing | Not Recommended | 1,000 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 | Not Recommended | 2,000 lbs2 | 5,000 lbs2 |
| MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) | 50 / 47 / 493 | 43 / 36 / 40 MPG3 | 18 / 24 / 21 MPG4 | 51 / 58 / 54 MPG5 | 38 / 38 / 38 MPG5 | 19 / 26 / 22 MPG5 |
How Do the Interiors of Honda and Hyundai Vehicles Compare?
The cabin of a Honda is an excellent place to feel these specs. As an example, climb into a Civic Type R for high-bolstered synthetic-suede sport seats, a beautiful center console, and touch turn indicators. The Hyundai Elantra N prefers a simpler interior with light sports seats and a stern black dashboard – a middling style for a high-quality car.
What Are the Key Exterior Design Differences Between Hyundai and Honda?
What about the exteriors of these vehicles? Again, Honda makes its presence known, while the Hyundai prefers to stay quiet. For example, compare the outside of a Honda Accord to see the slim, angular headlights and a traditional, sturdy frame. Meanwhile, the IONIQ 6 keeps things subtle with smaller headlights and a more rounded silhouette.
How Does Hyundai’s Technology Compare to Honda’s?
Hyundai offers more flashy tech than the Honda, while the latter prefers to furnish your drive with comfort. If you compare the Hyundai Santa Fe to the Honda Pilot, the Hyundai 12.3-inch touchscreen is quite large compared to the 9-inch option in most Honda models. However, you may prefer the Pilot's three-zone climate control with humidity control and air filtration over the available dual-zone climate system in the Santa Fe.
Which Brand Offers More Spacious Interiors: Honda or Hyundai?
The interior space, seating, and cargo dimensions depend on the models you're stacking against each other. For example, when looking at three-row, eight-seat models, you'll enjoy the 155.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo space in a Honda Odyssey, compared to the Hyundai Palisade SUV's 86.4 cubic feet. For five-seaters, the Hyundai Santa Cruz's 101.8 cubic feet of passenger space can't keep up with the 114.9 cubic feet in the Honda Passport.
What Are the Size Differences Between Hyundai and Honda Models?
While Hyundai and Honda offer a wide variety of compact options to explore, they also provide vast vehicles – perfect for busy families. The Hyundai Palisade is a massive full-size SUV at 196.1 inches in length, 77.8 inches in width, and 68.9 inches in height. At a length of 205.2 inches, height of 69.6 inches, and width of 78.5 inches, you'll enjoy nearly 7 extra inches of third-row legroom in the Honda Odyssey, the minivan for a growing, active family.
What Are the Towing Capabilities of Honda vs. Hyundai Vehicles?
Speaking of carrying comfortably, both Honda and Hyundai models cap off at 5,000 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped. However, you'll be surprised at the Honda vehicles that can tow that much. The Passport, Pilot, and Ridgeline1 can all handle this impressive haul. For Hyundai, the 5,000-pound mark is limited to the Santa Cruz and Palisade,2 narrowing the options for light trailering.
How Do Hyundai and Honda Compare in Reliability and Safety?
According to RepairPal, Hyundai ranks fourth among all manufacturers regarding repair costs and frequency.6 That's incredible, but not quite like the Honda brand – which is first.7 When you take any of our Honda specials, you invest in a highly quality model that holds its value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand is better: Honda or Hyundai?
While Hyundai offers an extensive warranty service, Honda is the brand to go with if you want value for every dollar you put into your vehicle. Honda cars, SUVs, and the Ridgeline make for sturdier drives with generally higher horsepower and torque across similar vehicles, slightly better EPA-estimated MPG ratings, and elevated interior design. When you drive in a Honda vehicle, you're more satisfied overall.
Who makes the best SUVs: Hyundai or Honda?
Hyundai and Honda SUVs have driving benefits, but Honda options tend to be the smoother, more luxurious ride. From the more expressive interior of the Honda HR-V and performance specs of the Honda CR-V Hybrid to the impressive space in a Passport, you'll always be able to find a Honda SUV with the utility you need to conquer your next vacation.
Which OEM is more reliable: Honda or Hyundai?
Honda is considered to be exceptionally reliable, even compared to Hyundai. According to RepairPal, Honda is in first place among all car brands in terms of low maintenance cost and long repair intervals.7 Hyundai is not far behind, scoring fourth out of 32, but is still lower than its Honda competitor.6 For more information about Honda reliability, please contact our team!
About The Author
Planet Honda NH is a leading expert in Honda vehicles, offering a customer-first, eco-conscious approach to car buying and service. As a certified Green Dealer and Water Conservation Badge recipient, Planet Honda is proud to lead with sustainability while delivering exceptional value and care to drivers across New Hampshire.