Finding a roomy, safe and exceptionally fuel-efficient small sedan just got easier with the 2020 Hyundai Accent. Freshly overhauled two years ago, the Accent delivers comfort and value at a price that would make a car shopper smile. Its econo-car styling actually hides a car that drives sportier than it looks, thanks to a responsive engine and well-calibrated suspension.

We're not talking autobahn-ready performance here, but the Accent is surprisingly nimble, and it makes for a sensible and stylish subcompact choice.

There's a fuel-efficient twist for 2020, with a new four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission combination rated to return 36 mpg combined. Based on our testing, that's not only a realistic number but also perhaps a bit conservative. After hundreds of miles, we found our test car exceeded its EPA ratings by several mpg.

The downside? This new engine makes even less power than its anemic predecessor. That engine at least offered quick pedal response and an available manual transmission that somewhat offset its weak power. With just 120 horsepower, this new engine isn't likely to be much more inspiring. That said, it's also still available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Overall, the Accent is a handsome car that will endure the daily grind with minimal fuss. We think drivers with longer commutes won't regret choosing this Accent over a larger, more expensive car. It's a solid pick for its satisfying combination of performance, utility, comfort and style.

Notably, we picked the 2020 Hyundai Accent as one of Edmunds' Best Gas Mileage Cars for 2020.

Edmunds’ Expert Rating

Rated for you by America’s best test team

Our verdict

7.2 / 10

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 remains stable even when cornering on bumpy surfaces, too, 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 the front thanks to a low hood and dashboard. There's also a decent view out 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 a 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'.

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?

Even if the Accent's primary appeal is its affordability, we think the price increase from the base SE to the SEL (both automatic transmission) is worth it. For the extra money, the SEL offers upgrades such as alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, a telescoping steering wheel, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features you'll appreciate in the long run.

2020 Hyundai Accent models

The 2020 Hyundai Accent is a four-door sedan that straddles the line between subcompact and compact. It's offered in base SE, SEL and Limited trim levels.

All Accent models use a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (120 horsepower, 113 lb-ft of torque) and either a six-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission. The Accent is front-wheel-drive.

The SE covers the basics and comes standard with features such as a six-speed manual transmission, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, a 5-inch touchscreen display, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD and USB/auxiliary inputs. The automatic transmission is optional.

The SEL adds more style (alloy wheels), performance (rear disc brakes) and functionality, including a telescoping steering wheel, a 7-inch touchscreen, dual USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited comes with more conveniences including a sunroof, heated front seats and advanced safety features that aren't available on the two lower trims.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2020 Hyundai Accent.

5 star reviews: 100%

4 star reviews: 0%

3 star reviews: 0%

2 star reviews: 0%

1 star reviews: 0%

Average user rating: 5.0 stars based on 1 total reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

5 out of 5 stars, My second Accent.

sydneysteelerfan, 01/07/2020

SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

This is my second accent. A lot of leg room. I'm 6 ft tall. Great gas mileage. Recommend.

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See all 1 reviews

Features & Specs

SE 4dr Sedan features & specs
SE 4dr Sedan 1.6L 4cyl CVT
MSRP	$16,395
MPG	33 city / 41 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Horsepower	120 hp @ 6300 rpm

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SEL 4dr Sedan features & specs
SEL 4dr Sedan 1.6L 4cyl CVT
MSRP	$17,650
MPG	33 city / 41 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Horsepower	120 hp @ 6300 rpm

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SE 4dr Sedan features & specs
SE 4dr Sedan 1.6L 4cyl 6M
MSRP	$15,295
MPG	29 city / 39 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	6-speed manual
Horsepower	120 hp @ 6300 rpm

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Limited 4dr Sedan features & specs
Limited 4dr Sedan 1.6L 4cyl CVT
MSRP	$19,400
MPG	33 city / 41 hwy
Seating	Seats 5
Transmission	Continuously variable-speed automatic
Horsepower	120 hp @ 6300 rpm

See all for sale

See all 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Accent safety features:

Forward Collision Warning: Available only on Accent Limited, forward collision warning alerts the driver to impending collision and brakes automatically if necessary.
Four-Wheel Disc Brakes: Offers stronger stopping power than the base model equipped with rear drum brakes. Comes 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. Honda Fit

It's hard to beat the Honda Fit's versatility. With rear seats and a front passenger seat that fold in multiple ways, the Fit is exceptionally versatile for cargo needs. And its hatchback liftgate makes loading items easy. The Accent has a large trunk for the subcompact class, and cargo room opens up with a folding rear seat, but it can't beat the Fit's overall flexibility. Both cars could benefit from more power.

Compare Hyundai Accent & Honda Fit features

Hyundai Accent vs. Kia Rio

With the Rio and the Accent coming from similar family lines, there's not a world of difference here. True to the Kia brand, though, the Rio feels more sport-oriented than the utilitarian Accent. We're fans of the Accent's basic sporty feel, and the Rio amplifies that with sharp handling and good engine performance. On the other hand, the Rio's smallish trunk and cargo capacity somewhat limit its utility.

Compare Hyundai Accent & Kia Rio features

Hyundai Accent vs. Toyota Yaris

The Yaris benefits from actually being a Mazda under the skin, a product derived from a joint engineering project between Mazda and Toyota several years ago. And as a Toyota-badged Mazda, the Yaris has a lot going for it, with fun, sharp handling, an interior that's a notch above Toyota's usual offerings in this segment, and a generous set of standard features. The Yaris is slow, however, even in a class where slow is normal. And its cramped rear seat won't make you any fast friends with rear passengers.

Compare Hyundai Accent & Toyota Yaris features

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FAQ

Is the Hyundai Accent a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2020 Accent both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.2 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2020 Accent gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 1 reviews) 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 2020 Hyundai Accent?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Hyundai Accent:

Improved fuel economy from a new, less powerful four-cylinder engine
Continuously variable automatic transmission replaces traditional automatic
Part of the fifth Accent generation introduced for 2018

Learn more

Is the Hyundai Accent reliable?

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 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2020 Hyundai Accent a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2020 Hyundai Accent is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2020 Accent and gave it a 7.2 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2020 Accent gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 1 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2020 Accent is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2020 Hyundai Accent?

The least-expensive 2020 Hyundai Accent is the 2020 Hyundai Accent SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $15,295.

Other versions include:

SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $16,395
SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $17,650
SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M) which starts at $15,295
Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $19,400

Learn more

What are the different models of Hyundai Accent?

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 CVT), SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M), and Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Accent models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

More about the 2020 Hyundai Accent

2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan Overview

The 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan is offered in the following styles: SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT), SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M), and Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT).

What do people think of the 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 Accent Sedan 5.0 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. 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 2020 Accent Sedan.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 Accent Sedan featuring deep dives into trim levels including SE, SEL, Limited, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan here.

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 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan?

2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

The 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $20,510. The average price paid for a new 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is trending $1,367 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $1,367 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $19,143.

The average savings for the 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is 6.7% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 5 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.

2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

The 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $18,955. The average price paid for a new 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is trending $1,239 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $1,239 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $17,716.

The average savings for the 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is 6.5% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 22 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.

2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT)

The 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $17,350. The average price paid for a new 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is trending $1,174 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $1,174 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $16,176.

The average savings for the 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) is 6.8% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 48 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl CVT) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.

2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

The 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $16,755. The average price paid for a new 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M) is trending $1,105 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $1,105 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $15,650.

The average savings for the 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M) is 6.6% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 2 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new 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 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedans are available in my area?

2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan Listings and Inventory

There are currently 233 new 2020 [object Object] Accent Sedans listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $16,250 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $732 on a new, used or CPO 2020 [object Object] Accent Sedan available from a dealership near you.

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 [object Object] Accent Sedan for sale near you.

Can't find a new 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan Accent Sedan you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Hyundai Accent Sedan for sale - 1 great deals out of 18 listings starting at $24,119.

Find a new Hyundai for sale - 8 great deals out of 19 listings starting at $12,832.

Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan and all available trim types: SEL, SE, SE, etc. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan?

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

2020 Hyundai Accent Sedan