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Average Retail Price
$2,850

RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

First Take
Hyundai's entry-level model comes as either a sedan or a three-door hatchback. The entry-level L model uses a 1.5-liter, 92-hp engine, while the more expensive GL and GS versions get a 1.6-liter, 105-hp Four. The Accent is one of the least expensive cars on the road, with a base manufacturer's suggested retail price of under $10,000. A meager options list includes items like air conditioning, an automatic transmission, and power windows and mirrors, but antilock brakes are not available. The Accent is relatively quiet and solid, making it more pleasant than Korean competitors such as the Daewoo Lanos and Kia Rio. Reliability is unknown.

2002 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2002 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

$2,850
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,775
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,775 - $3,425
economy-icon
EPA MPG 28 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$3,025 - $4,825
economy-icon
EPA MPG 34 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$2,925 - $2,975
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    2-door hatchback
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 1.5-liter 4 (92 hp)
  • 1.6-liter 4 (103 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2018-
Current Generation

This generation of Accent comes only as a sedan. It is bare-bones transportation and suffers from many of the shortcomings common among subcompacts. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine returned 33 mpg overall in our tests. That is good, but many larger, more substantial compact cars can match that. The engine noise is mostly unobtrusive, but the sluggish acceleration forces the driver to mash the throttle, at which point the engine sounds coarse. The Hyundai doesn't do much to soften bumps and ruts, and road noise fills the cabin. The basic interior features easy-to-use controls. We found the seats to be short on support, and the back seat is tight back seat. Advanced safety features come only on the top Limited trim, which is priced like a compact car, undermining the reason to buy a subcompact. All 2020 models get a new 120-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine mated to either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission. The manual transmission is no longer available for 2022.

2012-2017
2012 Redesign Year
The 2012 Accent is endowed with responsive handling, comfortable front seats, and better fuel economy While the front seats are also more roomy, the rear seat remains cramped -- though it is on par for its class. Noise levels are higher than we consider ideal, but not offensive. All of the controls are straightforward. Though we appreciate the newfound responsiveness of the Accent's handling, the ride is somewhat jittery. In the end though, we cannot recommend this version of the Accent because it scored a Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
2006-2011
2006 Redesign Year
Accent's 2006 redesign brought a quieter, more comfortable ride. As a result, this version of the subcompact Hyundai is a significant improvement over the previous generation. It is pleasant to drive with a relatively comfortable and quiet ride. Fuel economy is very good, though it trails the best in its class. While ABS was offered as an option, it may be difficult to find a car so equipped and braking performance is lacking without it. Further, stability control wasn't available at all.
2000-2005
2000 Redesign Year
For most of its life, the Accent has been a decent, but uninspired small car with a choppy and noisy ride. On the positive side, the interior is put together well and the car is easy to park. Handling is also secure, if not exactly agile. On the other hand, the Accent is not very quick, braking is subpar, the passenger compartment is noisy and the accommodations are cramped, Antilock brakes (ABS) were offered as an option starting with the 2005 model year, but it was tough to find a car equipped with them.