2021 Hyundai Accent

From low-cost sedans to three-row EV SUVs, Hyundai has a model for almost every kind of customer. Most new Hyundai vehicles are stylish, functional, and competitively priced, but the brand overall ranks around the middle in Consumer Reports’ Reliability and Owner Satisfaction ratings. Individual models and years vary widely, with some standouts and a few laggards. The core Hyundai lineup includes low-cost subcompacts like the Elantra, and midsized sedans like the Sonata. SUVs include the subcompact Kona and compact Tucson, plus the midsize Santa Fe and larger Palisade, both of which offer three-row seating. Many models are available as hybrids or plug-in hybrids. In our testing, most Hyundai models benefit from a hybrid drivetrain, which adds power and smoothness in addition to improving fuel economy. Hyundai’s EVs are some of the best values among electric cars. The Ioniq models are high-tech, well designed, and can charge quite rapidly at public DC fast charging stations.

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.