Foreign-made budget cars have always been and will be in demand among Russian consumers. In this regard, on the Web at auto forums, users often ask themselves the question: which is better - Kia or Hyundai? The reviews of the owners of these machines are not always unambiguous, but, nevertheless, there are a lot of them, which means that there is a demand.
Particularly noteworthy are the budget series "Spectra" from "Kia" and "Accent" from "Hyundai". They account for the majority of purchases. And at the same time, there are disputes about which is better - the Kia Spectra or the Hyundai Accent. Reviews, as mentioned above, do not always help, so there is something to deal with here. Moreover, both brands recently pleased their fans with updates to these series. But first things first.
Let's try to determine which car is better - Kia or Hyundai from the Spectra and Accent series, respectively. Let's consider both cars from all sides, find the pros and cons, and also listen to what the owners say about these models.
Exterior
To answer the question of which car is better - "Kia" or "Hyundai", first of all we will analyze the appearance of the cars. If you put "Spectra" and the updated "Accent" side by side, then their relationship will be visible to the naked eye. Yes, both brands are part of the same concern, but, nevertheless, there is still a noticeable difference in the exterior.
"Spectra" is larger in size and, moreover, the diameter of its wheels is increased compared to the "Accent". Both cars have the same smooth lines, narrow grilles under the hood and noticeably rounded headlights.
A clear difference can be seen in the trunk. At the Spectra, it is clearly distinguished, while at the Accent it is underestimated in the manner of liftbacks. This solution was especially popular in the early 2000s. So if you choose which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent in terms of design, then, judging by the reviews, motorists are divided into two equal parts.
Interior
If, in terms of the exterior, the Spectra has gone a little ahead, then things are a little different with the interior. Both cars seem to be left in the last century, even despite a decent list of modern equipment on board. And here it is rather difficult to determine which is better - Kia or Hyundai.
Reviews about the interior of both cars are very different. The massive deflectors of the Spectra (photo above) are very reminiscent of the Moskvich or European rarities of the 70s and 80s. The front panel is decorated in the old American style: narrow and barely noticeable scales, as well as a speedometer in miles, which clearly do not contribute to the normal perception of readings.
The airbag covers and radio look like greetings from the future against this background, diluting the dull interior of the cabin and making it a little more presentable. But, judging by the reviews, the owners are ready to forgive the Spectra panel for its archaism for the incredible comfort of seating. The seats here are made of really high quality and with an eye to advanced ergonomics: a soft cushion, anatomical profiles and fine adjustment of the position to the individual characteristics of the driver.
If we evaluate which is better - the Kia Spectra or the Hyundai Accent in terms of interior, then the latter is in a clearly advantageous position. And the difference is very noticeable. There are no questions about the Accent seats: soft, comfortable and a lot of adjustments. The front panel (see photo above), unlike the Spectra, is fresh and already reminds of the current century, not the past.
The deflectors of the Accent are strict, all the elements are at hand, and the instruments have convenient and easily perceived scales in kilometers. Despite the fact that the entire panel is made of medium-quality plastic, it looks, judging by the reviews, very attractive.
Test drive "Accent"
If we compare which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent in terms of efficiency, then the latter will be the loser. The owners in their reviews complain about the decent fuel consumption of the Accent. In the city, the car “eats” 10 liters per hundred, but maybe all 12. Naturally, there are no such problems on the highway thanks to fifth gear.
In addition, the four-speed automatic transmission proved to be not the best way and is not very reliable. While there are only positive reviews about the five-step mechanics.
Both cars received 105 horsepower engines, but the Accent has better dynamics due to its smaller dimensions. Due to this, the car does not start off as smoothly as the Spectra, so it can be called to some extent sports, where you need to competently work with gas and not spare speed.
Chassis
Chassis "Accent" is quite quiet. Even with the active use of the car on bumps and country roads, the parts do not creak and remain in place. Here we have a universal option, equally good for both the city and the countryside.
Test drive "Spectra"
The gearboxes of both cars are almost identical, as well as the problems voiced above. The five-speed mechanics of the Spectra proved to be excellent in different conditions and, judging by the reviews, does not cause any complaints. A four-speed automatic is much less reliable, and experienced motorists are advised not to consider this option.
There are no complaints about fuel consumption - a solid average. The car “eats” exactly one liter less than the “Accent”, that is, 9 liters in the city and 6-7 on the highway. The Spectra's speakers are noticeably smaller due to its large dimensions, and the car has a gentle start, and calm drivers will certainly appreciate the slightly muffled throttle response.
Chassis
The suspension is quite soft and does not allow serious rolls even if you turn the steering wheel properly. However, the car does not tolerate obvious bumps. Large bumps are felt in the cabin and do not affect the chassis in the best way. For frequent trips on rural roads or potholes, the Spectra is not very suitable. This is a calm and measured city car or a traveler on good roads.
So in this case, it is quite difficult to determine which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent, and it all depends on the place where the car is used. As a universal option, the last car with a reliable chassis is suitable. Well, the Spectra path is megacities and routes with infrequent trips on dirt roads.
Finally
In general, both cars deserve to be bought and earn their money. As such, the machines have no serious complaints, especially given their low cost. Both Spectra and Accent were remembered by car service workers with a list of classic problems for these cars.
The owners in their reviews note the following nuances of the operation of both machines:
- It is necessary to change the rear suspension shock absorbers every 30-40 thousand km.
- Be prepared for automatic transmission clutch failure at any time.
- The radiator, together with pipes, leaks after about 60 thousand km of active operation.
- Wheel bearings will need to be bought every 50 thousand km.
Of the more specific problems, the owners note the quickly breaking front panel latches on the Spectrum. They begin to make noise even on a flat road. Some of the latest Accent models are equipped with mediocre backstage for a manual transmission, which also serves as a source of noise and problems with gear shifting.
At specialized automotive forums, the question is often asked - which budget car should be purchased as the first after a domestic car - Hyundai Accent or Kia Spectra? causes a significant number of answers, but most of them boil down to the statement that the cars are built on the same platform, so there is no significant difference between them. Is it really possible to put an equal sign between Hyundai Accent and KIA Spectra?
Hyundai Accent and KIA Spectra - comparison of Korean state employees
a cursory glance
Honored Workers
If you put the cars side by side, their relationship will become clearly visible - indeed, the KIA and Hyundai brands are part of the same concern. However, among the two "brothers" it will not be difficult to find the older one - Spectra, as well as wheels of increased diameter compared to Accent. Otherwise, they are very similar - the same smooth lines, fashionable in automotive design of the 90s, narrow grilles and rounded headlights. But the KIA Spectra has a slightly more clearly defined trunk, while the Accent has it lowered down in the manner of liftbacks.
Foreign-made budget cars have always been and will be in demand among Russian consumers. In this regard, on the Web at autoforums, users often ask themselves the question: what is better - Kia or Hyundai? The reviews of the owners of these machines are not always unambiguous, but, nevertheless, there are a lot of them, which means that there is a demand.
Particularly noteworthy are the budget series "Spectra" from "Kia" and "Accent" from "Hyundai". They account for the majority of purchases. And at the same time, there are disputes about which is better - the Kia Spectra or the Hyundai Accent. Reviews, as mentioned above, do not always help, so there is something to deal with here. Moreover, both brands recently pleased their fans with updates to these series. But first things first.
Let's try to determine which car is better - Kia or Hyundai from the Spectra and Accent series, respectively. Let's consider both cars from all sides, find the pros and cons, and also listen to what the owners say about these models.
Exterior
To answer the question of which car is better - "Kia" or "Hyundai", first of all we will analyze the appearance of the cars. If you put "Spectra" and the updated "Accent" side by side, then their relationship will be visible to the naked eye. Yes, both brands are part of the same concern, but, nevertheless, there is still a noticeable difference in the exterior.
"Spectra" is larger in size and, moreover, the diameter of its wheels is increased compared to the "Accent". Both cars have the same smooth lines, narrow grilles under the hood and noticeably rounded headlights.
A clear difference can be seen in the trunk. At the Spectra, it is clearly distinguished, while at the Accent it is underestimated in the manner of liftbacks. This solution was especially popular in the early 2000s. So if you choose which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent in terms of design, then, judging by the reviews, motorists are divided into two equal parts.
Interior
If, in terms of the exterior, the Spectra has gone ahead a little, then things are a little different with the interior. Both cars seem to be left in the last century, even despite a decent list of modern equipment on board. And here it is rather difficult to determine which is better - Kia or Hyundai.
Reviews about the interior of both cars are very different. The massive deflectors of the Spectra (photo above) are very reminiscent of the Moskvich or European rarities of the 70s and 80s. The front panel is decorated in the old American style: narrow and barely noticeable scales, as well as a speedometer in miles, which clearly do not contribute to the normal perception of readings.
The airbag covers and radio look like greetings from the future against this background, diluting the dull interior of the cabin and making it a little more presentable. But, judging by the reviews, the owners are ready to forgive the Spectra panel for its archaism for the incredible comfort of seating. The seats here are made of really high quality and with an eye to advanced ergonomics: a soft cushion, anatomical profiles and fine adjustment of the position to the individual characteristics of the driver.
If we evaluate which is better - the Kia Spectra or the Hyundai Accent in terms of interior, then the latter is in a clearly advantageous position. And the difference is very noticeable. There are no questions about the Accent seats: soft, comfortable and a lot of adjustments. The front panel (see photo above), unlike the Spectra, is fresh and already reminds of the current century, not the past.
The deflectors of the Accent are strict, all the elements are at hand, and the instruments have convenient and easily perceived scales in kilometers. Despite the fact that the entire panel is made of medium-quality plastic, it looks, judging by the reviews, very attractive.
Test drive "Accent"
If we compare which is better - the Kia Spectra or the Hyundai Accent in terms of economy, then the latter will be the loser. The owners in their reviews complain about the decent fuel consumption of the Accent. In the city, the car “eats” 10 liters per hundred, but maybe all 12. Naturally, there are no such problems on the highway thanks to fifth gear.
In addition, the four-speed automatic transmission proved to be not the best way and is not very reliable. While there are only positive reviews about the five-step mechanics.
Both cars received 105 horsepower engines, but the Accent has better dynamics due to its smaller dimensions. Due to this, the car does not start off as smoothly as the Spectra, so it can be called to some extent sports, where you need to competently work with gas and not spare speed.
Chassis
Chassis "Accent" is quite quiet. Even with the active use of the car on bumps and country roads, the parts do not creak and remain in place. Here we have a universal option, equally good for both the city and the countryside.
Test drive "Spectra"
The gearboxes of both cars are almost identical, as well as the problems voiced above. The five-speed mechanics of the Spectra proved to be excellent in different conditions and, judging by the reviews, does not cause any complaints. A four-speed automatic is much less reliable, and experienced motorists are advised not to consider this option.
There are no complaints about fuel consumption - a solid average. The car “eats” exactly one liter less than the “Accent”, that is, 9 liters in the city and 6-7 on the highway. The Spectra's speakers are noticeably smaller due to its large dimensions, and the car has a gentle start, and calm drivers will certainly appreciate the slightly muffled throttle response.
Chassis
The suspension is quite soft and does not allow serious rolls even if you turn the steering wheel properly. However, the car does not tolerate obvious bumps. Large bumps are felt in the cabin and do not affect the chassis in the best way. For frequent trips on rural roads or potholes, the Spectra is not very suitable. This is a calm and measured city car or a traveler on good roads.
So in this case, it is rather difficult to determine which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent, and it all depends on the place where the car is used. As a universal option, the last car with a reliable chassis is suitable. Well, the Spectra path is megacities and routes with infrequent trips on dirt roads.
Finally
In general, both cars deserve to be bought and earn their money. As such, the machines have no serious complaints, especially given their low cost. Both Spectra and Accent were remembered by car service workers with a list of classic problems for these cars.
The owners in their reviews note the following nuances of the operation of both machines:
- It is necessary to change the rear suspension shock absorbers every 30-40 thousand km.
- Be prepared for automatic transmission clutch failure at any time.
- The radiator, together with pipes, leaks after about 60 thousand km of active operation.
- Wheel bearings will need to be bought every 50 thousand km.
Of the more specific problems, the owners note the quickly breaking front panel latches on the Spectrum. They begin to make noise even on a flat road. Some of the latest Accent models are equipped with mediocre backstage for a manual transmission, which also serves as a source of noise and problems with gear shifting.
When choosing a budget class car, many people ask: which is better - Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent? Their price is quite comparable, the technical characteristics are approximately the same, the external design is in the same vein. And if there are no personal claims (or, on the contrary, gratitude) to one of the manufacturers, then the choice is really very difficult.
It would seem - take the one that is sold closer to home or liked the color. But most of us buy a car with a long view. Few people are going to change it to a new one in 3-4 years, unless extreme indicators are forced. So, taking a model at random, you risk that for a decade, or even longer, you will implicitly reproach yourself for an unsuccessful purchase.
Consumables, efficiency, convenience - everything should be evaluated, and meticulously and harshly. It is not necessary to focus on what compatriots buy more, in the case of Kia Spectra and Hyundai Accent. Both models are equally common on our streets. Yes, and the statistics confirm: their sales volumes are equal.
What is better, Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent, is argued by both owners and those who have just set their sights on buying, but have already acquired their point of view. Let's try to compare models impartially.
visual impressions
Outwardly, both models are very similar: smooth outlines, soft-shaped headlights, and a narrow radiator grille. However, there are certain differences:
- The Spectra has a more pronounced, somewhat raised trunk, while the Accent has a little in this regard;
- Accent is more compact than its competitor. Spectra is larger (almost 25 cm longer and 6.5 wider), and the wheels have a larger diameter;
- With almost equal ground clearance, the Spectra will nod more, not only due to a centimeter lag in ground clearance, but also due to the extended front overhang. Hyundai Accent owners assure that they can easily overcome not very high curbs, Kia Spectra is in most cases not available.
Inside the cabin
If we evaluate the models from the inside, then the difference is more noticeable.
- In terms of visibility, the Spectra confidently overtakes an opponent whose mirrors are smaller and narrower. In dense city traffic, this is an essential remark;
- In the design of the dashboard, the model of the authorship of the Hyundai concern looks more elegant. The opponent has small scales, and additional indicators in miles only confuse;
- But for convenience, the Spectra breaks ahead again. The successful back profile is also adjustable, the seat is moderately soft and does not sag under weight. Again, the legs are quite spacious. The Accent is frankly cramped: the knees rest on both the front riders and the rear ones. Yes, and the width of the rear sofa for three is cramped - slightly smaller dimensions affect;
- Oddly enough, for its size, the Accent outperforms its competitor by as much as 30 liters in terms of trunk volume. For family travel, this can be important.
Technical features
Let's start with the fact that the rivals in question have different engines: the Accent has a volume of 1.5 liters and produces 102 horses, on board the Spectra has a 1.6-liter unit with a power of 105 hp. However, one should not immediately come to seemingly obvious conclusions.
Accent's acceleration takes only 10.5 seconds compared to almost 13 Spectra. It is understandable - the mass of the latter is still 165 kg. more.
Maneuverability much better again with the Hyundai model. She is more responsive to the supply of traction. The enemy she came across is more clumsy and slow.
However, despite the less powerful engine, Accent has a fair appetite: out of town, don’t count on less than 6 liters per hundred (against 5.5 for Spectra), and in traffic light mode, consumption increases to 12, although the manufacturer promises 10. Spectra in this respect, more moderate, and spends a little more than 9 in traffic jams.
As for the suspension, its class is about the same for both models, although the Spectra is softer and better conceals road bumps. Accent has a very quiet running suspension, but it transmits even minor bumps in height.
So what to choose? If you focus on the rhythm of life of a person who chooses what is better than Kia Spectra or Hyundai Accent, then for those who mainly move along the streets of megacities, the latter is still more suitable. Despite the greed for fuel, it significantly wins in terms of briskness, and it will be more convenient and faster to make your way through traffic jams and lanes. If you often travel with your family - at least to a country cottage - stop at the Kia Spectra: it is more comfortable on a long drive and more economical.
