Hyundai i20 vs. Ford Fiesta: which is better?

Struggling to choose between the Hyundai i20 and Ford Fiesta? Read our comparison to ensure you make the right decision

Mild-hybrid superminis are taking over the world because of their compact sizes and incredible fuel efficiency.

Two of the best examples money can buy are the Hyundai i20 and Ford Fiesta, because they’re affordable, small, great to drive and very efficient.

You can also get a great deal on a used Ford or used Hyundai model, making them a cost-effective choice.

But which is better for you?

Styling

on the left is a Hyundai i20's headlight and on the right is a Ford Fiesta's wheel

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so we can’t tell you which is the better looking, but we can certainly pick out various design cues you should be aware of.

The Ford Fiesta has broadly looked the same for years, but the latest and final seventh-generation car that was introduced in 2017 brought sharper and sportier styling (especially with the Fiesta ST).

Hyundai’s i20, on the other hand, has changed the most since it first came out in 2008. It’s gone from a bulbous, rather boring-looking car to one of the most attractive superminis money can buy.

Its angled creases and funky wheels make it a very cool little thing to whip about in, with the top-spec i20N looking even sportier thanks to some red accents and a rear-mounted spoiler.

What are they like to drive?

on the left is a Hyundai i20 and on the right is a Ford Fiesta, both driving on a road

In their most basic forms, both the Hyundai and Ford are cracking little cars to drive. They offer a comfortable ride and plenty of poke for around town and longer motorway drives.

Both cars can be had with either a manual or automatic gearbox, so no matter what you prefer you’ll be comfortable.

Fuel efficiency is good too, with the Fiesta offering up to 57.6mpg and the i20 getting 40.8mpg.

But if sporty and economical driving is up your street, then look no further than the Fiesta ST and i20N.

The ST is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost engine that produces 200hp and offers a fun driving experience on the UK’s roads.

The i20N, on the other hand, has a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 203hp.

Either way you look at it, you’re getting something that’s fun, sporty and economical thanks to the onboard mild-hybrid technology.

Interior and technology

on the left is a Hyundai i20's interior and on the right is a Ford Fiesta's interior

When you step inside either car, you’ll find a simplistic layout with soft-touch materials and great features as standard.

Some of these include air-conditioning, height-adjustable driver’s seat, DAB radio, infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB charging.

However, as you move up the range to the Fiesta Vignale and i20 Ultimate, you can get more features such as a heated steering wheel, climate control, heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, and mood lighting.

Boot space and practicality

on the left is a Hyundai i20's boot and on the right is a Ford Fiesta's boot

Being superminis, you can’t expect there to be loads of boot space, but you may also be surprised to see what you do get.

The Fiesta gets a 292-litre boot and the i20 gets a slightly larger 352-litre one. This is plenty of space for the weekly food shop, some small suitcases, or even some small sports equipment.

The space inside the cabin isn’t too bad either. Taller passengers sitting in the back may not have the most space on longer journeys, but for shorter journeys or sitting upfront, these two cars are great if you’re more than six feet tall.

Safety and reliability

on the left is a Hyundai i20's mild hybrid electric motor and on the right is a Ford Fiesta's engine

There’s very little you should worry about reliability-wise because both Ford and Hyundai are known for offering well-built cars – especially since these two are some of their best sellers.

Parts are always readily available and you get good warranties with both from the factory – plus the addition of cinchCare offers added protection for your used vehicle purchase.

Regarding safety, both cars scored highly in their most recent Euro NCAP crash tests, offering high adult and child occupant safety.

This is thanks to some great onboard safety features including lane assist system, speed assistance and automatic emergency braking for vulnerable road users.

Size and dimensions

Hyundai i20

Length: 4,040mm

Height: 1,450mm

Width: 1,750mm

Bootspace: 352 litres

Ford Fiesta

Length: 4,040mm

Height: 1,476mm

Width: 1,735mm

Bootspace: 292 litres

Verdict: Hyundai i20 vs Ford Fiesta: which should you buy?

If you’ve read our full comparison of the i20 and Fiesta and still can’t quite decide which you prefer, then perhaps our quick verdict will help you with your decision.

We’d recommend the Hyundai i20 if you’re a new driver who doesn’t need a large car and is after a solid supermini that’s great around town and on the occasional longer road trip.

The Fiesta, on the other hand, is also good for first-time drivers but offers increased fuel economy, which is always a bonus – especially amid fuel price hikes.

Either way, you’re getting a solid little car that will get you from A to B without breaking a sweat. Plus, they’re more affordable than a standard-sized hatchback.