2020 Hyundai Accent Review

　　

2020 Hyundai Accent Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Finding a roomy, safe and exceptionally fuel-efficient small sedan just got easier with the 2020 Hyundai Accent. Freshly overhauled two years ago, the Accent delivers comfort and value at a price that would make a car shopper smile. Its econo-car styling actually hides a car that drives sportier than it looks, thanks to a responsive engine and well-calibrated suspension.

　　We're not talking autobahn-ready performance here, but the Accent is surprisingly nimble, and it makes for a sensible and stylish subcompact choice.

　　There's a fuel-efficient twist for 2020, with a new four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission combination rated to return 36 mpg combined. Based on our testing, that's not only a realistic number but also perhaps a bit conservative. After hundreds of miles, we found our test car exceeded its EPA ratings by several mpg.

　　The downside? This new engine makes even less power than its anemic predecessor. That engine at least offered quick pedal response and an available manual transmission that somewhat offset its weak power. With just 120 horsepower, this new engine isn't likely to be much more inspiring. That said, it's also still available with a six-speed manual transmission.

　　Overall, the Accent is a handsome car that will endure the daily grind with minimal fuss. We think drivers with longer commutes won't regret choosing this Accent over a larger, more expensive car. It's a solid pick for its satisfying combination of performance, utility, comfort and style.

　　Notably, we picked the 2020 Hyundai Accent as one of zzdcar' Best Gas Mileage Cars for 2020.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.2

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Accent drive? Economy cars such as the Accent aren't known for performance, but the Accent will surprise you with its nimble nature. Despite vague steering, this Hyundai is agile and stable when going around turns. It remains stable even when cornering on bumpy surfaces, too, which isn't always the case with this class of car.

　　But you'll need to plan ahead for passing and merging since the engine feels weak at high rpm. The Accent went 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds in our testing, which is average for an economy compact.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Accent? The Accent doesn't offer much beyond basic comfort. Its cloth front seats are pretty flat, with almost no bolstering and support. They also absorb heat, making long trips on hot days a challenge.

　　We're more impressed with the Accent's suspension tuning. While the car's body can bob around a bit on undulating road surfaces, it rarely feels out of sorts. The suspension also does a good job absorbing the jolts from sharp-edged bumps such as potholes or uneven pavement. The Accent is also pleasantly quiet at idle. And once out on the road, it only allows in a modest amount of road and tire noise.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? Like most small cars, the Accent prioritizes cabin size over comfort. The dash slopes forward to create a roomy feel, and front headroom is excellent. The driving position is OK, but some taller drivers might wish the Accent had a telescoping steering column.

　　The wide front- and rear-door openings make for easy access in and out of the car, but the sloping roofline will force taller passengers to duck on the way in. That sleek styling also compromises rear headroom. As for visibility, you'll find it easy to see out the front thanks to a low hood and dashboard. There's also a decent view out the back since the trunk isn't too high.

　　

Technology

6.0/10

　　How’s the tech? We expect limited technology features on a budget model, but the Accent takes minimalist tech to an extreme. Aside from unimpressive sound quality from the SE trim's stock audio system, the USB outlet doesn't provide enough current to charge today's crop of smartphones while they're tasked with playing music or navigating.

　　The SE's radio is strictly AM/FM, though it can play music from external devices using USB, Bluetooth and the auxiliary jack. Listening via Bluetooth while charging with the cigarette lighter worked best. Bluetooth pairing is fairly easy if slow.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The Accent's trunk offers decent utility. On paper, its 13.7 cubic feet of space is only average, but the trunk opening is large and the load height is low. Actual real-world utility is solid. The Accent also has 60/40-split folding seatbacks. They don't fold flat, however, which defeats some of the trunk's utility. Cabin storage is fairly agreeable but nothing special.

　　Installing car seats is relatively easy, with three easily accessed top tethers and four car seat anchors in the seat cushions. Bulky rear-facing seats will likely require scooting the front seats forward because of the limited rear legroom.

　　

Fuel Economy

9.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA rates the Accent with the automatic transmission at 36 mpg in combined city/highway driving, or 33 mpg with the manual, which means it's one of the more efficient cars out there. Pleasingly, our real-world testing backed up these numbers.

　　

Value

8.5/10

　　Is the Accent a good value? The Accent is about as bare-bones as it gets, but it's also very affordable and gets great mileage. It's also built surprisingly well. We heard nary a squeak nor a rattle in our testing, and in overall fit and finish, it rivals cars many times pricier. Hyundai's bumper-to-bumper and powertrain warranties are strong and last longer than most other automakers'.

　　

Wildcard

7.0/10

　　The Accent competes in a fairly pedestrian and budget-oriented class, but it's actually a pretty engaging small car thanks to lively handling and responsive engine. It truly makes routine driving a pleasure, not a chore, and you don't mind sliding in those cloth seats and turning the key. More power would be welcome, but we like the Accent's fuel efficiency as it is.

　　

Which Accent does zzdcar recommend?

Even if the Accent's primary appeal is its affordability, we think the price increase from the base SE to the SEL (both automatic transmission) is worth it. For the extra money, the SEL offers upgrades such as alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, a telescoping steering wheel, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features you'll appreciate in the long run.

　　

2020 Hyundai Accent models

The 2020 Hyundai Accent is a four-door sedan that straddles the line between subcompact and compact. It's offered in base SE, SEL and Limited trim levels.

　　All Accent models use a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (120 horsepower, 113 lb-ft of torque) and either a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission. The Accent is front-wheel-drive.

　　The SE covers the basics and comes standard with features such as a six-speed manual transmission, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, a 5-inch touchscreen display, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD and USB/auxiliary inputs. The automatic transmission is optional.

　　The SEL adds more style (alloy wheels), performance (rear disc brakes) and functionality, including a telescoping steering wheel, a 7-inch touchscreen, dual USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited comes with more conveniences including a sunroof, heated front seats and advanced safety features that aren't available on the two lower trims.

　　

2020 Accent Highlights

Trim: SESELLimitedSE

　　

Base MSRP	$15,295
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	33 MPG
Cost to Drive	$113/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles