2026 Hyundai Sonata SE vs 2025 Honda Accord LX

On paper, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE wins on $845 less. The 2025 Honda Accord LX has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $845 price gap, 191 vs 192 hp, 32 vs 32 MPG.

The short answer

The Sonata SE leads on $845 less. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.

$845
Price Gap
1 HP
HP Diff
Same
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2026 Hyundai Sonata SE
Starts at $27,450
VS
Higher price
2025 Honda Accord LX
Starts at $28,295

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4
vs
1.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
191 hp
vs
192 hp
Torque
181 lb-ft
vs
192 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,232 lbs
vs
3,239 lbs
Fuel Tank
15.9 gal
vs
14.8 gal

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.

MSRP
$27,450Sonata SE
$28,295Accord LX
Engine
2.5L I4Sonata SE
1.5L I4 TurboAccord LX
Horsepower
191 hpSonata SE
192 hpAccord LX
Torque
181 lb-ftSonata SE
192 lb-ftAccord LX
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automaticSonata SE
continuously variable-speed automaticAccord LX
City MPG
28Sonata SE
29Accord LX
Highway MPG
38Sonata SE
37Accord LX
Fuel Tank
15.9 galSonata SE
14.8 galAccord LX
Curb Weight
3,232 lbsSonata SE
3,239 lbsAccord LX
Wheelbase
111.8"Sonata SE
111.4"Accord LX
Length
193.3"Sonata SE
195.7"Accord LX
Width
73.2"Sonata SE
73.3"Accord LX
Height
56.9"Sonata SE
57.1"Accord LX
Bumper-to-Bumper
5yr/60kSonata SE
3yr/36kAccord LX
Powertrain
10yr/100kSonata SE
5yr/60kAccord LX
Corrosion
7yr/unlimitedSonata SE
5yr/unlimitedAccord LX
Roadside Assistance
5yr/unlimitedSonata SE
3yr/36kAccord LX

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2026 Hyundai Sonata SE2025 Honda Accord LX
Pricing
MSRP$27,450$28,295
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I41.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower191 hp192 hp
Torque181 lb-ft192 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
DrivetrainFWDFWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2829
Highway MPG3837
Combined MPG3232
Fuel Tank15.9 gal14.8 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)No published data$1,350/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,232 lbs3,239 lbs
Wheelbase111.8"111.4"
Length193.3"195.7"
Width73.2"73.3"
Height56.9"57.1"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardTSP+TSP+
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper5yr/60k3yr/36k
Powertrain10yr/100k5yr/60k
Corrosion7yr/unlimited5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/unlimited3yr/36k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE and 2025 Honda Accord LX?

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE starts at $27,450, $845 less than the 2025 Honda Accord LX at $28,295. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $15/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE?

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $845 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE covers your needs.

Who should choose the 2025 Honda Accord LX?

The 2025 Honda Accord LX is the stronger pick when the 2025 Honda Accord LX is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE or 2025 Honda Accord LX?

Both achieve 32 combined MPG, so fuel cost is not a factor in this decision.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE or 2025 Honda Accord LX?

The 2025 Honda Accord LX produces 192 hp, 1 more than the 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE at 191 hp. The 2025 Honda Accord LX also leads in torque at 192 lb-ft vs 181 lb-ft. The 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Honda Accord LX uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo.

Is the 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE bigger than the 2025 Honda Accord LX?

The 2025 Honda Accord LX is 2.4″ longer at 195.7″ vs 193.3″. The 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE has a 0.4″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

The Hyundai Sonata comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Honda Accord offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Sonata trims, Honda trims, Honda Accord trims

Official sources

How the Sonata and Accord Stack Up

Two midsize sedans, two brands, and a decision that comes down to which one fits your commute and budget. The 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE starts at $27,450; the 2025 Honda Accord LX at $28,295. The $845 gap is about $15/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.

Powertrain: Sonata vs Accord

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE runs a 2.5L I4; the 2025 Honda Accord LX uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. The 1 hp difference (192 vs 191) is marginal in daily driving. Both use FWD.

What It Actually Costs to Own

Annual fuel costs are nearly identical, so running costs will not separate these two.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE when you want to keep $845 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Honda Accord LX when the 2025 Honda Accord LX is more fuel-efficient for a lower-cost commute. At $15/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Honda or any dealership.

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