Hyundai Accent 1.6 E MT (2014) vs Kia Picanto 1.2 AT (2018)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Hyundai Accent 1.6 E MT (2014) vs Kia Picanto 1.2 AT (2018) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Hyundai Accent 1.6 E MT (2014) Hyundai ₱728,000 | Kia Picanto 1.2 AT (2018) Kia ₱696,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2014 | 2018 |
| Warranty | Unlimited/5-years | 100,000 km/3-years |
| Availability | Discontinued | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1582cc | 1248cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated - CRDi VGT | Natural aspirated |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gas |
| Max Power | 128 PS @ 4000 rpm | 84 PS @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 260 Nm @ 1900-2750 rpm | 122 Nm @ 4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed M/T | 4-Speed A/T |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Segment | B | B |
| Construction | Unibody | Unibody |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 2+3 |
| Length (mm) | 4370 | 3595 |
| Width (mm) | 1700 | 1595 |
| Height (mm) | 1457 | 1485 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2570 | 2400 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1165 | 913 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | — | 35 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut Type w/ Coil Spring | MacPherson Strut with Stabilizer + Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle + Coil Spring |
| Front Wheels | 14" Steel | 15 Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 14" Steel | 15 Alloy |
| Front Tires | 175/70 R14 | 185/55 R15 |
| Rear Tires | 175/70 R14 | 185/55 R15 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Drum | Drum |
| Steering Type | hydraulic | EPS |
| Steering Column | tilt | Tilt |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | No |
| Brake Assist | No | No |
| Parking Sensors | No | No |
| Stability Control | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | No | No |
| Hill Descent Control | No | No |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | Yes | Yes |
| Knee Airbag | No | No |
| Passenger Airbag | Yes | Yes |
| Front Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | No | No |
| Engine Immobilizer | No | No |
| Security Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Door Locking | Standard | Central Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Manual | Manual Aircon |
| Rear A/C Vents | No | Yes |
| Seat Material | Fabric | Fabric |
| Parking Brake | Manual | Manual |
| Key Type | Standard Key | keyless Entry |
| Push-Button Start | No | No |
| Cruise Control | No | No |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | No |
| Paddle Shifters | No | No |
| Reverse Camera | No | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | No | No |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | No |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Touchscreen | No | No |
| Navigation | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Apple CarPlay | No | No |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| AUX Input | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | Yes | Yes |
| DVD Player | No | No |
| MP3 Playback | Yes | Yes |
| iPod Support | No | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Speakers | — | 4 |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | Halogen | Halogen |
| Fog Lights | No | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | No | Yes |
Hyundai Accent 1.6 E MT (2014) vs Kia Picanto 1.2 AT (2018): which should you buy?
Choose the Hyundai Accent if you prioritize power, torque, and long-distance driving. Its diesel engine (128 PS, 260 Nm) offers strong acceleration and likely better fuel economy for highway use, plus a longer wheelbase and sedan body provide more passenger and cargo space. The 5-year unlimited warranty is a bonus despite being discontinued. However, it only comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, which may be less convenient in heavy traffic. Opt for the Kia Picanto if you want a more affordable, modern, and city-friendly car. It costs ₱32,000 less, has a 4-speed automatic transmission ideal for stop-and-go traffic, and its compact hatchback (3,595mm length) makes parking and maneuvering easier. The gasoline engine (84 PS) is adequate for urban commuting but lacks power for overtaking on highways. The Picanto is currently available, while the Accent is discontinued. For daily commuting in Metro Manila, the Picanto's automatic and size advantage wins; for provincial or highway driving, the Accent is superior.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper?
The Kia Picanto 1.2 AT (2018) is cheaper at ₱696,000 compared to the Hyundai Accent 1.6 E MT (2014) at ₱728,000.
Which is more powerful?
The Hyundai Accent is significantly more powerful with 128 PS and 260 Nm of torque versus the Kia Picanto's 84 PS and 122 Nm.
Which is better for daily commuting in the city?
The Kia Picanto is better for city commuting due to its automatic transmission, smaller size (easier to park and maneuver), and lower price. The Accent's manual transmission may be tiresome in traffic, but its diesel torque is good for quick acceleration.
What are the fuel type differences?
The Hyundai Accent uses diesel (CRDi VGT), which typically offers better fuel economy and torque, while the Kia Picanto uses gasoline, which is generally cheaper per liter but less fuel-efficient. Diesel engines may also have higher maintenance costs.