Is the Hyundai Accent a good car? If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable car that won’t break the bank, is it worth considering?
2022 Hyundai Accent Review
Hyundai’s subcompact Accent has been a staple of the brand since 1994, and its best-known feature is value. Small cars, in general, have been dropping like flies as sales of SUVs and crossovers rise, but Hyundai remains committed to offering an inexpensive car in this segment. The Accent is still on sale today—more than 20 years later—and it hasn’t changed much in that time. This year brings some changes for the model for the first time since 2009: a new engine option (the same naturally aspirated 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder from other Hyundais) and optional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert are now available across all trim levels.
Driving the 2022 Hyundai Accent
The Accent has a 120-horsepower, naturally aspirated engine that delivers adequate power for most drivers. It’s coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, which is smooth and responsive during normal driving conditions.
Interior Comfort
While the Accent’s interior quality is okay, it doesn’t feel as upscale as some of its competitors. For example, the dashboard and door panels are covered in hard plastics with simpler materials throughout the interior. However, we can’t knock Hyundai for this because it is in line with the value pricing of this car. That said, similarly priced vehicles such as the Nissan Versa do have nicer interiors than that found in Hyundai’s compact model.
Hyundai Accent Safety Features
The Hyundai Accent has a number of safety features available, including side airbags, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. However, the amount of protection is not as robust as some other cars in its segment. For example, there are no rear parking sensors found in the Accent. Also, it does not offer forward collision warning or lane departure warning systems.
Exterior Styling
Other changes from the standard Focus include body-color outside mirrors, a chrome exhaust finisher on the dual-tip tailpipe, and roof rails. But the real exterior style statement is made in Limited models with their bigger 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, automatic headlight control, and puddle lamps that illuminate feet when getting out of the car.
Favorite Features
The SEL and Limited models come standard with a user-friendly infotainment system. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay compatibility. ANDROID AUTO AND APPLE CAR PLAY
Android Auto is compatible with Android phones running 5.0 Lollipop or higher, for voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation using Google Maps, messaging service WhatsApp, music services Spotify and iHeartRadio as well as the ability to make calls directly from the touchscreen using your phone’s microphone (voice recognition not available). Apple CarPlay allows you to use Siri through your vehicle’s touchscreen in order to access maps for directions, send/receive text messages and emails as well as stream music via Apple Music (subscription required). HANDS-FREE SMART TRUNK RELEASE This slick available feature allows the trunk lid to open automatically by simply standing behind it for three seconds or longer with the key in your pocket or purse. To close it normally just press the button inside of one of six marked slots.
2022 Hyundai Accent Price and Where to Buy
The MSRP for the new model is $15,990 (not including destination) which makes it very competitive in its class. However, as always these types of vehicles keep shopping around because prices can vary greatly even within the same trim level. For example, some dealers are offering a $650 price break on the SEL while others have lowered their pricing by up to $2,000. You might also consider negotiating a lower interest rate if you plan to make larger purchases or lease your car.
You will find the Accent at over 1,300 dealerships nationwide including independent franchises such as CarMax and Carmax. There is also an expansive network of Hyundai dealerships that sell this vehicle but there are not nearly as many locations throughout the country compared to other automakers’ models like Nissan’s Versa or Ford’s Focus.
Standard Features
Some models come with a few standard features that help you handle everyday driving tasks. These include steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control, 60/40 split-folding back seats, 15-inch steel wheels, an engine immobilizer anti-theft system, and a 6-speed manual transmission. The standard infotainment system has a 5″ color touchscreen with Bluetooth, and it also has a backup camera.
Factory Options
The SEL trim offers additional features like push-button start and dual charging USB ports. It also comes with standard heated, body-color mirrors, rear parking sensors, a 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and a hands-free smart trunk release.
Engine & Transmission HYUNDAI ACCENT
The Accent is powered by a 138 hp, 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine mated to an automatic transmission with a six-speed manual or optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). The fuel economy average for this powertrain is 31/40 mpg city/highway which can be improved if you opt for the CVT model and drive more sedately (the EPA requires 18 mpg in combined driving on the highway). Other standard features include 17-inch steel wheels, dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control with brake assist, and a StabiliTrak stability control system. Safety equipment includes rear parking sensors and a tire pressure monitoring system as well as advanced safety technologies like blind-spot detection warning lights that warn you of vehicles approaching from your blind spots.
