2016 Hyundai Accent Review
2016 Hyundai Accent Review





+16
Used Accent for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong acceleration
- comfortable and quiet ride
- spacious cabin has an upscale ambience
- long warranty.
Cons
- Below-average fuel economy
- no rearview camera or parking sensors available
- middling crash-test scores.
What’s new
For 2016, the Hyundai Accent receives minimal changes. The base GLS sedan and GS hatchback trim levels have collectively been renamed the SE. Besides that, a leather-wrapped steering wheel is now a package option on the base sedan, while a sunroof is no longer available on the Sport hatchback.
Edmunds says
With handsome styling, above-average performance and solid build quality, the 2016 Hyundai Accent represents a strong choice for a small sedan or hatchback in the subcompact-car class.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2016 Hyundai Accent SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.42 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$138/mo
Accent SE
vs
$182/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Shopping for a small, affordable commuter car is more fun than it used to be. Do you want a subcompact hatchback that can haul lots of gear? Or perhaps you'd rather have one with a really nice interior and lots of amenities. Or maybe you just want to maximize your fuel economy. There's now a pint-size sedan or hatchback to satisfy nearly every taste. Within the traditional subcompact class, the 2016 Hyundai Accent is a fine option for buyers who want a little of everything.
Though there's nothing flashy about the 2016 Accent, it's a handsome car in both the sedan and hatchback body styles. It's also the sort of car that will impress you with its ability to endure the daily grind with minimal fuss. For starters, it's one of the quicker cars in this class, and that's an advantage you'll appreciate every time you accelerate up to highway speeds. Both the automatic and manual transmissions work well, so deciding between them is a matter of preference. What's more, the Accent rides well on the highway and its cabin stays quiet. So even if your commute is longer, you won't have regrets about choosing this Hyundai over a larger, more expensive car. Passenger space is also generous for this class, and transporting a couple of adults in the backseat on occasion is no problem.
The biggest downside to the Hyundai Accent is fuel economy. Not only are its EPA fuel economy estimates lower than those of most subcompact rivals (not to mention some compact cars), we've found it difficult to match these numbers in real-world driving. Rearward visibility is also challenging on the hatchback version, and no rearview camera is offered. Finally, desirable features like a keyless ignition, navigation system, smartphone integration and even a sunroof are simply not available.
Although the 2016 Hyundai Accent is one of our top recommended cars in this class, you'll likely want to check out some of the competition before making up your mind. The Honda Fit is another of our favorites, thanks to its abundant cargo space, reconfigurable rear seats and impressive fuel economy. If you're looking for a sportier driving experience, you'll want to try the Ford Fiesta, which also has an above-average interior and many available tech features. The newcomer Scion iA is another alternative if premium amenities are a must, and its EPA ratings are near the top of the class. You could also look at the Accent's cousin, the Kia Rio. It's essentially the same car in a different wrapper, but offers a few more optional features, including navigation and a rearview camera.
On the other hand, if you're not set on having a particular feature or squeezing every last mile out of a gallon of fuel, the 2016 Accent offers compelling value, and Hyundai backs it up with a long warranty.
Performance & mpg
Every 2016 Hyundai Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 137 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. Buyers have a choice between a six-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic, both of which drive the car's front wheels. In Edmunds performance testing, an Accent sedan with the automatic went from zero to 60 mph in 9.8 seconds, while an automatic-equipped hatchback did it in 9.3 seconds. Both are pretty quick times for a subcompact.
The EPA's estimated fuel economy with the automatic transmission is 30 mpg combined (26 city/37 highway), and 31 mpg combined (27 city/38 highway) with the manual. These numbers aren't terribly impressive for a subcompact, and we've had a hard time matching them in real-world testing.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Hyundai Accent includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, active front head restraints, front-seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags. The SE models come with front disc and rear drum brakes, while the Sport hatchback has standard four-wheel disc brakes. Rear disc brakes are optional on the SE sedan but not on the SE hatch.
In Edmunds brake testing, an Accent sedan with the optional rear disc brakes came to a stop from 60 mph in 123 feet. An Accent hatchback (also with rear disc brakes) came to a stop in 124 feet. Both are average distances for the segment.
In government crash testing, the Accent received four out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for frontal-impact protection and four stars for side-impact protection (although the government noted an increased risk of spinal injury for rear passengers involved in side-impact crashes). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Accent the highest possible rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset and roof-strength tests and the second-best rating of "Acceptable" in the side-impact test. In the small-overlap frontal crash test, the Accent earned the lowest rating of "Poor." Its seat/head restraint design was rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
Driving
Certainly the most striking thing about driving a 2016 Hyundai Accent is its relative quickness compared with other cars in the subcompact class. Its 1.6-liter engine responds energetically when you hit the gas pedal, and there's plenty of power on tap for relaxed highway merging and passing maneuvers. Under hard acceleration, the engine remains smooth but can get rather noisy. Both the manual and automatic transmissions make good use of the engine's resources, but unless you're particularly fond of manual transmissions, it's hard to beat the convenience of the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic.
On the road, the Accent provides a quiet, comfortable ride and decent handling. Although competitors such as the Ford Fiesta have sportier steering and handling, the Hyundai feels composed in most normal driving situations and is well suited for daily commutes.
Interior
Although the Hyundai Accent is grouped in the subcompact class, it is roomier than the norm, with interior dimensions that place it in the EPA's "compact" class. The spacious rear seat offers enough headroom and legroom to allow even 6-footers to get comfortable in the outboard positions.
Up front, the well-shaped seats are roomy and supportive, and overall, the Accent feels upscale for a car in this class. The cabin has a friendly ambience, thanks to its solid build quality, patterned upholstery, stylish dash design and tasteful materials. One of the few knocks in here is the lack of technology features. Bluetooth is available in most versions, but there's no touchscreen interface or smartphone integration features.
Cargo space is above class averages, with the sedan offering a relatively large trunk with 13.7 cubic feet of capacity. The hatchback, meanwhile, provides 21.2 cubic feet of cargo volume with the rear seats up and a generous 47.5 cubic feet when they're folded down.
2016 Hyundai Accent models
The 2016 Hyundai Accent is offered as a small four-door sedan or a four-door hatchback, both of which seat five. The sedan is available only in base SE trim, while the hatchback comes both in SE and fancier Sport versions.
The SE sedan comes equipped with 14-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a driver-seat armrest, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a trip computer and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and USB and auxiliary audio inputs. The SE hatchback adds heated outside mirrors (with a driver's blind-spot viewer), a rear windshield wiper and cloth door trim; automatic-transmission versions also have cruise control.
Two options packages are available for automatic-transmission-equipped SE sedans. The Popular package adds heated mirrors, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a center console storage box with a sliding armrest. The Style package can be purchased only in combination with the Popular package and adds projector-beam headlights with LED accents, foglights, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes (instead of drum brakes), upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and an auto-up driver's window.
The Sport hatchback adds a rear spoiler and all the equipment from the Popular and Style packages.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 Hyundai Accent.
5 star(49%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(12%)
49 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
What a deal.
JPady,02/05/2017
2016 Hyundai Accent SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
I got lucky. I needed a car and there just happened to be a lot of leftover 2016 Accent's so I scored an incredible deal. $3,000+ off (including rebate) on an economy car is huge. Plus when the dealer couldn't get a manual transmission for me, he threw in automatic for no charge too.
I researched it as much as I could in a week. I considered the Rio, Versa, Fit, and iA, and the Accent … won hands down. I was looking for low price, long warranty, and I wanted power doors & windows (the entry Versa & Rio did not have those). The reliability (JD Powers, Consumers Report) was above average for the group, and I think it's the best looking too - very stylish for an econobox. And you can't beat the warranty.
The two things I didn't like were: No spare tire and no covered console storage with manual trans. I won't drive without a spare, so that became part of the negotiations (spare tire kit was $400 list). And as a final bonus, the car I got had Option Group 2 which has the console bin. ...And cruise control!
So far, I love it. This car is a real pleasure to drive. I've only had it a month, but I like it more now than when I bought it. It's the most competent sub-compact I've ever owned. No, it's not the perfect car. Heck, it's one of the cheapest on the market. But all things considered (price, features, looks, reliability, warranty, performance, economy, etc.), I would give it 6 stars if I could.
UPDATE 8-11-18: So far, so good. Still love it (but still wish it was a manual trans :-). The only problem so far was a sensor in the steering wheel needed replacing, which was covered under warranty. Overall MPG is 34.1, and the best I got was 42.5 on road trip. I alternate turning the ECO button on every other tank and the difference has been negligible (less than 1 MPG).
5 out of 5 stars
My great little gas mizer
Ken F,04/18/2016
2015 Hyundai Accent GS 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
I looked at a-lot of cars while looking for a commuter vehicle. I chose the Hyundai Accent for its styling and hatchback capability. Even though some of the reviews I looked at stated the gas mileage was fair, I have not found that to be the case. On my first trip I received 42.5 miles per gallon and with the A/C on it dropped down to 40 mpg. Its the basic car- that is what i wanted. … With the 6sp manual transmission the car was a lot of zip and the handling is not bad . The XM radio is a plus as well.
5 out of 5 stars
Loving my car!
Loving my car!,11/05/2016
2015 Hyundai Accent GLS 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
I love my 2015 Hyundia Accent GLS. I purchased it with 34,199 miles on it. It gas saver and handles very well.
5 out of 5 stars
Outstanding Value
Marc Brunetti,09/13/2016
2016 Hyundai Accent SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
Purchased 2013 Accent Sedan, and very happy with it. 116,000 miles in three years and not one problem. Drove from Florida to New York with two adults and two teenagers fully loaded and got 42 mpg on highway. Got the mpg on highway up to 51 mpg by coasting down hill. Just bought another, 2016 model. Stability control and anti lock breaking a plus. Downside: fabric on seats gets stained … too easily. Comfort on long rides. No rearview camera.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 Hyundai Accent, so we've included reviews for other years of the Accent since its last redesign.
2016 Hyundai Accent Hatchback Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $14,995
- MPG & Fuel
- 27 City / 38 Hwy / 31 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.4 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 137 hp @ 6,300 rpm
- Torque: 123 lb-ft @ 4,850 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 5 yr./ 60,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 162.0 in. / Height: 57.1 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 66.9 in.
- Curb Weight: 2,489 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 21.2 cu.ft.
Safety
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%
People who viewed this also viewed
4.8 average Rating out of 21 reviews. |
Starting at $20,650 |
See Inventory |
Starting at $15,650 |
See Inventory |
4.9 average Rating out of 7 reviews. |
Starting at $13,600 |
See Inventory |
More about the 2016 Hyundai Accent
Used 2016 Hyundai Accent Overview
The Used 2016 Hyundai Accent is offered in the following submodels: Accent Hatchback, Accent Sedan. Available styles include SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A), SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M), Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A), Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M), SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6A), and SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M). Pre-owned Hyundai Accent models are available with a 1.6 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 137 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2016 Hyundai Accent comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 2016 Hyundai Accent?
Price comparisons for Used 2016 Hyundai Accent trim styles:
- The Used 2016 Hyundai Accent SE is priced between $7,450 and$16,998 with odometer readings between 12410 and126644 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2016 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) 2016 Hyundai Accent for sale near. There are currently 72 used and CPO 2016 Accents listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $7,450 and mileage as low as 12410 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2016 Hyundai Accent.
Can't find a used 2016 Hyundai Accents you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Hyundai Accent for sale.
Find a used Hyundai for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Hyundai Accent for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Hyundai for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2016 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.
Check out Hyundai lease specials
Check out Hyundai Accent lease specials
Related Used 2016 Hyundai Accent info
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Saturn VUE 2005
- Used Volkswagen Passat 2009
- Used Chrysler 200 2011
- Used Volkswagen Beetle 1998
- Used Lamborghini Aventador 2014
- Used Nissan Pathfinder 2010
- Used Kia Optima Hybrid 2017
- Used Certified-Pre-Owned Toyota Highlander
- Used Chevrolet Camaro 2002
- Used Jaguar XJ 2017
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- INFINITI QX50 2022
- 2023 MINI Countryman
- 2022 BMW X4
- Ford F-150 2023
- 2023 Titan XD
- 2023 Hardtop 2 Door
- 2023 Audi S5
- 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
- 2022 X4
- 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Other models to consider
- 2022 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- Hyundai Kona 2022
- Hyundai Elantra 2023
- 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid
- 2022 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
- Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 2022
- 2022 Hyundai Sonata
- 2022 Sonata
- 2022 Hyundai Elantra
- 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid
Research similar vehicles
- 2022 Hardtop 2 Door
- 2023 Kia Rio
- 2022 Audi RS 5
- 2023 MINI Hardtop 2 Door
- Subaru Impreza 2022
- 2022 Venue
- Ford Mustang Mach-E 2022
- 2022 Clubman
- Audi S5 2022
- 2022 MINI Hardtop 4 Door
Recommended
- New Audi Q4 E-Tron for Sale in Lenexa, KS
- New Audi S7 for Sale in Racine, WI
- Best Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class Lease Deals in Joliet, IL
- New Audi E-Tron for Sale in Brentwood, TN
- New Audi A7 for Sale in Huntley, IL
Other models
- Used Mazda Tribute in Lutz, FL
- New Toyota Gr-Corolla for Sale in Plattsburgh, NY
- Used Nissan Altima-Hybrid in Vernon Rockville, CT
- New Toyota Gr-Corolla for Sale in Holland, IN
- New Infiniti QX60 for Sale in Chantilly, VA
- New Hyundai Kona for Sale in Stanford, CA
- Used Dodge Ram-Cargo in Kissimmee, FL
- Used Ford C-Max-Hybrid in South Windsor, CT
- Used Oldsmobile Alero in The Colony, TX
- New Toyota Gr-Corolla for Sale in New Lenox, IL
- Used Chevrolet Tahoe-Hybrid in Fleming Island, FL
- Used Audi Rs-E-Tron-Gt in East Northport, NY
- New Nissan Murano for Sale in Nash, TX
- Used Ferrari 575M in Manteca, CA
- Used Pontiac Gto in Middleboro, MA
- New BMW X3-M for Sale in La France, SC
- New BMW Alpina-B7 for Sale in Gloucester, VA
- New Nissan Rogue-Sport for Sale in Old Saybrook, CT
- New Hyundai Tucson for Sale in Millbury, MA
- New Lexus NX-250 for Sale in Valencia, CA
- New Mitsubishi Outlander-Phev for Sale in Rochester, MI
- New Mercedes-Benz A-Class for Sale in Gilbertsville, PA
- New Mitsubishi Outlander-Phev for Sale in Hurricane, WV
- New Nissan Ariya for Sale in Oswego, NY
- Used Infiniti Ex35 in Exton, PA
- Used Mitsubishi Endeavor in Elmhurst, NY
- New BMW M5 for Sale in Fresh Meadows, NY
- New Dodge Charger for Sale in O Fallon, MO
- Used Scion Im in Schenectady, NY
- New Genesis G90 for Sale in Bridgewater, NJ