2021 Hyundai Accent review

What We Like:

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.

What Needs Improvement

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.