Key Takeaways

  • Hyundai is a more reliable brand with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and solid vehicle durability.
  • Honda is the better brand if you want smaller sedans or value advanced performance on the road.
  • Expect to pay less on average for a Hyundai, but overall we prefer Honda.

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When it comes to choosing a reliable vehicle, two popular brands that often come to mind are Honda and Hyundai. But which brand is better?

Honda and Hyundai are both leaders in the automotive industry. Honda is renowned for its reliability, performance, and fuel efficiency. On the other hand, Hyundai is known for its affordable prices, offering attractive warranties and a broad range of electric and hybrid models.

We'll look at various aspects, such as safety, reliability, and price, to give you a clearer picture of how these two brands compare. We hope to arm you with the knowledge necessary to choose the perfect car for your needs, whether a Honda or a Hyundai.

Table of Contents

Honda Vs. Hyundai: Brand Comparison

We know that choosing between Honda and Hyundai can be a tough decision. Both car manufacturers are known for their excellent performance, reliability, and safety. Let's explore some key differences between these two popular brands.

First, let's talk about safety. In National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests, both Honda and Hyundai scored high marks. They are practically neck-and-neck in providing safe vehicles.

When it comes to affordability, Hyundai takes the lead. Their vehicles are generally more budget-friendly, making them an excellent choice for those looking for value for money. On the other hand, Honda cars have slightly higher overall build quality and resale value.

Despite these differences, the success of each brand can be attributed to their unique histories and approaches. Honda has always focused on quality, while Hyundai has managed to offer affordable, innovative vehicles to customers worldwide.

As you can see, there are several factors to consider when choosing between Honda and Hyundai. Let's start by reviewing the history of the two brands.

Honda Brand History

We have always admired Honda's rich history, as it takes us back to 1948 when the company started its operations in Japan. Founded by Soichiro Honda, the brand quickly became popular for its innovative engineering and reliable products.

In the early days, Honda focused on creating motorcycles, which paved the way for their entry into the automobile market. In 1963, they launched the T360 mini pickup truck, followed by the S500 sports car in the same year.

Throughout the years, we've come to appreciate the extensive range of vehicles Honda offers. From compact cars like the ever-popular Honda Civic to family-oriented SUVs like the CR-V, there is a Honda for everyone.

Hyundai Brand History

In 1947, Chung Ju-Yung started the Hyundai Engineering and Construction Company. Almost two decades later, in 1967, he established the Hyundai Motor Company. The journey into the automotive world began with their first model, the Cortina, released in cooperation with Ford Motor Company in 1968.

Over the years, Hyundai has grown and expanded beyond South Korea's borders. Today, we can find their vehicles on roads all around the world. They have continued to invest in developing innovative technologies, enhancing vehicle performance, and improving customer satisfaction.

The brand's dedication to progress has not been limited to traditional vehicles. Their focus on sustainability and eco-friendly technologies has led them to develop and launch several successful hybrid and electric models.

Honda vs. Hyundai: Performance

For starters, Honda is known for their excellent performance across their lineup, from sedans like the Civic and Accord to popular SUVs such as the CR-V and Pilot.

Their engines are typically robust and efficient, thanks to their Earth Dreams Technology. Emphasizing smooth driving experiences, these engines offer incredible acceleration and handling, which make them stand out in their respective segments.

On the other hand, Hyundai has also made quite an impression with its performance capabilities. They've been investing in turbocharged engines for models like the Sonata and Elantra, which increased power output.

Winner: It depends - Honda car vehicles are the superior choice, but Hyundai has the better electric car lineup.

Honda vs. Hyundai: Reliability

We noticed that Honda and Hyundai offer outstanding reliability in today's competitive car market. You are debating minor differences between two of the most durable car brands.

But for those who value warranty, you’ll notice significant differences. Let’s take a closer look at the warranty coverage offered by each brand below.

Honda Warranty

  • Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: This covers most vehicle components for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • Powertrain Warranty: This covers the engine, transmission, and other parts of the drivetrain for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • Roadside Assistance: Honda also provides roadside assistance for the duration of the new-vehicle limited warranty.

Hyundai Warranty

  • Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: This covers most parts of the vehicle and lasts 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • Powertrain Warranty: This covers the engine and transmission for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, for the original owner.
  • Roadside Assistance: Hyundai offers 5 years of roadside assistance regardless of mileage.

Winner - Hyundai. They offer industry-leading warranties, fantastic durability, and long-lasting vehicle designs.

Honda vs. Hyundai: Safety

When it comes to safety, both Hyundai and Honda have their merits. It's tricky to choose a clear winner between the two brands. Let's dive into some key safety aspects of both automakers. Here are essential safety features for each brand.

Honda Safety Features

  • Honda Sensing Suite
  • Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
  • Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control
  • Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake Distribution
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Blind Spot Information System
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Hyundai Safety Features

  • Hyundai SmartSense
  • Rearview Camera
  • Vehicle Stability Management
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Blind-Spot Collision Warning
  • Side-Impact Airbags
  • Energy-Absorbing Steering Column

Winner: Tie - both brands have tons of safety features which is why they both rank near the top of the industry in this category each year.

Hyundai vs. Honda: Which Brand Is Cheaper?

When comparing the costs of Hyundai and Honda vehicles, there are a few factors to consider. Of course, the initial purchase price is the most obvious aspect, but we also need to look at ongoing expenses like repair and maintenance costs.

In terms of initial purchase prices, both Honda and Hyundai offer a range of vehicles with different price points. While it's difficult to give a definitive answer without examining specific models, it's generally known that Hyundai tends to offer more affordable options.

When it comes to repair and maintenance costs, Honda seems to have the advantage. Honda has an average annual repair and maintenance cost of $428, while Hyundai's cost is $468. This difference suggests that Honda vehicles might be cheaper to maintain in the long run.

It's also worth mentioning that both brands offer warranty programs that can help offset some of these expenses. However, the length and coverage of warranties can vary for each brand depending on factors such as the model, the market you are in, or current promotions.

Winner - Hyundai offers more affordable vehicles. But you will spend more on maintenance each year.

Honda Best-Selling Vehicle Models

Honda, a brand synonymous with reliability and efficiency, offers a variety of best-selling vehicles that cater to a wide range of needs. Here are some top-selling Honda vehicles.

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is one of our most popular models due to its versatility and spacious interior. It offers ample cargo space, user-friendly technology, and a comfortable ride, making it a favorite among families and commuters.

The fuel efficiency and available all-wheel drive make it an excellent option for all driving conditions. Its spacious interior, solid fuel economy, advanced safety features, and substantial resale value are hard to ignore.

Honda Accord

When it comes to sedans, the Honda Accord is undoubtedly our best-seller. Known for its reliability and strong resale value, the Accord remains a top choice for buyers seeking a practical yet stylish vehicle.

With its smooth performance, spacious interior, and variety of trim levels, it caters to various preferences and budgets. The Accord is a midsize car that has consistently been a top choice for families and commuters.

Honda Odyssey

If a minivan suits your family's needs, our Honda Odyssey is the go-to choice. Boasting top-notch safety ratings, it ensures peace of mind during every drive.

The Odyssey's roomy interior features seating for up to eight passengers and innovative amenities like an available built-in vacuum and flexible seating configurations. Its responsive handling and strong engine make it a pleasure to drive, even on long road trips.

Honda Civic

The Civic is arguably Honda's most popular vehicle, appreciated for its longevity, fuel efficiency, and fun-to-drive nature. It comes in a variety of models, including sedan, coupe, and hatchback, and ranges from the eco-friendly Civic Hybrid to the performance-focused Civic Type R.

Hyundai Best-Selling Vehicle Models

Hyundai, recognized for its value-for-money offerings and extensive warranties, offers a variety of vehicles catering to diverse consumer needs. Here are some of the best-selling Hyundai vehicles.

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is one of the best Hyundai cars, and for good reason. This compact SUV offers a comfortable and spacious interior, a smooth ride, and user-friendly technology. We're impressed with its fuel efficiency, which allows us to save on gas.

Safety features stand out in the Tucson, with National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety giving it high ratings.

Hyundai Elantra

Next up is the Hyundai Elantra, a popular midsize sedan. It was first introduced in 1990 as a more affordable option in the market. We appreciate its stylish design, feature-rich interior, and tech-savvy offerings.

The Elantra's fuel efficiency is noteworthy, making it an economical choice for our daily commutes. It comes in sedan and hatchback (Elantra GT) models and is renowned for its stylish design, fuel efficiency, and ample tech features.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Lastly, the Hyundai Santa Fe is another top-selling model in the Hyundai lineup, and it's clear why this midsize SUV has won many hearts. The Santa Fe has a roomy and upscale cabin, which provides a comfortable riding experience for us and our families.

The Santa Fe is also known for its strong safety scores, giving us peace of mind on the road. It also offers a variety of powertrain options, including a hybrid model.

Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata is a midsize sedan known for its spacious and high-quality interior, comfortable ride, and user-friendly technology. It offers various powertrain options, including a hybrid model for increased fuel efficiency.

The Hyundai Sonata consistently sells as one of the top Hyundai models because of the car’s smooth riding, price, and durability.

Hyundai vs. Honda: Which Brand Is Right For Me?

Choosing between Hyundai and Honda largely depends on your needs, budget, and preferences. They both offer unique strengths and weaknesses that we can summarize.

For example, budget-minded buyers should choose Hyundai. Hyundai vehicles are priced slightly lower than comparable Honda models.

You can also save big because of the Hyundai warranty. Hyundai has one of the best warranties in the industry, offering a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Honda's warranty is more typical: a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. So if you want more protection, purchase a Hyundai.

Honda vehicles are often praised for their engaging performance and fuel efficiency. While Hyundai vehicles might not be as sporty as Honda's, they are competent performers and offer a comfortable and smooth ride.

Winner - Overall, Honda is the superior vehicle brand.

Honda Vs Hyundai

About The Author

Charles Redding

Charles Redding

I've spent many years selling cars, working with auto detailers, mechanics, dealership service teams, quoting and researching car insurance, modding my own cars, and much more.

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