2012 Hyundai Accent Review
Price: $8,499





+107
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong engine
- plenty of standard and optional features
- feels bigger than it is
- engaging style inside and out
- long warranty.
Cons
- Limited rear visibility in hatchback
- competitors offer more options
- fuel economy not as good as estimates suggest.
What’s new
Fully redesigned, the 2012 Hyundai Accent features a more powerful and efficient engine, a new four-door hatchback body style and upgraded interior.
Edmunds says
Larger, sharper and more fuel-efficient, the redesigned 2012 Hyundai Accent deserves buyer consideration as an affordable, stylish new car.
For sale near Attleboro, MA
130 listings
- 59,260 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 28 City / 37 Hwy MPG
- Grieco Hyundai of Johnston (13 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
Close
Located in Johnston, RI
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
31 Combined MPG (28 City/37 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KMHCU5AE9CU009961
Stock: Y59517A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-24-2025- 49,710 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 28 City / 37 Hwy MPG
- South Easton Motor Sales (13 mi away)
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Trip Computer
- Rear Bench Seats
- Stability Control
Close
Located in South Easton, MA
The 2012 Hyundai Accent 4dr Sdn Auto GLS, finished in an elegant Cyclone Gray, embodies a blend of sophistication and practicality. This compact yet r...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
31 Combined MPG (28 City/37 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KMHCT4AEXCU046885
Stock: 24585
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-03-2025
Vehicle overview
With Hyundai gripped by a frenzy of redesigns and new product launches, it was only a matter of time before the automaker sent its subcompact Accent to get fit. The 2012 Hyundai Accent is so thoroughly awakened from a life of invisibility that its transformation reads like a classic Hans Christian Andersen fable.
Before, the Accent perfectly represented the bland aesthetics and underwhelming excitement that most subcompact buyers settled for. This all-new version of the entry-level Hyundai now shares the sharp styling of the similarly reimagined Sonata and Elantra, making it more an object of pride than embarrassment for a new owner.
Offered as either a sedan or hatchback, the fourth-generation Accent's wheelbase has grown 3 inches, yielding a more accommodating interior that, like other new Hyundai models, features an attractive finish and a long list of standard conveniences. Equally noteworthy is the new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that boasts strong power and fuel economy for the segment. A pair of new six-speed transmissions rounds out the powertrain upgrades.
The Accent's redesign now enables it to run with stiff competition. The Honda Fit offers a more versatile interior, the Ford Fiesta packs more technology, the Mazda 2 handles better, and the redesigned Kia Rio shares similar underpinnings but with bolder styling. Then there's the new Chevrolet Sonic, which is perhaps the most well-rounded of them all. Still, the Hyundai Accent is invisible no more and definitely deserves a look.
Performance & mpg
The 2012 Hyundai Accent's sole engine is a new 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder that produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. The front-wheel-drive Accent is available with either a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic with a fuel-economy-boosting Eco mode. In Edmunds performance testing, an Accent GLS with the automatic went from zero to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds -- a fairly quick time for the class.
EPA fuel economy estimates with the automatic transmission are 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined with the automatic transmission and 28/37/32 with the manual.
Safety
All 2012 Hyundai Accents come with a long list of standard safety features including antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags.
In Edmunds brake testing, the Accent came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet, an average distance for this class of car.
In government crash testing, the Accent received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, overall frontal protection and overall side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Accent the highest possible rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset and roof strength tests, but the second-best rating of "Acceptable" in the side impact test.
Driving
In the times of 500-plus-horsepower supercars, the 2012 Hyundai Accent's 138-hp output might sound paltry. Yet this sophisticated direct-injection four-cylinder pulls significantly stronger than the power plants of its major competitors (with the exception of the turbocharged Chevy Sonic). Both the six-speed manual and the six-speed automatic transmissions make good use of that output, too. Under hard acceleration, the engine remains smooth but can get rather noisy.
On the road, the Accent provides both a comfortable ride and decent handling. What it lacks in sporty steering and suspension settings, it compensates for with balance and composure -- criteria likely more important to buyers shopping this segment.
Interior
Along with extending its footprint, the 2012 Hyundai Accent's new interior dimensions graduate it from the subcompact segment into the EPA's official "compact" class. Much of the Accent's additional space comes from the rear seat, with more headroom and legroom making the backseat ride comfortable for even 6-foot passengers. The sloping roof line does eat into some available headroom, however, and fifth passengers will find the rear seat's raised center section useful only when walking is the remaining option.
Although the front seats are suitably roomy, taller drivers may bemoan the lack of a telescoping steering wheel. The hatchback also features some compromised rearward visibility. But overall, the Accent's patterned upholstery fabric and updated dash, consoles, trim and storage nooks contribute to an upscale feel for a car of this class.
The Accent sedan offers relatively large trunk space at 13.7 cubic feet. The four-door hatchback, meanwhile, provides 21.2 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats up and 47.5 cubic feet when folded.
2012 Hyundai Accent models
The 2012 Hyundai Accent is a compact four-door sedan or four-door hatchback. The sedan is offered only in base GLS trim, while the hatchback comes in GS and the top-line SE trims.
The GLS sedan comes equipped with 14-inch steel wheels, power door locks, a tilt steering wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, a trip computer and an audio prep package with four speakers. Options include a Comfort package with air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, cloth door inserts and the rest of the sound system (including a CD player, satellite radio and iPod and auxiliary audio input jacks). All of these features are included on a GLS with automatic transmission.
The Premium package offered on automatic-equipped GLS models bundles together foglights, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, premium cloth upholstery, upgraded interior trim, a center storage console with sliding armrest, cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth.
The GS hatchback adds body-color mirrors and door handles, a rear window wiper, keyless entry and a driver seat armrest to the features included with the GLS Comfort package. Stepping up to the SE hatchback adds 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and the equipment from the Premium package.

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Compare 2012 Hyundai Accent trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#11 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$362/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Frequency
1.07x/yr
vs. 1.22x/yr
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
Severity
8.9%
vs. 10.1%
for Average Subcompact Car
for Average Subcompact Car
powered by RepairPal
Hyundai Accent Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2012 Hyundai Accent GLS Automatic Experience
4.75 out of 5 starsfssrk1, 08/13/2011
2012 Hyundai Accent GLS 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
I recently purchased a 2012 Hyundai Accent sedan with the premium package and automatic transmission.
My last car was a 2003 Honda Civic DX sedan with automatic transmission. An extremely reliable car and averaged about 28-32 mpg in the city.
Just a note certain color Accent are made in Pusan Korea such as the Clearwater blue color on my car. There should be no difference in quality … but very minor difference on parts such as Hankook tires versus an American brand.
The car rides smoothly in Eco mode but a little slow to accelerate. My gas mileage was 27 mpg on first refuel but there is a 600 mile engine wear in period.
Overall happy with the car and bought it at invoice price $16,900.
First impressions--Accent SE Hatchback
4.75 out of 5 starsuptowndoug, 06/26/2012
2012 Hyundai Accent SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
I considered a number of sub-compacts, including the Honda Fit, Kia Soul, Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta before deciding on the Accent hatchback SE. Main considerations were price, fuel economy and warranty length.
It's only real competitor for me was the Kia Soul, but at only 34 mpg and about a grand more, I chose the Accent.
I paid $16,900 in Sacramento CA for a brand new one with … nearly all the options available.
So far, after two weeks, here are some first impressions.
Two fill ups and about 800 miles:
only getting 30mpg so far combined city and freeway.
Smooth riding, plenty of pep.
Comfy, plenty of leg and head room.
Stereo could be more powerful. Ipod lacks volume.
Never Thought I'd Own A Hyundai
5 out of 5 starslarryw1978, 12/20/2014
2012 Hyundai Accent SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
I bought my Hyundai Accent Pre-Owned. The color got my attention. The test drive stole my hear! I wanted something affordable and easy on gas - was reluctant at first because I am big guy and didn't to drive something I could barely fit in! Wasn't the problem at all. I drive quiet a bit in Houston daily, so traffic traffic traffic, so I guess getting 31 mpg is good for me - fill up … roughly every 4 days and the most it has cost $24.00. I love how it handles and everything it offers. My only complaint is how low it is to the ground - the rear view mirror is level with almost everyone's head lights - people here are to cheap to repair headlights a lot drive with brites on - annoying!
Awesome Car Totally
4.88 out of 5 starsluvmyaccent, 10/05/2011
2012 Hyundai Accent GS 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
Had this car for two weeks and love this car, got mocha bronze hatchback.
this car is everything i want and needed in a car, 36 miles per gallon so far, drives will, a/c is great, stero is nice lots of room, But No spare tire or jack, went to discount tire got a tire and rim for $93.00 brand new full size and fits in spare spot. This car has great pickup and fun to drive, price was under … $17,000.
The bronze mocha is a hard color to find.
I got mine smile, only bad thing is the visalabilty out of the rear window.
no regrets on getting this car at all, I love it. Test drive one and you will fall in love with it
2012 Accent Highlights
Hatchback
GS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,695 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 32 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $120/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 21.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Accent include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
4 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall4 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall4 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat3 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover12.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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