One debate our customers and most import enthusiasts alike are fond of concerns the question "is Hyundai better than Honda"? With a focus on the latest in automotive technology, our dealership's crowd favorites and exciting upcoming new Hyundai models, as well as their performance, safety and value-we'd like to give our two cents on these popular brands.
We might be a little biased, but in this article, we'll guide you through the main draw of Hyundai, over the excellent value you get from the average Honda - from the best warranties to safety accolades, ensuring you have the facts to decide which car brand tops the decade.
âKey Advantages of Hyundai Vehicles
- Hyundai challenges Honda Sensing safety features through the competitive SmartSense suite of technologies.
- Hyundai has won recognition from Parents Magazine, partnering with Edmunds, for being the best family vehicle in 2024
- non-AWD versions of fully electric versions of the Prologue and Ioniq show Hyundai's superior 135 MPGe or miles per gallon equivalent.
- Hyundai performance tests show close competition between these two vehicles, with impressive showings from Hyundai's hybrids especially.
- Hyundai's EV/hybrid warranty is 10-year/100,000 on electric components vs Honda's 8-year/100,000 mile warranty.
Hyundai's Challenge to Honda: A Brand Comparison
Over the years, Hyundai has stepped up and given the crowd favorites a run for their money. No longer is our original equipment manufacturer (OEM) just your average everyday alternative to Honda cars. Instead, Hyundai has emerged as a worthy contender, challenging Honda's long-standing reputation for practicality and comfort.
Hyundai's growth strategy has focused on delivering affordable, reliable cars equipped with modern features and technology, a direct challenge to Honda's theme of practicality and comfort. Hyundai has also tackled reliability and longevity in this arena, another of Honda's hallmarks. Hyundai has become renowned for its value-centric approach, competing with Honda's innovation while also underscoring highly competitive pricing and features. As a reliable car, Hyundai continues to impress.
Hyundai Value Proposition: Affordability Meets Quality
Hyundai has strategically positioned its pricing slightly lower than Honda, particularly in key segments like compact sedans and SUVs.
But don't mistake this affordability for a compromise on quality. Hyundai has successfully balanced its lower starting prices with a competitive range of included features, ensuring a high value for the price tag in each vehicle category-from action-packed SUVs to comfort-focused sedans.
By offering quality at a competitive price, the brand has captured the interest of cost-conscious consumers. Our customers in Imperial Valley always have a compelling reason to opt for a Hyundai over a Honda, but ultimately, the choice between Honda and Hyundai is a matter of personal preference.
With Hyundai offers, the decision to choose Hyundai over Honda does start to make sense, however, especially when considering the "Hyundai vs" comparisons available.
Hyundai's Technological Advancements
Hyundai doesn't stop at affordability. The brand is also at the forefront of technological advancements in the automotive industry. Hyundai's SmartSense suite of features exemplifies this forward-thinking approach to safety technology.
Standout features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and the Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, which includes adaptive cruise control, showcase Hyundai's commitment to driver safety and convenience.
Offering a level of protection that showcases innovation and technological feature coverage in direct competition with HondaSensing is all part of the latest thrust in Hyundai's attempt to surpass Honda.
Our sales advisors believe that Hyundai offers more advanced safety tech features that are already included even in the lowest trim levels, ensuring that every customer gets top-notch safety without having to upgrade to higher trims.
Design and Comfort: Where Hyundai Surpasses Honda
When it comes to design and comfort, Hyundai shines. Our favorite brand has substantially improved its interior design and quality, offering a modern and stylish aesthetic that challenges Honda's more conservative designs. Hyundai interiors are characterized by:
- Modern and stylish aesthetic
- Advanced tech features:
- wireless smartphone connectivity
- blind-spot view monitor
- remote-open tailgate
- Spaciousness
Hyundai's appeal isn't limited to its interiors. Our OEM's contemporary and captivating exterior designs appeal to a spectrum of car connoisseurs, with a bold approach to vehicle aesthetics. Hyundai's premium cabin experience is arguably the best in category, across the board!
Hyundai's Premium Cabin Experience
Hyundai's interiors go beyond comfortable and take a shot at superior cabin experience. Models like the Tucson, Hyundai's highest-scoring entry in terms of best family vehicles, showcase the brand's focus on superior cabin experience.
This focus is further highlighted with the IONIQ 5, an electric SUV recognized for comfort and its spacious interior and awarded the 2023 Edmunds Top Rated Electric SUV.
From hands-free power liftgates and panoramic sunroofs to sliding second-row seats, Hyundai goes the extra mile to enhance the utility and comfort of its interiors. Innovative features like the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability of the IONIQ 5 further enhance Hyundai's appeal in terms of interior innovation.
Hyundai's Style and Modern Exterior Designs
Hyundai just oozes style. The brand offers a variety of Hyundai models, including sporty ones, that feature modern and engaging exterior designs. Any sporty edge in a make caters to a broad consumer base in the auto market, something Hyundai ensures vehicles are an attractive choice for any category of vehicle you desire.
Hyundai's exteriors are a great example of modern interior designs, emphasizing a mindful approach to vehicle aesthetics-further enhanced by advanced infotainment systems and driver-assistance features.
Performance and Efficiency
When performance and efficiency are the game, Hyundai steps up. The brand presents equal or slightly superior horsepower compared to Honda, crossing carefully engineered fuel efficiency with powerful engine choices. Our sales advisors always enjoy the performance aspect of taking a customer out for a test drive.
Models like the Hyundai Kona and Hyundai Ioniq outperforms the Honda HR-V, especially when you opt for the exciting 1.6L turbocharged engine, winning the overall preference of Kelly Blue Book reviewers by a hair.
Contests between the Honda Civic, or Honda Clarity with the Hyundai Elantra underscores competitive performance metrics-showcasing Hyundai's ability to deliver an engaging, responsive driving experience. The hybrid Elantra especially can give a Honda equivalent a run for its money!
While both Honda and Hyundai prioritize a smooth, relaxed driving feel, Hyundai stands out for its engagement without sacrificing comfort. Comfort recognition for the Tucson from Parents Magazine in comfortable ride quality and smooth handling (part of performance) contribute to a balanced driving experience, and it's not the only model designed for ride comfort: they all are!
Hyundai's Engine Range
Hyundai's powertrain prowess is a cornerstone of its performance and efficiency. The brand's diverse engine range, including the IONIQ's three electric powertrains, showcases an effective commitment to innovation.
Dedication to innovative powertrains not only enhances performance but also contributes to Hyundai's fuel efficiency-reducing long-term ownership costs.
Hyundai's Commitment to Economical Fuel Economy
Hyundai's commitment to fuel efficiency is more than just lip service. Our make's focus on fuel-efficient vehicles consistently sets industry standards in economical driving, promoting economic benefits and potentially reducing long-term operational costs for owners.
Hyundai's vehicles, such as the Elantra LPI Hybrid, is a notable outlier. This development comes long after the Elantra's 2009 move as the world's first hybrid vehicle to utilize liquefied petroleum gas.
The liquefied petroleum HEV impressed the world, decades ago, by being able to produce a reliable 42 mpg with only 99 grams of carbon per kilometer. Hyundai has long prioritized fuel efficiency without compromising on performance.
Safety First
When it comes to safety, Hyundai doesn't take the back seat. As mentioned throughout this article, advanced safety features, included in the SmartSense suite, prioritize passenger safety and protection. All our vehicles are packed with Honda-level safety features such as forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist, reflecting Hyundai's commitment to beating our rivals in safety.
Hyundai's commitment to safety extends beyond incorporating advanced features into popular vehicles. It also encompasses proactive systems aimed at enhancing passenger safety and earning accolades that confirm the brand's dedication to safety.
Hyundai's Proactive Safety Systems
Hyundai's proactive safety systems are designed to protect passengers in every possible way. As an integrated suite of safety technologies that rivals Honda's own, SmartSense offers features such as rear cross-traffic alert, which enhances passenger protection. Pedestrians are also safer through SmartSense!
Hyundai's other system features include driver attention monitoring, a technology that helps prevent accidents caused by driver distraction or fatigue-making safety for the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles' drivers all just as important as one another.
Hyundai's Safety Accolades
Hyundai's commitment to safety has earned it recognitions and high ratings. Organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conduct vehicle tests to assess crashworthiness and crash avoidance, contributing to safety ratings for car brands like Hyundai and Honda.
In 2024, Hyundai had more vehicles in their safety picks across most categories. Usually by a margin of 1-2 models, Hyundai safety picks outnumbered Honda in the following categories:
Small cars
Midsize cars
Small SUVs
Midsize SUVs
Small pickups
The top picks especially, where Hyundai shines, include a Good rating in the original moderate overlap front test. These ratings play a decisive role for consumers comparing the safety of vehicles, further solidifying Hyundai's place as a safety-conscious brand.
Hyundai's Warranty and After-Sales Service
When it comes to warranties and after-sales service, Hyundai excels. Our trusted brand offers the longest and most comprehensive warranty in the automotive industry, providing long-term confidence for vehicle owners. Our customers at Imperial Valley Hyundai enjoy America's best vehicle warranty!
Hyundai's extensive warranties go beyond just the initial purchase. They also contribute to the brand's competitive resale value, offering reassurance for the future of the vehicle in the used market as well.
Coupled with Hyundai's comprehensive after-sales services, from maintenance to Blue Link, Hyundai contributes to a supportive post-purchase experience.
Customer Care: Hyundai's Post-Purchase Support
Post-purchase, Hyundai continues to prioritize customer satisfaction with its comprehensive after-sales services. This support includes:
- Regular maintenance and servicing
- Warranty coverage
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- An easy Hyundai parts ordering process
Long-Term Confidence: Hyundai's Industry-Leading Warranties
Hyundai's industry-leading warranties offer long-term confidence for its owners. The Hyundai New Vehicle Limited Warranty provides 5-year/60,000-mile coverage, which is longer than Honda's equivalent protection.
The brand's Powertrain Warranty extends even further, covering a 10-year/100,000-mile period, significantly surpassing Honda's 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
These extensive warranties do more than just cover repairs. They also contribute to Hyundai's competitive resale value. Hyundai's 10-year/100,000 mile hybrid battery warranty, for example, is significantly more generous than Honda's warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles, bolstering the brand's compelling economic value.
Eco-Friendly Choices: Hyundai's Green Innovations
On the previous note of EV/hybrid battery warranties, let's talk eco-friendliness. Hyundai's dedication to environmentally-friendly transportation is evident in its range of hybrid models and electric models.
With over 10 hybrid and electric models, our brand presents a more extensive and advanced lineup than Honda, which is still new to the fully electric vehicle market.
This commitment extends beyond just offering a variety of EV and hybrid models. Hyundai's innovative green technologies include the world's first mass-produced hydrogen-powered vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell.
The development of the dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) are also worth looking into for the future eco-friendly vehicle owner, further solidifying Hyundai leadership in the electrified vehicle market.
But let's not brush over eco-friendly innovations in broad strokes. Let's zoom in on Hyundai's electric models and fuel-efficient hybrids.
Hyundai's Electric Models
At the forefront of Hyundai's eco-friendly choices are its electric models. The IONIQ 5, for instance, offers the highest all-electric range amongst Hyundai's lineup, achieving an EPA-estimated 303 miles on a single charge.
When it comes to comparing electric vehicle efficiency, Hyundai offers an amazing outlier. A new IONIQ 6 standard range, rear-wheel drive outperforms the Honda Prologue front-wheel drive. In this comparison, the Hyundai is the clear winner, with 135 MPGe, or miles per gallon equivalent.
"Charge myHyundai" is making waves globally. Hyundai owners enjoy an integrated public charging service accessible throughout Europe, and complimentary charging sessions at Electrify America's charging network for IONIQ 5 buyers, showcasing Hyundai's dedication to providing a comprehensive electric vehicle experience.
Hyundai's Fuel-Efficient Hybrids
Alongside its electric models, Hyundai's fuel-efficient hybrids also provide a harmonious blend of performance and eco-friendliness.
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, for instance, not only delivers high performance but also contributes to the vehicle's fuel efficiency, being roughly 30% more efficient than its gasoline counterpart. It's also garnered attention for better performance in road tests!
Price and Resale Value
In terms of price and resale value, our opinion holds that Hyundai outpaces Honda. With a lower average base price across its range, Hyundai emerges as a more economical choice compared to Honda. Our sales advisors note that this advantage is particularly evident in key segments like compact sedans, small SUVs, and midsize SUVs.
But it's not just about the upfront cost. Hyundai also holds its ground in terms of resale value. While Honda models traditionally hold their resale value slightly better, Hyundai's models now present strong competition in the market, offering an economically attractive choice in the new or newer used market.
Hyundai's Accessible Pricing
Hyundai's accessible pricing appeals to budget-conscious buyers. Models like the Hyundai Elantra and Tucson are priced more affordably than their direct Honda competitors, the Civic and CR-V. The pricing spectrum of Hyundai's lineup, from the economically priced Accent to the higher-end Hyundai Santa Fe, offers affordability without sacrificing features.
Hyundai's Resale Strength
Resale value is an important consideration for car buyers, and Hyundai doesn't disappoint. While Honda vehicles have traditionally held better resale values, Hyundai's models are now presenting strong competition in the market.
We put our money where our mouths are! If you're interested in trade-ins or selling us your used car, we'd rather have a used Hyundai than let another dealership, like one of Honda's, have it! Contact us to find out how you can get your used Hyundai into the hands of a new owner; it's money in your pocket.
The resale value of used Hyundai cars can vary wildly, from a few thousand to more than $40,000, reflecting the brand's diverse lineup and its appeal to a wide range of buyers.
As we cruise to the end of this comprehensive comparison, it's clear that Hyundai has emerged as a strong contender in the automotive market. Team Hyundai consistently showcased its commitment to providing quality, value, and innovation, challenging Honda's long-standing reputation.
From affordability and advanced technological features to superior cabin experience and modern exterior designs, Hyundai has proven that it's more than just an alternative to Honda. Hyundai's performance and fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, industry-leading warranties, and eco-friendly choices further reinforce its position as a worthy competitor.
While Honda may hold its ground in some aspects, Hyundai's consistent focus on delivering value, quality, and innovation paints a compelling picture. Ready to experience the excellence of Hyundai for yourself? Schedule a test drive today and feel the difference!
