In the UAE, three names continue to dominate the compact sedan segment: the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Sunny, and Hyundai Accent. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or upgrading from an older model, these three affordable sedans deliver a mix of fuel efficiency, reliability, and smart features.
But if you’re stuck choosing between them, this guide is for you.
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In this detailed comparison of Yaris vs. Sunny vs. Accent, we’ll break down how each 2025 model performs in the UAE — focusing on fuel economy, maintenance cost, resale value, and the features offered in their top trims. You’ll also see which one offers the best bang for your dirham.
Let’s dive right in.
Fuel Efficiency & Engine Performance
When buying a compact sedan in the UAE, fuel economy often tops the checklist. Thankfully, all three sedans deliver solid mileage. But how do they compare?
Toyota Yaris 2025 – The Mileage Champion
- Engine: 1.3L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 97 hp
- 0-100 km/h: ~13 seconds
- Claimed fuel efficiency: ~22 km/L
- Real-world city driving: ~19.2 km/L
The Yaris clearly wins in fuel economy. It’s built for efficient city commuting and handles daily UAE traffic smoothly. Though not the fastest, it’s the most frugal — great for anyone doing 100+ km a day.
Nissan Sunny 2025 – A Balance of Power & Efficiency
- Engine: 1.6L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 118 hp
- 0-100 km/h: ~10.7 seconds
- Claimed fuel efficiency: ~19.2 km/L
- City driving: ~17.8 km/L
The Sunny adds a little more punch under the hood while still keeping things economical. It’s the all-rounder — suitable for both urban runs and longer highway trips.
Hyundai Accent 2025 – Best for Highway Cruising
- Engine: 1.5L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 115 hp
- 0-100 km/h: ~11.5 seconds
- Claimed fuel efficiency: ~18.9 km/L
- Highway driving: ~19.1 km/L
The Accent sits between the two. It delivers solid performance and is especially efficient on highways, making it a smart pick for Sharjah-Dubai commuters.
Fuel Economy Verdict:
Go with the Yaris if fuel savings matter most.
Pick the Sunny for a nice mix of speed and efficiency.
Choose the Accent if you want a slightly bigger engine and do a lot of highway driving.
Maintenance & Reliability
Keeping a car running smoothly in the UAE’s heat is crucial. Here’s how these three stack up in terms of service cost, part availability, and long-term reliability.
Toyota Yaris – Proven Reliability, Fewer Visits
- Service interval: 15,000 km
- Average service cost: AED 285
- Notable: Very few mechanical issues over time
Toyota is famous for reliability, and the Yaris lives up to it. You’ll visit the workshop less often, and even when you do, costs are quite low. Yes, some parts (like brake pads or filters) are slightly pricier, but they last long.
Plus, Toyota offers up to a 160,000 km warranty on some trims — giving you peace of mind.
Nissan Sunny – Simple, Affordable Upkeep
- Service interval: 10,000 km
- Average service cost: AED 320
- Parts: Widely available, cheaper than Toyota
The Sunny keeps things basic and affordable. Many taxi fleets run on Sunnys, which says a lot about their dependability. The CVT transmission and tried-and-tested engine make servicing simple and cost-effective.
Spare parts are cheaper too. The only downside? More frequent visits due to shorter service intervals.
Hyundai Accent – Inexpensive to Maintain
- Service interval: 10,000 km
- Warranty: 5 years / 150,000 km
- Cost: On par or slightly lower than Toyota/Nissan
Hyundai’s come a long way in reliability. The Accent 2025 gets a strong warranty and low-cost parts. With promotions from Juma Al Majid (Hyundai’s UAE dealer), you might even get free services for the first few years.
Maintenance Verdict:
The Yaris wins on reliability and fewer services.
The Sunny is your best bet if you want cheap parts and don’t mind a few extra visits.
The Accent is modern, backed by a long warranty, and very affordable to keep.
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Resale Value
Cars in the UAE tend to change hands quickly. So it’s smart to think about resale value even before you buy. Here’s how the 2025 models compare.
| Car | 3-Year Retention | 5-Year Retention |
| Toyota Yaris | ~71% | ~55% |
| Nissan Sunny | ~65% | ~48% |
| Hyundai Accent | ~68–70% | ~50–53% |
Toyota Yaris – The Resale King
Toyota’s brand power means the Yaris always sells well in the second-hand market. You might pay more upfront, but you’ll also get more back when you sell.
Nissan Sunny – Slightly Lower, But Still Solid
The Sunny’s resale is decent, though lower than the Yaris. Why? Fleet usage (many Sunnys are used as taxis), which floods the used market. But it’s still a trusted name, and demand remains strong among budget buyers.
Hyundai Accent – Catching Up Fast
The Accent’s resale value is quickly catching up to the Japanese brands, especially with newer models. The 2025 model feels more premium and holds value better than previous generations.
Resale Verdict:
If you want the highest resale, go with Yaris.
If budget is tighter now and you plan to keep the car for years, the Sunny makes sense.
If you want modern features and decent resale later, Accent is a good in-between.
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Top Trim Features
Even though these cars are considered “budget sedans,” the top trims pack in some impressive features. Let’s see what you get.
Toyota Yaris 2025 G Trim
- 7–9” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
- Wireless charging
- 6-speaker audio system
- 360° camera (in some markets)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure alert
- Pre-collision braking
- Driver fatigue monitor
- Keyless entry & push-button start
- Optional hybrid system
The Yaris goes big on safety tech, offering features typically found in higher-end Toyotas. Plus, the hybrid option is a game-changer for eco-conscious drivers.
Nissan Sunny 2025 SL Plus
- 7” touchscreen with smartphone integration
- Wireless phone charging (available from SV trim)
- Forward collision warning
- Emergency braking assist
- Blind spot warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Cruise control
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Best-in-class rear legroom
- Large 490L trunk
The Sunny focuses on space and safety — it’s the most spacious of the three and offers essential driver aids without complicating things.
Hyundai Accent 2025 Premium
- 8” touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto
- Wireless charging pad
- Sunroof (top trim)
- Digital instrument cluster
- SmartSense: Forward collision assist, Lane keeping assist, Blind-spot avoidance
- Rear occupant alert
- Rearview camera with sensors
- Remote engine start
- Auto A/C and premium cabin materials
The Accent is tech-loaded — offering features even some mid-size sedans skip. Its smart safety suite and digital cluster make it feel a class above.
Tech Verdict:
Yaris for top-tier safety features
Sunny for space + essential tech
Accent for the most modern cabin and features
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Summary: Yaris vs. Sunny vs. Accent
Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
| Feature | Toyota Yaris | Nissan Sunny | Hyundai Accent |
| Fuel Efficiency | Best | Good | Good |
| Maintenance | Infrequent & cheap | Cheap parts | Low cost, good warranty |
| Resale Value | Highest | Decent | Improving |
| Technology | Best safety | Basic & useful | Best infotainment |
| Interior Space | Smallest | Roomiest | Mid-range |
| Price (Top Trim) | ~AED 74K | ~AED 81.5K | ~AED 58K |
So, which one should you choose?
- Pick the Toyota Yaris if you want unbeatable fuel savings, fewer service visits, and excellent resale.
- Choose the Nissan Sunny if you prioritize cabin space, low running costs, and a reliable workhorse.
- Go with the Hyundai Accent if you want premium features, modern tech, and strong warranty coverage — all for less money.
Whichever compact sedan you choose, you’re getting a reliable, efficient ride that fits the UAE lifestyle perfectly. These three are top contenders in the budget sedans UAE category, and none will disappoint.
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