The 2021 Hyundai Accent is one of just a few remaining extra-small cars on sale today. Most automakers are abandoning the market to focus on building small crossover SUVs. Yet Hyundai remains committed to building small, affordable and feature-rich sedans.
The Accent was fully redesigned in 2018 and carries on into the 2021 model year with no significant updates. That's not a bad thing since the Accent offers excellent fuel economy, a good mix of features, and a spacious and comfortable interior. It might not be the fastest car on the market, but its performance is about average for this class.
Though competitors are dwindling, the Accent does have a few rivals. The Toyota Yaris is both its strongest competitor and our top-ranked extra-small sedan. We also like the redesigned Nissan Versa, which combines a surprisingly premium-feeling cabin with a good number of safety features and decent passenger space. There's also the Kia Rio, a car that shares just about everything with the Accent beneath the sheet metal, though we think the Rio is somewhat sportier to drive.
A compact sedan low on power shouldn't be this fun, but the Hyundai Accent feels sporty thanks to a responsive engine, transmission and suspension. A roomy cabin helps atone for some of the Accent's notable deficiencies, including shapeless front seats and weak infotainment features. Overall, the Accent is easy to use, gets great mileage and is refreshingly simple.
How does it drive?
7.0
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 also remains stable even when cornering on bumpy surfaces, 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.
How comfortable is it?
7.0
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.
How’s the interior?
8.0
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 of the front thanks to a low hood and dashboard. There's also a decent view out of the back since the trunk isn't too high.
How’s the tech?
6.0
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.
How’s the storage?
7.0
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.
How economical is it?
9.0
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.
Is it a good value?
8.5
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 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' coverage.
Wildcard
7.0
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 Edmunds recommend?
The base SE model is one of the most affordable new cars on sale today. But we think you'll be happier if you step up to the midgrade SEL trim. With it you get the near essential Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration plus alloy wheels and a six-speaker audio system.
Hyundai Accent models
The 2021 Hyundai Accent is available in three trim levels: SE, SEL and Limited. All three are powered by a 1.6-liter inline-four (120 hp, 113 lb-ft). The base SE is available with a six-speed manual transmission. A continuously variable automatic transmission is available on the SE and standard on the SEL.
SE
Standard features include:
USB and Bluetooth smartphone connections
Four-speaker audio system
Cruise control
Power windows
Power door locks with keyless entry
5-inch central display screen
SEL
Stepping up to the SEL, you get all the SE features plus:
Alloy wheels
Six-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Automatic headlights
Foglights
Two USB ports
Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
Limited
Besides all of the SEL's features, the Limited trim includes:
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Sunroof
LED headlights
17-inch alloy wheels
Heated front seats
Push-button ignition
Automatic climate control
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Sponsored cars related to the Accent
Consumer reviews
There are no consumer reviews for the 2021 Hyundai Accent.
Available only on Accent Limited, forward collision warning alerts you to an impending collision and brakes automatically if necessary.
Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
Offer stronger stopping power than the base model's rear drum brakes. Standard on SE and Limited trims.
Blue Link
Connects you to your car for emergency collision notification, maintenance reminders and smartphone app features such as remote start.
NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
4 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
4 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
4 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
11.3%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Side Impact Test
Good
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good
Hyundai Accent vs. the competition
Hyundai Accent vs. Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is our top-rated extra-small sedan. We like the Yaris' wide array of affordable features, attractive interior and nimble handling. That said, it's slow even for this class. Compared to the Accent, the Yaris has less passenger and cargo space as well as slightly worse fuel economy. From features to affordability, the two cars are just about even on everything we're looking for in a small sedan, so picking one over the other really comes down to how much you value sporty handling.
The Nissan Versa was fully redesigned for 2020, gaining snazzier styling, more features and even more interior space. The Versa has a larger trunk and more room in the front seats, though the Accent wins out for rear-seat passenger space. We do like that Nissan offers more advanced safety features for the Versa than Hyundai does for the Accent.
The Rio and the Accent are mechanically related. The two share the same engine and overall interior space. The Rio is slightly less expensive than the Accent, and it's tuned to have somewhat sportier handling, though that means the Accent is a little more comfortable on the road. The Accent also offers a wider array of features including a sunroof and heated front seats.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 Accent both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.2 out of 10. You probably care about Hyundai Accent fuel economy, so it's important to know that the Accent gets an EPA-estimated 33 mpg to 36 mpg, depending on the configuration. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Accent has 13.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Hyundai Accent. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Hyundai Accent?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Hyundai Accent:
The Accent is essentially unchanged for 2021
Part of the fifth Accent generation introduced for 2018
To determine whether the Hyundai Accent is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Accent. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Accent's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Hyundai Accent a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Hyundai Accent is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 Accent and gave it a 7.2 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 Accent is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Hyundai Accent?
The least-expensive 2021 Hyundai Accent is the 2021 Hyundai Accent SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $15,395.
Other versions include:
SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $15,395
Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $19,500
SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $16,495
SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $17,750
If you're interested in the Hyundai Accent, the next question is, which Accent model is right for you? Accent variants include SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M), Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), and SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Accent models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
More about the 2021 Hyundai Accent
2021 Hyundai Accent Overview
The 2021 Hyundai Accent is offered in the following submodels: Accent Sedan. Available styles include SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M), Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), and SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT).
What do people think of the 2021 Hyundai Accent?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for
the 2021 Hyundai Accent and all its trim types.
Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what
other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database.
Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior,
exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a
comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2021 Accent.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2021 Hyundai Accent and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2021 Accent featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2021 Hyundai Accent?
2021 Hyundai Accent SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)
The 2021 Hyundai Accent SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $19,050. The average price paid for a new 2021 Hyundai Accent SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is trending $438 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $438 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $18,612.
The average savings for the 2021 Hyundai Accent SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is 2.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:
We are showing 1 2021 Hyundai Accent SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2021 Hyundai Accents are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings
of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2021 Hyundai Accent for
sale near. There are currently 16
new 2021 Accents listed for sale in your area, with list
prices as low as $17,655 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the
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you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find
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Find a new Hyundai Accent for sale - 7 great deals out of 22 listings starting at $8,632.
Find a new Hyundai for sale - 3 great deals out of 11 listings starting at $19,588.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2021 Hyundai Accent?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you
that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make
higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand,
can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a
new car every three years or so.
