When you first think of a midsize vehicle, sporty and hightech typically do not come to mind. But as body styles have progressed over the years, midsize vehicles are getting bold new looks that are getting noticed. While the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord have dominated the midsize sedan segment, the 2020 Hyundai Sonata is here to see if it can stand up to its competitor, the 2020 Honda Accord, and take it’s top ranking spot. Comparison The examples we’ll be comparing are the fully loaded 2020 Hyundai Sonata Limited 1.6T and the 2020 Honda Accord Touring 2.0 Touring. We’ll be looking at their overall pricing, handling and performance, exteriors, and interiors. Price Hyundai is known for its value and their fully loaded limited model starts its MSRP at $33,000; while the Honda Accord shows their fully loaded touring trim starting its MSRP at 36,250. That’s almost a $3,000 difference! Lets take a look at the engine to see why we have this price gap. Handling/Performance Both of these vehicles are working with an updated engine however, the Sonata has a 1.6L Turbo 4 cylinder and a 180 HP and 195 lb ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard across all Sonatas and provides fast and smooth shifting. Currently the Sonata only offers front wheel drive and does not carry an option for 4 wheel drive. While the Sonata does have a spunky feel and quick launch for acceleration, it is not designed for extra performance, but what it lacks in extra performance, it gains in fuel economy; It has a City/Highway/Combined MPG of 27/36/31. The less powerful engine comes out ahead by a substantial margin compared to the Accord. The Accord has a torque rich 2.0L 4 cylinder and with 252 HP and 273 lb ft torque, that definitely gives you the get up and go to push you back in your seat. The Accord does stand out with its 10-speed automatic transmission, which no other current competitor has. The Accord has the best steering wheel setup in its class and includes adaptive dampers that are both comfortable and sporty and provides extremely smooth riding. While the Accord has the more power with the larger engine, it cannot compare to the Sonata with its fuel economy. The Accords City/Highway/Combined MPG shows 22/32/26. Both have a button down athletic feel that is fun to drive. They both handle very well and have a very agile feel to them. While the Accord has the larger engine and 10-speed transmission, In practice, the average person would not be able to tell much of a difference between the transmissions. With performance, we want to accompany it with good looks and sleek design. Let’s take a look at their exterior and see how they compare. Exterior For years the midsize auto segment had been dull, and lacked appeal in design and looks, but the Sonata kicked off the style revolution back in 2011 and this year brings even more appeal. The Sonata offers a bold black triangular grill, no matter what paint color you choose. The LED headlights have a unique feature where chrome accents will light up as daytime running lights, however, the Sonata does not come with fog lights. A built in spoiler gives the Sonata a sport look and comes with 18” alloy wheels. Mirrors are heated with blind spot monitoring and their advanced safety suit which includes, auto emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beam headlights, is thrown in as standard equipment, even on the lowest trim levels. The Accord has a large grill with accented chrome above it and features LED fog lights which the 2020 Hyundai Sonata does not include. The 2020 Honda Accord shows it’s sporty side with dual exhaust outlets and 19” alloy wheels. It also provides heated mirrors with blind spot monitoring and also includes the same safety features as the Sonata on it’s lower trim. While design might come down to being a personal preference, what sets these two apart is the outstanding warranty that Hyundai offers. Their basic warranty is 5yr/60k miles with a powertrain warranty of 10yr/100k miles. Honda offers a basic warranty at 3yr/36k miles and their powertrain warranty is 5yr/60k miles. As you can see, Honda’s Powertrain warranty is Hyunda’s basic Warranty. The Sonata is clearly the winner and rightfully so offers America’s Best Warrant. Interior While both the 2020 Hyundai Sonata and the 2020 Honda Accord have a smart keyless entry, the Sonata takes it a bit further and offers a digital key system as well. The digital key system is able to lock and unlock via your phone through Bluetooth and is able to offer parking assist in a very unique way. Similar luxury vehicles, like the BMW 7 series, you can exit your vehicle and use the key fob to have the car back up into a parking spot and pull out when coming back to the vehicle. Taking a closer look inside, both the Sonata and Accord feature premium black leather color schemes as well as soft to touch dashboard, leather wrapped steering wheel, and a spacious interior storage in the center console including wireless phone charging pads that cover the bottom of the front bins. The Accord is able to provide a touch of class as it has a realistic dark faux wood trim and a padded leatherette covering the center console. Both vehicles also have a head up display that projects the MPH on the windshield, push button shifters that are not commonly offered in its class, standard dual zone automatic climate control as well as rear seat vents. The front seats also offer heating, ventilation, memory seats as well as 8-way seating adjustment in the Sonata and 12-way seating adjustment in the Accord. They both include a moonroof, but only Sonata gives you a panoramic moonroof to enjoy more of the outdoor scenery. Standout Interior Features Some features that stand out in the 2020 Hyundai Sonata are the digital gage cluster with vivid graphics and is fully reconfigurable, and a large and vivid 360 degree backup camera and blind-spot camera monitoring system that displays the corresponding images on each side. This is similar to the lanewatch system that Honda used to offer, but no longer offered on the accord and is not a 360 degree backup camera. The steering wheel in the Sonata, while leather wrapped, is also heated and the back rear seat vents also contain a smart charging USB port. The infotainment system has a 10.25” display, navigation and includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The Sonata also includes a premium Bose audio with 12 speakers to really enhance your music experience, while the Accord only has premium audio (not Bose) with 10 speakers. The Accord’s infotainment system also includes navigation, Apple Carplay and Android Audio, but only has an 8” display. Space As far as space goes, the Accord is able to provide just a bit more rear headroom, legroom and trunk space. The Sonata’s measurements are: -leg - 34.8in -head - 38.4in -trunk space - 16.0 cubic feet While the Accord’s measurements are: -leg - 40.4in -head - 40.2 -trunk space - 16.7 cubic feet The 2020 Hyundai Sonata Is The Best Overall, the vehicles are pretty comparable to each other, and it might just come down to personal preference. But as far as value goes and getting the most for you money, the Hyundai is the better choice. With the upfront savings as well as the savings on gas mileage and it’s outstanding warranty, The Hyundai Sonata is the Midsize vehicle that will give you the sleek style and design, sporty handling, top safety features and all the bells and whistles to give it that extra flair. Want to learn more about the 2020 Hyundai Sonata? Check out our website for more information. Our used cars and new Hyundai models for sale include the Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Kona, and the Hyundai Venue. Reach out to our Tulsa OK car dealer for a test drive today. Return to blog
2026 Hyundai Santa Fe vs. the Competition: Which Three-Row SUV Is The Best?
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Grand Highlander, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot each appeal to different priorities. Each competitor brings its own strengths, but the 2026 Santa Fe stands out for pairing strong standard tech with a lower starting price and hybrid efficiency the others can't fully match. Oklahoma shoppers can take the 2026 Santa Fe for a test drive at Tulsa Hyundai. The three-row family SUV segment is packed with strong choices, like the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, 2027 Kia Telluride, and the 2026 Honda Pilot. With a bold, squared-off design, a choice of gas or hybrid powertrains, and a starting price that undercuts most of its rivals, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe makes a strong case as the best. However, each of these SUVs takes a different approach to family hauling, so the right choice comes down to what matters most to you. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Overview The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe carries over with a handful of meaningful updates rather than a full redesign. Hyundai replaced the previous dual-clutch automatic with a smoother conventional eight-speed automatic, and the XRT trim gains new off-road driving modes for mud, snow, and sand. The top Calligraphy trim also adds a new Pecan Brown leather option for 2026. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Overview The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander enters its third model year without a redesign, carrying forward the same three-powertrain lineup and seating layouts that have defined it since launch. Toyota is holding the formula steady this year rather than introducing new features or trims. 2027 Kia Telluride Overview The 2027 Kia Telluride receives its biggest update since launch. Kia replaces the longtime 3.8-liter V6 with a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, grows the lineup to seven trims with the addition of a sporty X-Line and an off-road-focused X-Pro, and adds a hybrid variant to the range for the first time. 2026 Honda Pilot Overview The 2026 Honda Pilot receives light updates rather than a full redesign. Google built-in with a three-year unlimited data plan is now standard across every trim, and a new range-topping Black Edition joins the lineup for 2026. The Competition Each of these four SUVs, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, 2027 Kia Telluride, and 2026 Honda Pilot, carves out a distinct lane rather than directly overlapping. The choice of which three-row SUV to choose comes down to personal priorities. Performance & Powertrain Comparison Buyers drawn to the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander tend to want the widest spread of powertrain choices. Kia Telluride shoppers want strong low-end torque from a fresh new engine design. Honda Pilot buyers prioritize the proven character of a traditional V6. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe slots in as the efficiency-minded alternative that offers a hybrid option across nearly its entire lineup. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Performance The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 277 horsepower. It’s paired with a new conventional eight-speed automatic transmission that replaces last year's dual-clutch unit. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with all-wheel drive available for $1,800 more on most trims. Independent testing has clocked the gas 2026 Santa Fe at a 0 to 60 mph time of roughly 6.3 seconds. A hybrid powertrain is also available across most trims, delivering up to 36 mpg combined and an estimated range of up to 637 miles. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Performance The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers three distinct powertrains. Base gas engines are a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder producing 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The standard hybrid uses a 2.5-liter engine for a combined 245 horsepower, prioritizing efficiency over speed. At the top of the range, the Hybrid Max setup delivers a spirited 362 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. Combined fuel economy ranges from 22 to 24 mpg on the gas model up to 34 to 36 mpg on the standard hybrid. 2027 Kia Telluride Performance The 2027 Kia Telluride drops its longtime 3.8-liter V6 in favor of a new turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. A hybrid version is also available, combining the same engine with an electric motor for a combined output topping 300 horsepower. Towing capacity holds steady at 5,000 pounds on gas models. The new engine is designed to feel stronger off the line and during highway merges compared to the outgoing V6. 2026 Honda Pilot Performance Every 2026 Honda Pilot uses the same 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The available Intelligent Variable Torque Management all-wheel-drive system comes standard from the TrailSport trim upward. Front-wheel drive is standard on the Sport and EX-L trims. The 2026 Pilot does not currently offer a hybrid option, making it the only SUV in this comparison without an electrified powertrain choice. Fuel economy ranges from 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway on most AWD trims. Interior Space and Comfort Comparison Cargo space and passenger room vary meaningfully across this group, even though all four SUVs compete for the same family-focused buyer. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Interior The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe seats up to seven passengers, with available power-reclining second-row captain's chairs and a center console accessible from both the front and back seats. Depending on trim, the 2026 Santa Fe rides on 18-inch standard wheels or optional 20- or 21-inch wheels, and the top Calligraphy trim offers a Pecan Brown leather upholstery option, new for 2026. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Interior The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers standard eight-passenger seating. A seven-passenger configuration featuring second-row captain's chairs is available on every trim except the base LE. As Toyota's largest three-row SUV, the 2026 Grand Highlander prioritizes usable interior space for families who need to seat a crowd. Higher trims add leather-trimmed and Alcantara seating, a panoramic roof, and a full suite of comfort features designed for long road trips. 2027 Kia Telluride Interior The Kia Telluride grows with a longer wheelbase for 2027, adding noticeably more cabin space and third-row access compared to the outgoing model. Standard acoustic glass for the windshield and side windows helps create a quieter cabin, and a new rear console folds into a table for added versatility. 2026 Honda Pilot Interior The 2026 Honda Pilot seats up to eight passengers with a 1-touch fold second-row bench, or seven passengers on the TrailSport trim, which swaps in a stowable second-row center seat. Cargo volume reaches as much as 112.4 cubic feet across most trims. Technology and Infotainment Comparison Each of these latest model SUVs takes a different approach to in-cabin technology, from screen size to smart connectivity features. Families who want the newest connected features will find plenty to like across this entire group, though the specifics vary trim by trim. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Technology The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe offers a dual wireless phone charger on select trims, giving front-seat passengers a convenient way to keep devices powered without cables. Higher trims add a 12-speaker premium sound system with subwoofers for a more immersive audio experience. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe’s boxy dashboard design keeps physical controls within easy reach. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Technology The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen on base trims, with larger available displays on higher trims. Toyota's suite of connected services and smartphone integration comes standard across the lineup, and upper trims add additional charging options throughout the cabin. 2027 Kia Telluride Technology The 2027 Kia Telluride features dual 12.3-inch screens combining the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen into a single, modern layout. Two wireless charging pads keep front-seat devices powered, a new digital key entry mechanism lets owners unlock and start the vehicle from a compatible smartphone, and upper trims carry a Meridian 14-speaker sound system. Kia's Driving Assist 2 system also ties into the technology suite, blending convenience and safety features into one package. 2026 Honda Pilot Technology The 2026 Honda Pilot comes standard with a 12.3-inch color touchscreen featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across every trim. Google built-in with a three-year unlimited data plan is now standard lineup-wide, adding built-in navigation and voice assistant features without needing a paired phone. Higher trims add wireless charging, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a Bose premium audio system with 12 speakers, plus CabinWatch and CabinTalk systems that let front-seat occupants keep an eye and an ear on rear-seat passengers. Safety and Driver Assistance Comparison Safety is one area where none of these four SUVs cut corners, though the details of their standard coverage differ. Families cross-shopping this segment will find that all four SUVs treat core safety technology as standard equipment rather than a costly add-on. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Safety The 2026 Santa Fe includes Hyundai's suite of standard driver-assist technology across the lineup, an important consideration for families who spend a lot of time on the road together. The XRT trim's new off-road driving modes for mud, snow, and sand also contribute to safer handling in adverse conditions. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Standard Safety Technology: Forward collision-avoidance assist Blind-spot collision warning Lane keeping assist Rear cross-traffic collision warning 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Safety The 2026 Grand Highlander comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, across every trim in the lineup. Families hauling a full load of passengers benefit from the standard eight-passenger seating combined with a comprehensive base level of safety equipment. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Standard Safety Technology: Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection Lane departure alert with steering assist Dynamic radar cruise control Blind spot monitor 2027 Kia Telluride Safety The 2026 Kia Telluride pairs its new engine and longer wheelbase with Kia's Driving Assist 2 system, standard across the lineup. The X-Pro trim adds an underbody camera system and electronic limited-slip differential, which can also aid safety and control in low-traction conditions. 2027 Kia Telluride Standard Safety Technology: Forward collision-avoidance assist Blind-spot collision warning Lane centering assist Rear occupant alert 2026 Honda Pilot Safety The 2026 Honda Pilot comes standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive features across every trim in the lineup. Higher trims add CabinWatch and CabinTalk. This feature lets front-seat occupants monitor and communicate with rear-seat passengers without turning around. Honda Pilot Standard Safety Technology: Collision mitigation braking system Road departure mitigation Adaptive cruise control Lane keeping assist 2026 SUV Pricing and Value On sticker price alone, the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe has a clear edge over the 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander, 2027 Kia Telluride, and 2026 Honda Pilot. The 2026 Santa Fe base price undercuts every competitor in this group while still offering a competitive standard engine and a hybrid option across most of the lineup. When you factor in Hyundai's well known warranty coverage, the 2026 Santa Fe price starts to look like it buys quite a bit more value than the sticker alone suggests. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe prices range between $35,050 and $47,600 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander prices range between $42,855 and $55,045 2027 Kia Telluride prices range between $39,190 and $56,790 2026 Honda Pilot prices range between $42,395 and $54,990 Test Drive a 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe at Tulsa Hyundai Each of these three-row SUVs rewards a different kind of buyer. 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander offers the widest spread of powertrain choices. 2027 Kia Telluride pairs a brand-new engine with a longer, roomier cabin. 2026 Honda Pilot delivers proven V6 power and best-in-class cargo space. 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe stands out by combining hybrid efficiency, bold styling, and a price that undercuts its rivals. Stop by Tulsa Hyundai to see the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe in person, compare trims side by side, and take one out for a test drive. If you’re not interested in the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe, then check out our plethora of other Hyundai vehicles. We carry the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6. We have an extensive certified pre-owned inventory where we’ll help you find something you enjoy. Contact Tulsa Hyundai Phone: (918) 779-3302 Address: 9777 S Memorial Dr, Tulsa, OK 74133