What To Know
- The Yaris matches the Accent’s standard safety features and adds a few of its own, such as Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and brake assist.
- It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it comes with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a four-speaker audio system.
- Both the Accent and Yaris offer a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The subcompact car segment is a battleground for affordability, efficiency, and practicality. Two of the most popular contenders in this arena are the Hyundai Accent and the Toyota Yaris. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll pit these two against each other in a detailed comparison of their 2017 models, exploring their features, performance, safety, and overall value.
Design and Styling
Hyundai Accent: The Accent boasts a sleek and modern design with sharp lines and a hexagonal grille. Its compact dimensions and aerodynamic shape give it a sporty and nimble appearance.
Toyota Yaris: The Yaris, on the other hand, has a more rounded and understated look. Its petite size and playful curves lend it a charming and approachable aesthetic.
Interior Space and Comfort
Hyundai Accent: The Accent offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for its size. Front seats provide ample headroom and legroom, while the rear seats can accommodate two adults comfortably. The interior is well-appointed with soft-touch materials and a user-friendly dashboard layout.
Toyota Yaris: The Yaris has a slightly smaller interior than the Accent, but it still manages to offer decent space for its occupants. The front seats are supportive, but the rear seats are best suited for short trips or children. The interior is basic but functional, with durable materials and a straightforward design.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Hyundai Accent: The Accent comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 130 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides adequate power for city driving and highway cruising. Its fuel economy is rated at 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.
Toyota Yaris: The Yaris is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 106 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. While less powerful than the Accent, it delivers impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Hyundai Accent: The Accent comes standard with a suite of safety features, including ABS, stability control, traction control, and six airbags. It also offers optional features such as lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Toyota Yaris: The Yaris matches the Accent’s standard safety features and adds a few of its own, such as Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and brake assist.
Technology and Convenience
Hyundai Accent: The Accent features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also comes with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a six-speaker audio system.
Toyota Yaris: The Yaris offers a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota’s Entune system. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it comes with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a four-speaker audio system.
Price and Value
Hyundai Accent: The base Accent SE starts at $15,400, while the top-of-the-line Accent Limited comes in at $19,200.
Toyota Yaris: The base Yaris L starts at $14,860, while the top-of-the-line Yaris SE Premium starts at $17,880.
Which One is Right for You?
The Hyundai Accent and Toyota Yaris are both excellent choices in the subcompact car segment. The Accent offers more power, space, and features, while the Yaris delivers better fuel economy and a more affordable starting price.
Choose the Accent if:
- You prioritize performance and interior space
- You want a variety of safety and technology features
- You’re willing to pay a bit more for a more well-rounded package
Choose the Yaris if:
- You’re on a budget and fuel efficiency is your top priority
- You prefer a smaller, more agile car
- You’re looking for a basic and reliable subcompact
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which car has the better warranty?
Both the Accent and Yaris offer a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
2. Is the Accent or Yaris more reliable?
Both cars have a solid reputation for reliability, with the Yaris consistently ranking higher in J.D. Power’s reliability surveys.
3. Which car has a better resale value?
The Toyota Yaris typically holds its value better than the Hyundai Accent.