2019 Hyundai Accent Review

The new fifth-generation Hyundai Accent, now in its second production year, remains a fresh entrant in the subcompact sedan segment while rivals like the Ford Fiesta have aged substantially. Despite being a relatively entry-level proposition, the Accent offers numerous upscale items as optional extras, like increased safety from the available autonomous emergency braking, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. A lonely 130 horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine does duty beneath the hood, driving the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox, but with prices ranging from $14,995 to $19,080, you'd hardly expect anything more. Don't be fooled by the budget price, the Accent is a highly competent subcompact in any of the three trims available.

What's the Price of the 2019 Hyundai Accent?

The base MSRP of a 2019 Hyundai Accent sedan of $14,995 gets you behind the wheel of the entry-level SE trim with the manual gearbox, before the addition of a $920 destination charge, while if you're looking to add an automatic transmission it'll set you back an extra $1,000. Two additional trims are offered with the SEL priced at $17,345 while the fully-loaded Limited trim will cost you $19,080. Numerous lease offers and dealer incentives are also available.

2019 Accent Exterior

Dimensions

2019 Accent Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Being a budget subcompact doesn't mean the Hyundai Accent is cheap and nasty to drive. On the contrary, it's rather enjoyable to chuck around. It's simple and the suspension is comfort-biased, softening the blow of larger bumps and potholes, but it doesn't manage to filter out smaller ripples too well, as they still manage to find their way through to the cabin. There's also a certain amount of body movement on undulating surfaces, but the Accent never feels floaty or unhinged. Instead, it feels boisterous and sprightly in a back to basics manner of a bygone era.

There's a small amount of body roll to contend to, but the Accent springs back into place with an elasticity that makes it feel rather well tied down. It's a good chassis, and despite its basic nature, has been thoroughly engineered and responds well to both keener drivers and those who just see it as an appliance.

It's not quite as driver-focused as the Ford Fiesta and the steering is unnecessarily heavy, but it responds well enough to inputs, albeit with limited feedback. Still, the handling is nimble and turn-in is quick, making the Accent largely enjoyable to drive. The brakes are decent, but nothing spectacular, and under heavy emergency braking the rear end does feel a little loose - the soft suspension failing to keep things 100% pinned.

2019 Accent Interior

2019 Accent Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2019 Hyundai Accent A Good car?

Cheap needn't mean nasty, as the Hyundai Accent proves every time you get behind the wheel. While the seats are poor in terms of their levels of support, and the rear of the cabin is cramped - not unlike most offerings in this segment - the Accent is lots of fun to drive, comes fairly well equipped, and is impressively fuel efficient. It's a pity the Accent isn't offered in a hatch variant, but the sedan features impressive storage capacity and versatility. The engine may be dull and uninspiring, but the manual gearbox is a real joy to row along and makes the most of an exciting chassis.

We recommend the base SE model to those who enjoy the drive, but for everyone else, the SEL is the one you want for the inclusion of the upgraded infotainment system, extra speakers, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay functionality. Against the aging Ford Fiesta, the Accent sedan feels more modern and practical, while still ticking the economy and budget boxes thoroughly. Two years into the new generation it remains as strong an option as ever, and the guaranteed peace of mind from Hyundai's extensive warranties is massively appealing. The subcompact segment isn't always exciting, but the Hyundai Accent is a great contender.

What Hyundai Accent Model Should I Buy?

Two trims from the line-up of three are recommended. However, the recommendation depends on your needs. If a budget driver's car is what you're after, the base SE gets the six-speed manual gearbox you need to enjoy the Accent, but that's about all it has going for it, as it cuts back on essential features and conveniences. The mid-range SEL doesn't add much to the offering, but the Limited trim, on the other hand, comes jam-packed with smartphone integration, automatic climate control, stylish alloy wheels, heated seats, and the option of a sunroof, while adding forward collision avoidance to give the top-spec Accent one of the best safety ratings in this budget segment. As one of the most well-equipped subcompacts around, the Limited is the definite pick of the range.

2019 Hyundai Accent Comparisons

2019 Hyundai Accent vs Hyundai Elantra

While the Accent is a great budget buy, there's a certain amount of overlap when it comes to pricing, with a mid-spec Value Edition Elantra priced the same as the Accent Limited. At that sort of price range, the Elantra offers buyers greater amounts of space than the subcompact Accent, while the Elantra also gets a range of impressive features such as a power sunroof, keyless entry, hands-free trunk, and lane keeping assist. But the base engine in the Elantra is truly lackluster and the smaller, more efficient Accent matches it for performance and beats it on frugality. However, the Elantra has two turbocharged engine offerings that are more efficient and offer greater performance, provided you're willing to spend a little more. The Elantra offers more seating space, greater cargo volume, and a higher quality interior, but retains the easy to use touchscreen infotainment system also present in the Accent. The Elantra is the better vehicle, but it must be equipped with a turbocharged engine, which requires an extra $2,000-3,000, particularly if you're stretching for an Elantra Sport.

2019 Hyundai Accent vs Kia Rio

Brothers from different mothers, the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent share a great deal due to Hyundai and Kia's familiar partnership. Both share a chassis with similar suspension setups, so they both ride equally comfortably and handle equally as well. Both are powered by the same 130 hp 1.6-liter engine, too, but only the Accent is available with a six-speed manual gearbox, while the Rio is available with just a six-speed automatic. The Rio line-up has been simplified for 2019 with just two trims, but an available options package mimics the features available on the Accent Limited, meaning both are equally well-equipped for just about the same price. So really, it comes down to styling and brand preference - are you a Kia or Hyundai kind of guy or gal?