2021 Toyota Vios vs Hyundai Accent: Two rivals face-off
Sedans have been a long-time favorite of Filipinos. They’re relatively more affordable than crossovers, SUVs, and MPVs, and they’re arguably easier to live with due to having a smaller profile. So, despite the aforementioned vehicle type’s popularity in the present, sedans will always be a fixture in the Philippine market, and one of the most competitive too.
Now two of the most popular sedans in the country right now are the Toyota Vios and the Hyundai Accent, and since the early 2000s, these two have always been rivals. So, what about the present? How does the top-spec Vios compare against the Accent? Well, let’s find out with this spec sheet battle.
Why the top-spec variants? Well, the Vios GR-S and the Accent GL CRDi’s prices are pretty close. The Toyota has a standard retail price of Php 1,020,000, while the Hyundai model has a price tag of Php 1,038,000.
Let's find out which sedan is better on paper
2. Toyota Vios vs Hyundai Accent: Dimensions
In terms of size, the top-of-the-line Toyota Vios GR-S 1.5 CVT has an overall length of 4,467mm, a width of 1,730mm, and a height of 1,475mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,550mm, and a ground clearance of 133mm.
Meanwhile, the top-spec Hyundai Accent GL 1.6 CRDi AT is 4,440mm long, 1,729mm wide, and 1,460mm in height. Its wheelbase measures at 2,600mm, and it has a ground clearance of 140mm
Compare the Toyota Vios GR-S (left) and the Hyundai Accent GL CRDi AT (right) using the slider function
In summary, the Vios GR-S is longer, wider, and slightly taller than the Accent GL. The Korean-branded sedan however comes with a longer wheelbase, and a bit more ground clearance.
As for exterior equipment, the Vios GR-S, is a sporty-looking variant equipped with front and rear bumper skirts, a rear spoiler, and side skirts. It also has LED front foglamps, LED headlamps and taillamps, LED daytime running lamps, and a set of 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Accent in turn is equipped with halogen headlamps and LED taillights. It rides on a set of 15-inch steel wheels. It also lacks the body kits and rear spoiler that’s available to its Toyota-made rival.
2021 Toyota Vios vs Hyundai Accent: Interior
Inside, both the Vios GR-S and Accent GL CRDi can comfortably seat up to five people. The seats on the Vios however, are all clad in leather, while the ones on the Accent are wrapped in fabric. Moreover, the Hyundai model uses a manual air-conditioning system, while the Vios features an automatic air-conditioning unit. The aforementioned manual AC on the Accent does have rear vents, which the Vios lacks.
Inside the Toyota Vios GR-S
Both do come with a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, but the one on the Toyota is leather-wrapped, whereas the Accent GL’s steering wheel is covered in polyurethane. Also, the Vios has a push to start button, while the Accent GL has a turn-key type ignition system. Both however are equipped with an analog gauge cluster, a digital trip computer, and USB charging ports. Lastly for interior amenities, the Vios GR-S comes standard with a 12-volt accessory outlet, while the Accent GL is not.
The Hyundai Accent's dashboard
As for on-board entertainment, the Vios GR-S comes standard with a seven-inch touchscreen that’s capable of connecting to smartphones via Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto. It is then linked to a six-piece speaker system.
The Accent GL meanwhile, gets a 3.5-inch LCD display with Aux and USB connectivity, as well as a set of four speakers.
2021 Toyota Vios vs Hyundai Accent: Engine and Performance
Regarding engines, the top-spec Vios GR-S is propelled by a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline mill capable of making up to 106 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Of note, this CVT for the GRS has a manual mode with 10 simulated gears. The said mode can be controlled via paddle shifters.
In contrast, the Accent GL CRDi uses a 1.6-liter diesel mill. At most, this engine can produce up to 128 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. It is also a front-wheel-drive vehicle, and it uses a six-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of suspension systems, both of these sedans are similar in that they both use a MacPherson strut front suspension, and a torsion beam rear suspension. The Vios GR-S does come with disc brakes all around, whereas the Accent GL has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. For parking brakes, both are also similar as both come standard with a hand-operated manual parking brake.
| Specs | Toyota Vios GR-S 1.5 CVT | Hyundai Accent GL 1.6 CRDi AT |
| Engine | Inline-4 gasoline | Inline-4 diesel |
| Displacement | 1.5-liters | 1.6-liters |
| Transmission | CVT | Six-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 106 horsepower | 128 horsepower |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel-drive | Front-wheel-drive |
2021 Toyota Vios vs Hyundai Accent: Safety
As a top-spec variant, the Toyota Vios GR-S is well-kitted in terms of safety. It comes standard with seven airbags, stability and traction control, speed-sensing door locks, a car alarm, an engine immobilizer, and hill start assist. It also gets a reverse camera.
In comparison, the Accent GL CRDi gets dual front airbags. That’s it.
6. Accent vs Vios: Variants & Price
| Toyota Vios Variants | Price |
| Vios Base 1.3 MT | Php 681,000 |
| Vios J 1.3 MT | Php 707,000 |
| Vios XE 1.3 CVT | Php 753,000 |
| Vios XLE 1.3 MT | Php 801,000 |
| Vios E 1.3 MT | Php 851,000 |
| Vios XLE 1.3 CVT | Php 851,000 |
| Vios E 1.3 CVT | Php 901,000 |
| Vios G 1.5 MT | Php 911,000 |
| Vios G 1.5 CVT | Php 970,000 |
| Vios 1.5 GR-S CVT | Php 1,020,000 |
| Hyundai Accent Variants | Price |
| Accent GL 1.4 MT (w/o Airbags) | Php 790,000 |
| Accent GL 1.4 MT | Php 838,000 |
| Accent GL 1.4 AT (w/o Airbags) | Php 838,000 |
| Accent GL 1.4 AT | Php 890,000 |
| Accent GL 1.6 CRDi MT | Php 910,000 |
| Accent GL 1.6 CRDi AT | Php 1,038,000 |
2021 Toyota Vios vs Hyundai Accent: Conclusion
Now obviously, the Toyota Vios GR-S gets a smaller, less powerful engine than the Accent GL 1.6 CRDi. And of course, there’s also the point that the Accent’s inline-4 mill is a diesel, so naturally it produces significantly more torque than the Vios GR-S.
The Vios GR-S from the rear
In turn however, the Vios GR-S just has more in the way of interior amenities. It also has a much more comprehensive safety kit, and arguably it will feel and look sportier as well. The latter of course, is due to its body kits and paddle shifters.
So, to conclude, a car buyer who needs power could consider the Accent GL CRDi. In turn, a buyer who wants more in the way of comfort, usability, and safety might want to lean towards the Vios GR-S a bit more.
The Hyundai Accent's rear end
For more car comparisons like this, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.