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2016 Kia Rio vs Hyundai Accent

2016 Kia Rio
2016 Hyundai Accent

2016 Kia Rio LX

Starting MSRP:

$14,165 *

Power Mirrors:

Standard

Horsepower:

138 @ 6300 rpm

Overall Side Crash Rating:

5 Stars

Front Leg Room:

43.8 in

2016 Hyundai Accent SE

Starting MSRP:

$14,745 *

Power Mirrors:

Not Standard

Horsepower:

137 @ 6300 rpm

Overall Side Crash Rating:

4 Stars

Front Leg Room:

41.8 in

2016 Kia Rio vs 2016 Hyundai Accent

Serving St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Largo

The compact vehicle class is an enormous one, with scores of models available. If you are in the market for a new car and want excellent fuel economy, decent maneuverability, and an acceptable list of convenience features, you might be surprised to learn that your list suddenly becomes a short one. Two standout compact models that fit the above criteria are the 2016 Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent. Both offer plenty of features for the price, but the Rio comes out on top in several categories. The differences are slight, but can certainly influence your decision on which model to purchase.

Performance

The 2016 Kia Rio comes with a 1.6L, 138-horsepower engine. The acceleration is quite good, and the transmission is smooth-shifting. The base LX trim gets excellent fuel efficiency at 37 mpg on the highway with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The exciting Eco package comes with an automatic engine shutdown feature that kicks in when the car comes to a halt, with the engine restarting when the brake is released. The 2016 Hyundai Sonata has about the same fuel efficiency but is a bit more sluggish during acceleration.

Value

The base price on the 2016 Kia Rio is around $1,000 less than the Hyundai Accent. This is the case on both the base trims and up-level versions. Both vehicles are available as a sedan or hatchback, but the list of convenience features differs between the two models. For example, Bluetooth is standard on the Rio but optional on the Accent. The Rio offers better storage options thanks to the split-folding rear seatbacks. If you choose the up-level Kia Rio SX, you get a wonderfully upgraded instrument cluster, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and navigation system. The Accent can be purchased with upgraded materials and a driver information package, but this version costs quite a bit more.

Safety

Everyone wants their car to last, so taking a close look at the safety features and warranty information is vital when making a purchase decision. Both the 2016 Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent come with a full 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. What makes the Rio stand out, however, is its government crash test scores. The Rio earned a 5-star rating for total side-impact protection and a 4-star "Good" rating for overall crash protection. On the other hand, the Accent barely made the "Acceptable" rating in several collision/crash categories. Both vehicles can be purchased with a rearview camera and other driver alert systems, but the optional packages on the up-level Rio versions won't squeeze as much money from your bank account as will the top-of-the-line trim on the Accent. All in all, the Rio keeps you safer for less money.


The best way to choose from similar models is to test drive them. When you get behind the wheel and take the car for a spin, you get a feel for handling, acceleration, ride smoothness, and user-friendliness. To find out for yourself what the 2016 Kia Rio offers, contact our Kia dealership in St. Petersburg and schedule your own test drive. The Rio will impress you with its long list of features, and you will see for yourself why this model continues to be a best-seller.

* MSRP: Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest model trim. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options and dealer charges.