Honda HR-V vs Hyundai Sonata

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

We hold no ANCAP data for the Hyundai Sonata. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Honda HR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Sonata gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Sonata counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bose audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Honda HR-V gets cloth upholstery while the Hyundai Sonata offers suede & nappa leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Honda HR-V and 2-zone in the Hyundai Sonata.

Drivetrain

The Honda HR-V uses a Petrol producing 89kW and 145Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.

The Hyundai Sonata responds with a Petrol making 213kW and 422Nm, paired to a 8-speed wet dual-clutch (dct) driving the front wheels.

The Hyundai Sonata has the clear power advantage at 213kW vs 89kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Honda HR-V measures 4,345mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 565mm shorter than the Hyundai Sonata at 4,910mm (2,840mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Sonata generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 304L in the Honda HR-V and 480L in the Hyundai Sonata, giving the Hyundai Sonata a 176L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); both turn in a 11.0 m circle, kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Honda HR-V costs about $1,767 a year (6.2 L/100km) and fuel for the Hyundai Sonata about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $542 a year less for the Honda HR-V.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Honda HR-V) and 7 years / Unlimited (Hyundai Sonata). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Honda HR-V), no data (Hyundai Sonata).

Where each one leads

The Honda HR-V: lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,767 a year against $2,309).

The Hyundai Sonata: more power (213kW against 89kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (480L against 304L) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Verdict

Honda HR-V scores higher, 74 vs 67

The Honda HR-V scores 74 to the Hyundai Sonata's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 4 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: safety (Honda HR-V ahead by 17 points), fuel economy (Honda HR-V ahead by 17 points), performance (Hyundai Sonata ahead by 15 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Honda HR-V costs about $542 less (6.2 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 304L in the Honda HR-V, 480L in the Hyundai Sonata. Warranty: 5 years on the Honda HR-V, 7 on the Hyundai Sonata.

Common questions