Mazda 2 Maxx vs Hyundai Accent Active – Which Car Should I Buy?

QUESTION - BRUCE:
I drive about 1000km per month, mostly in the suburbs. I am considering a Mazda 2 Maxx or an equivalent Hyundai.

Ideally, I would like a full-size spare tyre.

BUDGET: $20000

ANSWER - BYRON: As you did not specify which Hyundai model you meant when comparing it to the Mazda 2 Maxx, we have taken the liberty of assuming you meant the Accent, since that competes in the same class.

From $14,990 (manual) or $16,990 (auto), the Hyundai Accent Active 1.4-litre has quite a lot of things going for it compared to the Mazda 2 Maxx 1.5L - a lower starting price, more interior space, a larger boot, a five-year (instead of three-year) warranty, and a full-sized spare wheel (instead of a temporary space-saver spare wheel). Please note that the Accent is also available as an Active SR from $16,990 (auto: $18,990) with a powerful 1.6L engine. This too is cheaper than the Mazda.

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But the Mazda 2 Maxx (from $17,690 for the manual or $19,690 for the automatic) is more fuel efficient, agile, comfortable, refined, modern, and fun to drive, and should have superior resale value compared to the Hyundai. And it is more powerful than the Accent Active 1.4. And, reflecting the fact that it is a newer model on the market, only the Mazda offers the added safety and security of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB – or Smart City Brake Support) as a $400 option. Overall, then, this would make it our pick.

Additionally, there is also the more basic Mazda 2 Neo from $14,990, which closes the price gap between it and the base Accent altogether, yet loses none of the appeal of the more upmarket Maxx.

Please do keep in mind that the manufacturers’ recommended retail prices are not set in stone, and that many do advertise lower priced specials on a regular basis. And we do recommend that you drive each car as to find out which one you prefer, as each does offer a different experience from behind the wheel.