2013 Hyundai Accent

What We Like:

Performance: No one should expect sports car performance from the Accent, but it’s still one of the more satisfying subcompacts to drive with some gusto. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine makes just 138 horsepower, but responds quickly to the gas pedal and steadily accelerates from zero to 60 mph in about nine seconds. That’s quick for subcompacts of this era. A well-calibrated six-speed automatic transmission helps. The suspension helps the Accent still feel composed and maintains good grip in corners.

Comfort: The Accent looks small, but it’s surprisingly roomy. Tall doors and a low floor make for easy entry and exit, and there’s ample space in all four seats (the rear middle seat is best left unoccupied). The front seats offer plenty of cushioning for long drives. Ride quality is better than most subcompacts, and rarely feels busy or harsh. The Accent isn’t quite a Mercedes, but it’s quiet and does a good job keeping wind and road noise out of the cabin.

Value: Hyundai has built a reputation on delivering bang for the buck, and the 2013 Accent was a prime example. It offered plenty of standard features and impressive fit-and-finish for less cost than its rivals. The base GLS trim came with keyless entry, heated side mirrors, and a six-speaker sound system, but we recommend the SE trim, since it had 16-inch wheels, rear disc brakes (most subcompacts have drum brakes), upgraded cloth seats, Bluetooth®, and sport-tuned steering.

What Needs Improvement

Fuel Economy: If we had a wish, it’d be that the Accent’s real-world fuel economy was closer to its EPA ratings. In Edmunds testing, the Accent fell short of its EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined score with the automatic transmission, and 32 mpg combined with the manual.