(not yet rated)
4.5 out of 5
33 city, 41 highway, 36 combined
(no current inventory)
Given a new engine and transmission combination the year before, the 2021 Hyundai Accent carried over with no changes. Depending on your perspective, this is good or bad. If you value maximum fuel economy, it’s good since the Accent’s new powertrain was EPA-estimated at 36 mpg combined and more than 40 mpg on the highway. 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. But if you’re hoping for a sporty limited-edition model, maybe something with a turbo engine from elsewhere in Hyundai’s lineup, you’re out of luck. Still, the Accent remains a quiet, well-balanced, extra-small car ideal for the tight confines of city life, or just a simple commuting strategy.
If you’re looking for the most recent subcompact car available, the Accent is one of the few choices for the 2021 model year. By 2021, the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Chevrolet Sonic, even the short-time competitor Toyota Yaris, had all been discontinued. The only newcomer to challenge the Accent was a redesigned Nissan Versa, and the Kia Rio, the Accent’s mechanically-related doppelganger, is also a 2021 option.
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 | P185/65HR15 |
Rear tires | P185/65HR15 |
Seating capacity | 5 |
Transmission | Manual 6 |
Handling: A well-sorted suspension makes the Accent nimble through curves and corners, where it remains stable and composed even over mid-corner bumps. We’d take an Accent over a Honda Fit on a winding road. We miss the more powerful engine and transmission combo, but the Accent still remains fun to drive.
Comfort: The 2021 Accent’s quiet cabin does an admirable job of shutting down the noise and rumble of harsher road surfaces, and its suspension setup helps minimize jolts from sharp bumps and potholes. The interior feels open and spacious, thanks to plenty of headroom and a dashboard angled toward the windshield. Rear seat headroom is a little tight from the sloping roofline, but there’s enough space for two adults to ride comfortably back there.
Utility: The Accent comes with 13.7 cubic feet of trunk space, about average compared with its competitors. But a large opening, low load-in height and a low trunk floor maximize the space and make it feel like a bigger trunk. The rear seats also split in a 60/40 configuration, enhancing the Accent’s cargo space and utility.
Technology: Although Hyundai added some tech features for this generation, it still comes up short compared to some rivals. If you want Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluetooth® with voice control, and a six-speaker sound system, you’ll have to look for the pricier SEL or Limited trims. And, although a rearview camera came standard, forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking only came with the top Limited trim, and there are no other driver assists available, unlike the 2020 Honda Fit, which offered a full suite of driver aids. The Accent’s features are better than nothing, but still disappointing for shoppers on a budget.
The 2021 Hyundai Accent is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.
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