Kia Rio vs Hyundai Accent Mechanicsburg PA

The 2014 Kia Rio is an entry-level five-passenger sedan with a starting MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) of $13,900 for the basic versions of its four primary styles.

The 2014 Hyundai Accent is similar to the Rio, acting as a five-passenger sedan with an MSRP of $14,645, though it is limited to just two primary styles.

Both vehicles are available in a hatchback variant for additional cargo room, though these models won't be compared here.

Exterior Features

As an entry-level vehicle, the Kia Rio focuses on providing a practical and affordable set of exterior features, including power-heated exterior mirrors and a black mesh grille. More luxurious variants add in numerous features like turn-signal indicators in the mirrors and LED positioning lights.

The Hyundai Accent also offers a basic selection of exterior features such as manual folding mirrors and body-colored door handles. Fog lights and projector headlights are available as options. As is expected for this price range, there aren't too many exterior features for drivers to make use of.

 

Interior Features

The interior of the Kia Rio is where most of the owner's time will be spent, and Kia has worked hard to provide comfort while still keeping the cost low. While the full infotainment system is only available on the advanced styles, even the basic version provides a comprehensive four-speaker audio system, complete with auxiliary input to help support alternate devices. Audio controls are mounted in the steering wheel as a standard function, while the Active Eco System is constantly working to maximize fuel efficiency.

The Hyundai Accent focuses on helpful conveniences like a one-touch triple turn signal to help clarify intentions and all of the expected bags and pockets that a vehicle should have. While the features aren't precisely luxurious, they do get the job done in a reasonable amount of comfort.

Engine Specifications

The Kia Rio runs a 1.6L, 4-cylinder engine with the choice of manual transmission (on its basic style) or automatic transmission (available on all styles). The vehicle has been rated at a very comfortable 27 city/37 highway miles per gallon, with an 11.4-gallon tank providing an estimated basic range of 307.8 miles.

The Hyundai Accent has an almost identical engine, with the same basic 1.6 liters and 4 cylinders fed from an 11.4-gallon tank. Fuel economy is not notably different, at 27 city/38 highway miles per gallon. For these reasons, the overall engine power of the two vehicles is not a good basis for comparing them.

Conclusion

There's only so much you can do to separate entry-level vehicles, since their prices don't allow for too much variation. As such, the choice between the Kia Rio and the Hyundai Accent shouldn't be made on the basis of power or performance - they're already almost identical. The big differences can actually be found in the little features.

With that in mind, the Kia Rio is the better choice for most families. The audio system provides high-quality entertainment at all times and is really where the vehicle shines. However, any driver looking to get more from their vehicle may want to consider going up to at least the EX style (MSRP: $16,800), which brings the car out of the range of entry-level and into a much more comfortable level. If the added cost can't be justified, though, the basic LX style is pretty much the ideal of what an affordable vehicle should be. It may not be too fancy, but it is comfortable and fun to drive, and that's what really matters.

Interested in test driving the Kia Rio?  Stop by your Kia dealership in Mechanicsburg, PA!