hamburger icon

2021 Hyundai Accent

Hyundai Accent OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
Photos Colors
Expert Rating
2.6 (Fair)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2021 SE 4dr Sedan w/Manual
most popular
Price:   -  From $15,395
2021 SE 4dr Sedan w/CVT Price:   -  From $16,495
2021 SEL 4dr Sedan w/CVT Price:   -  From $17,750
2021 Limited 4dr Sedan w/CVT Price:   -  From $19,500

Overview

What's New

The 2021 Hyundai Accent is a carryover model with the exception of a new hue of gray exterior paint, while a previous gray and beige are no longer options. With no changes, this means the Accent carries on as an affordable subcompact sedan where competitive safety and technology features aren't found until you move up the trim range.

Choosing Your Hyundai Accent

The Hyundai Accent is available in three trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. Pricing starts at $16,390 including destination for the base SE and only climbs to $20,495 for the Limited.

Engine Choices

The 2020 model year brought updated engines and transmissions to the Accent with a clear focus on improved fuel economy figures. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder motor generates only 120 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. These figures are on par with its class competitors and is generally sufficient given the car’s 2,500-pound curb weight.

The base trim is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and offers a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for $1,100. The CVT is standard on the other two trims. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive isn't offered.

The manual Accent earns an EPA-estimated 29 miles per gallon city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 combined. The CVT ups those figures to 33/41/36 mpg (city/highway/combined). This, again, is on par for the small car segment.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

What the Accent’s sedan shape adds to fuel economy, it takes away from the overall interior capacity. Its 172.6-inch length is nearly a foot longer than the Honda Fit, yet rear leg room and cargo volume are far less. It only offers 33.5 inches of rear leg room and 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The Accent can seat five, but good luck fitting three passengers in the back.

Hyundai Accent

Safety Features

The Accent is equipped with the government-mandated rearview camera, but not other active safety features as standard. The SEL gets a driver's blind-spot mirror, while only the Limited is equipped with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning.

At least the Accent carries a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Connectivity

The base trim includes a 5-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, one USB port, and a four-speaker audio system. Most buyers will be interested in moving up to at least the SEL to get the 7-inch touchscreen complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A six-speaker audio system and two USB ports are also included at this level.

The Limited trim integrates Hyundai’s Blue Link remote connectivity services to enable locking, unlocking, and remote engine start, among other vehicle status functions.

Hyundai Accent

SE - From $16,390

The Hyundai Accent SE is expectedly light on features but avoids looking and feeling like a cheap econobox. Body-colored side mirrors and door handles help dress up the exterior, which also features 15-inch steel wheels and a chrome grille. Inside, cloth seating, a six-way manual driver's seat, keyless entry, and power doors, locks, and windows provide a fair level of convenience and comfort.

SEL - From $18,745

The mid-level SEL trim adds a bit more style by ditching the plastic hub caps and installing 15-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and chrome trim along the beltline. The headlights are automatic and the side mirrors are heated. This is also the trim that comes with the 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration.

Limited - From $20,495

Despite the Accent’s basic start, the Limited trim includes some eyebrow-raising features for the price. LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights; a hands-free trunk; 17-inch alloy wheels, mirrors with integrated turn signals; chrome door handles; and even a sunroof are among the exterior upgrades.

Inside, the driver gains a 3.5-inch digital display in the gauge cluster and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift lever. Heated front seats, automatic climate control, push button start, and automatic emergency braking extend a sense of luxury.

Compare Accent Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

There are no illusions about the intended mission of the 2021 Hyundai Accent. The SEL provides a good level of convenience with the upgraded touchscreen while being covered by Hyundai’s lengthy standard warranty.

author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Pros
  • Sips fuel
  • Accessible pricing
  • Simple, handsome looks
Cons
  • No hatchback option
  • Buzzy, unexciting drive
  • Limited value in base trim
Expert Rating
2.6 (Fair)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

A simple ride. The subcompact car segment focuses on usability for the price, and that’s precisely what the 2021 Hyundai Accent does. Like your trusty washing machine, the Accent does its job day in and day out without issue. But just like you’re not about to show off your spin cycle, you’re not going to invite all your friends over to check out your new Accent.

That’s OK. The Accent’s cool with being there when you need and a forgotten appliance when you don’t. But like that faithful appliance, it’s always there when you need it.

Average, but handsomely average. There's nothing to write home about the Accent’s design. It looks like a subcompact sedan. But in this age of automakers vying for attention through wild designs, this simple, toned-down look appeals to the masses.

It won’t bore you to tears, but it also won’t bring about double-takes and judgmental glares from Aunt Jean as you pull up to the yearly family reunion.

Inside, the Accent’s focus on simplicity and predictability continues with its this-feels-familiar cabin. All the buttons and controls are right where you expect them to be, and the learning curve is relatively flat.

We do, however, continue to miss the ability to add a hatchback to this middle-of-the-road design. While the Kia Rio and Mitsubishi Mirage continue offering hatchback options, Hyundai has put all its subcompact hatchback chips on the tiny, boldly styled Venue crossover.


Hyundai Accent

Easy on the wallet, but light on base features, The Hyundai Accent starts from a wallet-friendly $16,390 including destination, making it a great option for cash-strapped college kids or new professionals just getting started in their career.

However, it penalizes entry-level buyers with its limited standard features, including a 5-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth, a pair of USB charging ports, and not much else.

Bumping up to the SEL trim brings the base price to $18,745, but it also makes the Accent feel like a part of this decade with a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a few other tech bits.

To get advanced safety tech, you must move into the range-topping Limited trim, which costs $20,495 and adds automatic emergency braking.

Buyers looking for a better balance of price and features may want to check out the Accent’s cousin, the Rio. It starts from $16,815 and includes a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. If you move up to the Rio S, you can get upgraded infotainment software, automatic emergency braking, adaptive headlights, and a 3.5-inch display in the instrument cluster for just an extra $800.

Good fuel economy, check; bland drive, check. The Accent isn't only cheap to buy, it’s also cheap to feed. It achieves an EPA-estimated 33 miles per gallon city, 41 mpg highway, and 36 combined. This beats most competitors, but the Rio matches it.

With this great fuel economy comes very little fun, as the Accent’s 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder motor does little to excite behind the wheel. Plus, it delivers this vanilla drive with plenty of engine noise seeping into the cabin.

The Toyota Yaris has less power but more driving excitement with its zippy Mazda platform. Otherwise, this forgettable driving experience is pretty much par for the course in the subcompact class.

Final thoughts. There’s just enough to like about the 2021 Hyundai Accent to make it a good first-time new car for a college student or recent graduate. However, its lack of endearing features makes it an appliance that’s only good for shuttling you to and from campus or the office with minimal expense.

Buyers seeking more character may want to check out the Mazda-based Toyota Yaris. And if you want more value, the Kia Rio is the way to go.

Check prices for the 2021 Hyundai Accent »

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.6L I-4 / 120 HP / 113 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd man w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
29 / 39 / 34 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.6L I-4 / 120 HP / 113 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
29 / 39 / 34 Mpg
Brakes
Front Disc/rear Drum
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
11.9 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$45
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
13.7 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
90 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
172.6 "
Exterior Width
68.1 "
Exterior Height
57.1 "
Front Headroom
38.9 "
Rear Headroom
37.3 "
Front Legroom
42.1 "
Rear Legroom
33.5 "
Front Shoulder Room
54.2 "
Rear Shoulder Room
53.7 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,502 Lbs.
Wheel Base
102 "
Turning Radius
16.7 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
15.0 " Steel
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Clock, Seek-scan
Speakers
4
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
2
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Major Components Months
120 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
84 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
12 Months / Unlimited Miles

Used 2021 Hyundai Accent for Sale

2 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Hyundai
SE
Color: Frost White Pearl
Price

$11,449

Mileage

75,384 mi

Map location icon

California Motors Direct Montclair (42 mi)

Phone: (909) 200-2277
Hyundai
SE
Color: Olympus Silver
Price

$16,426

Mileage

52,229 mi

Map location icon

Hunter Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM (54 mi)

Phone: (661) 622-4951

Other Hyundai Accent Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Hyundai Accent years that you might be interested in.

Hyundai
SE
Price

$12,100

Mileage

84,897 mi

Map location icon

Sunrise Ford (56 mi)

See All Used Car Listings