2017 Hyundai Accent Review
2017 Hyundai Accent Review





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Used Accent for sale
Appraise This CarHyundai Accent model years
Hyundai Accent types
- Hatchback
- Sedan
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Edmunds' Expert Review

byDan Frio
Reviews 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 Edmunds, 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.
Pros
- Strong acceleration makes for easy merging and passing
- Comfortable ride and impressively quiet cabin
- Spacious interior feels upscale for the segment
- Long warranty reassures cautious buyers
Cons
- Fuel economy ranks below that of competitors
- Lacks many desirable features such as a rearview camera, navigation
- Ranks only average in crash-test scores
What’s new
For 2017, the Accent adds a Value Edition trim level for the sedan, slotted just above the base trim.
Vehicle overview
Just as the market grows for ever-roomier sedans and crossovers, so does the demand for smartly packaged small cars that can perform tricks like their larger counterparts. The 2017 Hyundai Accent is a top choice in this category thanks to a satisfying combination of performance, utility, comfort and style. Choose a sedan if you want a trunk or a hatchback if you want maximum utility.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Hyundai Accent SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M) 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 $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$123/mo for Accent SE
Accent SE
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Though there's nothing flashy about the Accent, it's a handsome car in either sedan or hatchback style that will endure the daily grind with minimal fuss. It's one of the quicker cars in its class, which you'll appreciate with every merge into freeway traffic. It offers both manual and automatic six-speed transmissions with solid feel and tuning.
What's more, the Accent is surprisingly quiet and soft on the road, so even those with longer commutes won't regret choosing this Hyundai over a larger, more expensive car. Passenger space is also generous, with plenty of backseat room for two adults. (Technically it's a five-passenger car, so we can't recommend placing three friends in the backseat if you wish to remain friends.)
There are compromises. Not only are the Accent's fuel economy estimates lower than many of its subcompact rivals, we found it difficult to match those numbers in real-world driving. The hatchback's rearward visibility is also challenging, and there's no optional rearview camera.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
4.5 / 5The 2017 Hyundai Accent is a top choice in this category thanks to a satisfying combination of performance, utility, comfort and style. Choose a sedan if you want a trunk or a hatchback if you want maximum utility.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2014 Hyundai Accent SE 4-door hatchback (1.6L 4-cyl.; 6-speed automatic). Some observations regarding visibility and cargo space will differ from the sedan. We've noted this where possible.
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Accent has received minor revisions to trim and feature content. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Accent. (Our SE test car car, for example, is roughly equivalent to today's Sport trim hatchback.)
Scorecard
Overall | 4.5 / 5 |
Driving | 4.0 |
Comfort | 4.5 |
Interior | 4.0 |
Driving
4.0Not the quickest, most nimble or shortest-stopping in the segment, but the Accent SE is near the top in most performance measures. The Accent's drivability is one of the best in class, thanks to predictable gas pedal response and a well-tuned six-speed automatic transmission.
Acceleration
4.5The 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.
Braking
3.0The 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.
Steering
3.0The 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
4.5Handling feels sporty for the most part, but some bumps can overwhelm the very basic rear suspension setup.
Drivability
5.0The 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.
Comfort
4.5Though 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.
Seat comfort
3.5The 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.
Ride comfort
4.0It 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.
Noise & vibration
5.0Whether 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.
Interior
4.0Keeping 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.
Ease of use
4.5It's refreshing to find effective, traditional dials and knobs where many cars now flaunt button arrays and frustrating touchscreens.
Getting in/getting out
4.0Large, 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.
Roominess
3.5Front 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.
Visibility
3.0Forward 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.
Quality
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.
Utility
The rear seats don't fold completely flat, hampering some utility. The tall, wide doors and high roofline make rear-seat cargo loading easy.
Small-item storage
Outstanding small item storage with numerous storage spaces, deep cupholders and sizable door pockets.
Cargo space
4.5There'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.
Technology
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.
Audio & navigation
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.
Which Accent does Edmunds recommend?
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, and Bluetooth connectivity. Same goes for the hatchback.
2017 Hyundai Accent models
The 2017 Hyundai Accent is available as a small four-door sedan or a four-door hatchback. Both seat five passengers. The sedan is available in base SE and Value Edition trims, while the hatchback comes in SE and Sport variations. Each uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (137 horsepower, 123 pound-feet torque) and either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Accent is front-wheel-drive.
The SE sedan comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, 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/auxiliary inputs.
The Value Edition sedan adds a six-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch machine-finish alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, hill start assist, steering-wheel audio controls, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a center console storage box with a sliding armrest console.
The SE hatchback shares the same features as the sedan but adds a rear window wiper. The Sport trim combines SE and Value Edition features and adds heated side mirrors (with driver's blind-spot viewer and integrated turn-signal indicators), a body-color spoiler, projector-beam headlights with LED accents, foglights, sport-tuned steering, a leather-trimmed tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, upgraded cloth upholstery and piano black interior accents.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 Hyundai Accent.
5 star(51%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(14%)
49 reviews
Trending topics in 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
Hyundai Accent for the win!
Angelia Belcher, 06/27/2018
2017 Hyundai Accent SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6M)
I love this vehicle! We just drove it for over 300 miles and it only took $25 to fill it back up. It drives amazingly and it's so quiet you sometimes can't even tell if the engine is running. One thing I like is that it has anchor holds for a car seat that our previous car did not. I felt so paranoid because the only thing holding down our 2 year olds carseat was a seatbelt. The anchor … holds are so much more secure.
5 out of 5 stars
I love my Hyundai Accent
Chelsea B, 10/12/2017
2017 Hyundai Accent Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
This is my first new car and I love it! I have had absolutely zero buyer's remorse. Previously I was driving a 1995 Nissan Altima, so this car is a huge improvement in every way possible. I live in a rural area and commute to work so I wanted something with good fuel economy, great night time visibility, and something I feel safe driving. The Accent exceeded all of my expectations. I am … averaging 40 mpg! I've driven over the mountain pass recently and averaged 41 mpg! The steering is fantastic and I love driving through traffic circles and winding roads. The interior feels huge when you're inside the car and I can haul so much that I'm still shocked by the cargo space! The headlights are amazing, I feel like I have a really clear view of what's happening on and off the road around me. I love the Bluetooth capabilities, I am constantly playing music from my phone and love that I can safely answer phone calls. Even the color and appearance of the car is enjoyable. I opted for red because I wanted a bright color so my car wouldn't blend in with the background of rural driving. The dealership has contacted me multiple times to ask how I'm enjoying the car and I have no complaints. This is by no means a luxury vehicle and I've seen plenty of reviews complaining about the lack of features. This is a very basic vehicle by today's standards but if you've been driving an old rust bucket this car is a dream.
5 out of 5 stars
New to Hyundai
Chris P, 04/20/2019
2017 Hyundai Accent Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 6A)
I bought my 2017 Hyundai Accent Sport Hatchback a few days ago, with 8900 miles on it.
Let’s be clear about something: this isn’t a hot-hatch. But it isn’t advertised as such. The performance I’m getting out of it thus far (ECO mode off) is surprisingly good. The shifting and gear-selection by the automatic gearbox is smooth and controlled. I’ve had the air conditioning on the whole … time I’ve had the car and it doesn’t seem to blink at this. My old Ford Escort would roll over and painfully wallow into acceleration with the AC enabled.
The great:
- Far more comfortable than expected. It’s an econobox A-B car. The front seat is supposed to be a nightmare. I haven’t found it to be terrible at all.
- Smooth shifting, great gearbox. A 6-speed automatic is better than anything I’ve ever had and is very smooth.
- Oddly enough, features. This car came with every feature except a sunroof and seat-warmers. I still haven’t worked my way through them all. I flag this as “odd,” because it’s an econobox. It should have a speedometer, a flimsy gas-gauge, a tinny radio, and that’s it.
- Feels solidly-built. When I shut the door, it goes “thunk.” Not the ultra-overbuilt “thud” of an older Mercedes or Audi, but certainly not the “tink” I’d expect of a car in its class.
The good:
- Fuel consumption. It’s not bad. I’ve been driving with ECO mode off, and this model has performance tires (190/50 16R), but I’m sure I can get mid-30s out of the car under this configuration. I could likely get mid-40s if I put on tiny tires and turned on ECO mode, but I bought this as a fun commuter car rather than a “get in and hate myself for a half-hour at a time” commuter.
- Instrumentation. Layout is as it should be. I have the sport hatch with fog lamps, so the left and right stalks are LOADED with controls. Even so, the layout is mostly-intuitive, with the most awkward bit coming in me wanting to pair my phone (something I’ve never done with a car before).
- Lighting. Headlights are bright and seem to give me a lot of detail, taillights seem bright and are certainly impossible to miss. And the side mirrors have indicator lights on them, so it is obvious to other cars when I’m going to make a move. Interior panel lighting is pretty good. It’s blue, which isn’t ideal for night-vision, but it’s not SUPER INTENSITY LED BLUE at least, so I found it unobtrusive when I drove for the first time at night last night.
- Brakes. Discs all-round, with the front discs ventilated. Best brakes I’ve ever had on a car and stopping feels VERY secure and controlled, with no wheel-hop or fade/pull.
The so-so:
- It’s true what they say. Visibility out the back window is not great. Not even “good.” I’m going to pull my rear headrests and stow them in the cargo space unless I’m carrying someone in the back. I use my mirrors anyway, but this is a car that MANDATES this behavior. And with no backup camera, it can be a bit dicey at times to back out of a parking spot.
The bad:
- Not even a donut in the back. This was a disappointment. No jack, no stupid dummy-wheel, no lug wrench. In the back, under the cargo floor, there is a wheel-shaped well that contains a can of fix-a-flat. C’mon. Hyundai, charge me another $200, give me another alloy wheel and tire, and eat another 10 cubic inches of storage space! If that would buy me a full-size spare, I’d SO be in.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 Hyundai Accent, so we've included reviews for other years of the Accent since its last redesign.
2017 Hyundai Accent video
JOSH SADLIER: This is Edmunds editor Josh Sadlier, and here's an expert rundown of the 2017 Hyundai Accent. Subcompact cars like the Accent are sometimes hard to recommend because for just a little more money you could have a compact car-- more space, more power, and so forth. But the Accent's an exception. We've always liked this one in the subcompact class. It's got a peppy little engine, rides surprisingly comfortably, handles pretty responsively. And in hatchback trim, as you see here, it's pretty handy. You flip up the hatch and there's a decent amount of space in there, especially if you fold down the rear seat backs. Note that there's also a sedan version not shown here. We're not so high on that one. I think the hatchback's the way to go if you're going to get an Accent. We should mention that fuel economy is not an Accent's strong suit. It is a strong suit for most competitors, however. So it's worth running the numbers before you decide. The Accent's back seat is actually surprisingly spacious for the segment. Doesn't look like it here. I think a couple of NBA players put those seats back up front. But with the front seats in a normal position, there's actually decent space, especially for a subcompact. Up front the Accent has a dashboard that's kind of from a previous generation of Hyundai products. But the good news is the control layout is very sensible and straightforward. Everything's where you'd expect it to be, and the material's quality is decent for the class. The bottom line with the Accent is that if you're shopping for a subcompact car, you've got to drive it, especially in hatchback form. It's stylish, it's rewarding to drive-- it's a strong pick. For more Edmunds expert rundowns, click the link to subscribe.
2017 Hyundai Accent Expert Rundown Review
Looking for a compact car with a satisfying combination of performance, utility, comfort and style? The 2017 Hyundai Accent might be a good match. Here's a quick rundown of what we like, what we don't and the bottom line from the Edmunds editors.
2017 Accent Highlights
Hatchback
SE
Base MSRP | $14,995 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 31 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $123/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
Our experts like the Accent models:
- Active Front Head Restraints
- Moves forward and upward during a rear impact to minimize whiplash injuries.
- Four-Wheel Disc Brakes
- Offer stronger stopping power than the base model's rear drum brakes. Standard on the Value Edition sedan and Sport hatchback.
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%
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