The market for affordable, compact hybrid cars is a packed segment. Compact cars with high gas mileage are easy to come by from the likes of Toyota, Honda, Kia, and Hyundai. Two models landed at the top of a list of the best hybrid cars of 2022: the 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and the 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid. Here’s how these cars compare:

2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

The Sonata Hybrid takes the top spot on U.S. News’ list by scoring 8.8 out of 10. Three trims are available: the base Blue, SEL, and Limited. All three trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system. In total, it makes 192 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.

The 2022 Sonata Hybrid continues the seventh generation introduced for the 2020 model year. It’s the company’s largest hybrid car but still gets an impressive 52 combined miles per gallon. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention warning, lane-keeping, and rear passenger safe-exit systems. 

Inside the base Blue model, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system connects to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A six-speaker audio system is standard as well. The SEL trim upgrades the sound system to a 12-speaker Bose audio system and adds luxury features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and mirrors, and a wireless charging pad. 

The top-line Limited trim decks the interior in leather upholstery and the front seats are also ventilated. The touchscreen is bumped up to 10.25 inches and includes a navigation system. There are more driver aids to enjoy, like highway driving assist (enhances adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist), surround-view camera, and remote smart parking assist systems.

U.S. News reviewers enjoyed the comfortable ride and quick acceleration offered by the Sonata Hybrid. The hybrid car also has a “decent-sized trunk” and provides a good value at a starting MSRP of $27,350. Only a couple of drawbacks are mentioned, primarily the transmission and the regenerative braking system can make braking difficult to control.

Like all Hyundai models, the Sonata Hybrid has a great bundle of warranties. The basic warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles, and a 10-year, 100,000-mile warranty covers the battery, powertrain, and some hybrid parts.

2022 Honda Accord Hybrid

U.S. News puts the Accord Hybrid close behind the Sonata Hybrid in scoring it 8.7 out of 10. Four trims are available for the 2022 model: the base Hybrid, Sport (new for 2022), EX-L, and Touring. All four hybrid car trims, like the Sonata, are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine gas-electric hybrid system. But this powertrain has an edge on the Sonata with 212 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque.

Honda’s largest hybrid sedan gets you 47 combined mpg out of the hybrid powertrain while making more power than the gas engine in the standard Accord. The base Hybrid has an eight-inch touchscreen connected to a four-speaker audio system and linked with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Keyless entry and remote engine start are standard as well. All models come with the Honda Sensing system of driver aids which includes lane-keeping system, forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure mitigation systems.

The Sport trim bumps the 17-inch alloy wheels up to 19 inches and adds a rear spoiler and sport pedals. The four-speaker audio system is now eight speakers and the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems are wireless. Satellite radio and two charge-only USB ports in the rear are also available.

The EX-L trim drops the larger wheels, spoiler, and sport pedals but adds other upgrades. Inside, passengers can enjoy heated seats, a sunroof, leather upholstery, and a 10-speaker audio system. Driver aids, including front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring systems, are also standard. The top-tier Touring trim adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and automatic wipers. Technology upgrades include a head-up display, onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and adaptive suspension dampers. 

U.S. News reviewers highlight the Accord Hybrid’s handling and smooth ride. It has slightly more cargo space than the Sonata Hybrid – 16.7 cubic feet to 16 – and the cabin is well put-together. The fuel economy figures are the main negative to the Accord Hybrid. They’re worse than that of many competitors. Reviewers also say that accelerating to highway speeds can be troublesome.

Honda puts the starting MSRP at $27,720, and it does not have a similar appealing warranty package that the Sonata Hybrid offers. 

Which hybrid car is the right choice?

Both the 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and 2022 Honda Accord Hybrid are good choices in the hybrid car segment. U.S. News gives the nod to the Sonata Hybrid, but it’s close; TrueCar’s rankings gives the edge to the Accord Hybrid.

If fuel economy is your primary concern, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is the way to go. It’s more efficient and also comes with a better warranty package to ensure that the powertrain runs well for a long time. The top trim of the Sonata Hybrid comes at a lower starting price as well. But the Honda Accord Hybrid drives better and has a bit more room inside for passengers and cargo. U.S. News named it the best hybrid or electric car for families of 2022.

If you want more options beyond these two hybrid cars, U.S. News rates the Toyota Camry Hybrid the same as the Accord Hybrid (8.7 out of 10).