5 out of 5
4.5 out of 5
33 city, 41 highway, 36 combined
(no current inventory)
Freshly overhauled two years earlier, the 2020 Hyundai Accent delivered comfort and value that would please any car shopper. Its econo-car styling hid a car that was actually sportier than it looked. It was reasonably quick and nimble through turns and corners, and surprisingly fuel-efficient. The 2020 Accent improved its EPA-combed rating to 36 mpg thanks to a new four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT). Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
That kept the Accent competitive with one of its main rivals, the Honda Fit, and much better than the Chevrolet Sonic, even if the Chevy’s turbocharged engine made it more fun to drive. But what the Accent gained in fuel efficiency, it sacrificed in spirit. The new engine and CVT blunted the slight performance edge that once made the Accent stand out. Fortunately, the 2020 Accent still offered a manual transmission to maximize what was left of the engine’s power.
Drive type | 2WD |
Engine size | 1.6L |
Horsepower | 120 |
Torque (ft-lbs) | 113 |
Engine type | Gas |
Fuel capacity | 11.9 |
Wheelbase | 101.6" |
Overall length | 172.6" |
Width | 68.1" |
Height | 57.1" |
Leg room | F 42.1"/R 33.5" |
Head room | F 38.9"/R 37.3" |
Front tires | P185/65TR15 |
Rear tires | P185/65TR15 |
Seating capacity | 5 |
Transmission | Automatic |
Handling: A well-sorted suspension makes the Accent more nimble and fun than any small economy car has a right to be. It’s no Mini Cooper, but it can muster a quick thrill through curves and corners, and remains stable and composed even over inevitable mid-turn bumps. When equipped with the six-speed manual for maximum enjoyment, the Accent can come alive on a twisting road, and is more fun than the Honda Fit and on par with the Chevy Sonic.
Comfort: The Accent’s longer body, introduced in 2018, and tuned suspension help minimize the impact of rough road surfaces and keep the ride fairly smooth and quiet. Inside, the dash slopes forward and contributes to an open, roomy feel with excellent headroom. Taller drivers might wish for an adjustable steering column, but overall the cabin accommodates most shapes and sizes. Wide front and rear door openings also make it easy to get in and out.
Fuel Economy: The 2020 Accent’s engine makes less power than earlier models, but it’s more efficient. Combined with a then-new continuously variable transmission, the Accent returns up to an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, on par with its Honda Fit rival.
Engine Performance: No one will mistake the 2020 Accent for a sports car, especially with its 120-hp engine. For those keeping score, that’s 10 hp less than the 2019 model and nearly 20 hp less than the previous-generation car. Hyundai made the change to achieve increased fuel economy of course, but the net effect blunted the slight performance edge that made the Accent a standout in the class. Buyers looking to restore some of that zest should opt for the six-speed manual transmission.
RepairPal gave the Hyundai Accent an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Hyundai Accent 8th out of 24 among Subcompact Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Hyundai Accent