2017 Hyundai Accent Review

Unless your budget is exceptionally tight or you just prefer a manual transmission, the $700 difference between the base SE sedan with automatic transmission and the Value Edition is negligible, especially considering that the Value Edition adds upgraded wheels, better brakes, cruise control, a...

The Accent SE's overall drivability is excellent with above-average engine response, a well-calibrated six-speed automatic transmission that's not overly busy, confident brakes and direct steering. It feels less toylike than many.

The 138-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is one of our favorites, providing good initial response leaving a stop followed by steady acceleration. A quick 9.3-second sprint to 60 mph is one of the best in the segment.

The brake pedal feels responsive and confident. In simulated-panic stops from 60 mph, we recorded a 124-foot distance, which is average for the class.

The steering is precise enough but can feel too light and vague at times. Straight-line stability isn't a benchmark for subcompacts, though it's still better than in some rivals.

Handling feels sporty for the most part, but some bumps can overwhelm the very basic rear suspension setup.

The Accent SE's overall drivability is excellent with above-average engine response, a well-calibrated six-speed automatic transmission that's not overly busy, confident brakes and direct steering. It feels less toylike than many.

Though its seats are only average, the Accent's smooth ride and impressively hushed cabin make it one of the most comfortable cars in the subcompact class.

The six-way-adjustable driver seat accommodates a wide range of sizes, and the front passenger seat adjusts in four directions. The seats have ample cushioning for the long haul and decent side bolstering. Three-across seating isn't realistic in back.

It lacks the buttoned-down feeling of the best subcompacts, but overall the level of ride comfort is better than most. Grooved or uneven highways cause a bit of wander, but it's not busy or fidgety.

Whether accelerating hard onto a highway or just cruising along, the Accent is one of the quietest cars in its class. Engine noise is well isolated, and road and wind noise barely register. Quietness is one of the Accent's best qualities.

Keeping in mind that the Accent is a small, economy-minded car, its interior offers up excellent ergonomics and luggage space and reasonably easy access. But space and outward visibility are just merely adequate.

It's refreshing to find effective, traditional dials and knobs where many cars now flaunt button arrays and frustrating touchscreens.

Large, tall doors, low sills, a fairly high roofline and seats mounted a good distance off the floor make getting in and out easy. The roof-mounted grab handles are a plus.

Front passengers enjoy a reasonably wide-open cabin, but those in the rear will feel confined due to the rising window sills. Head- and legroom are competitive for subcompact cars.

Forward visibility is excellent thanks to a low hood, a large windshield and slender windshield pillars. The rearward view is hampered by blind spots typical of hatchbacks, plus the center headrest obscures the view through the mirror.

Unlike some others in this low-cost segment, there aren't any unshrouded bare-metal panels, and the overall material quality and graining of plastics are quite good. Exterior panel gaps and paint quality are also better than average.

The rear seats don't fold completely flat, hampering some utility. The tall, wide doors and high roofline make rear-seat cargo loading easy.

Outstanding small item storage with numerous storage spaces, deep cupholders and sizable door pockets.

There's an excellent 21 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seat, but rear seats don't fold fully flat, resulting in just 47.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

Unfortunate dearth of tech options. Bluetooth isn't available on SE trims (not even as an option) and there's no smartphone app integration. The only concession is a USB port for charging or an audio signal.

The basic audio system consists of six speakers, a CD player, satellite radio and a USB jack for playing music from a smartphone/device or thumb drive. No navigation offered at any trim level.