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If you’re looking for a small, budgeted-minded sedan that doesn’t make you sacrifice good looks and a great warranty, the 2019 Hyundai Accent should clearly be on your list.
Unfortunately for those wanting a little more flexibility, Hyundai dropped the Accent hatchback with the 2018 makeover. Those who want a 5-door will have to look at options like the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa Note. The other drawback: plenty of engine and road noise.
After undergoing a complete makeover for 2018, Hyundai is making only some modest tweaks to the Accent this year, starting with the cascading chrome grille now used across the entire range. There are also fog lights added for the SEL and LED headlights for the Limited models.
Since it first entered the American market three decades ago, buyers on a budget have counted on Hyundai. But these days, as the 2019 Hyundai Accent subcompact sedan demonstrates, the emphasis is on "value," rather than just a rock-bottom price. The Accent got a complete makeover for the 2018 model-year, so the 2019 edition receives only the most modest updates, notably including the cascading grille now available across the lineup. And there are LED headlights on the Accent Limited. If you’re looking for the latest safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, that’s also available, though only on high-line editions. The least expensive model in the Hyundai line-up, the Accent primarily appeals to younger buyers, and they’re likely to appreciate such available features as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto built into the Accent’s infotainment system.
Used 2019 Hyundai Accent pricing starts at $11,555 for the Accent SE Sedan 4D, which had a starting MSRP of $16,925 when new. The range-topping 2019 Accent Limited Sedan 4D starts at $13,878 today, originally priced from $20,010.
Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (nat'l average) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
$16,925 | $11,555 | |||
$18,275 | $12,514 | |||
$20,010 | $13,878 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for used 2019 Hyundai Accent models in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly.
Hyundai has done a good job enhancing the driving dynamics of its sedan lineup over the last few years, though if you want a really dynamic ride you’ll probably want to stretch your budget to move up to the Hyundai Elantra. The Hyundai Accent is more of a budget-minded commuter car or something a student might be able to afford for around-town driving. The biggest complaint is the sedan’s engine noise. It tends to drone under hard acceleration, but there’s a reasonable amount of pep for something so basic, and the transmission doesn’t spend too much time trying to figure out the best gear. But just because you have a "Sport" mode button, don’t expect this little sedan to somehow transform itself into a sports car.
The 2019 Hyundai Accent’s 5-passenger cabin is nicely laid out and, like its exterior, appears nicer than its price implies. It’s not until you start sitting in the seats and feeling the material that you’ll realize this is still a value-oriented car. There is plenty of hard plastic, and if we had a couple of requests it would be for more bolstering of the front seats and an armrest for rear passengers. Those nits aside, we appreciate the central touch screen that controls audio and phone functions, and the easy-to-reach dials for climate. We suggest skipping the base SE model for several reasons, among them that the steering wheel only tilts on that model and doesn’t telescope like it does in the SEL and Limited variants. Not surprisingly, rear legroom is at a premium. At 13.7 cubic feet, trunk capacity is better than expected, and the rear seats fold in a 60/40-split for added cargo-carrying versatility.
Over the past decade, few automakers have done more to transform themselves visually. What was once a bland and forgettable econobox has become a sedan worth staring at. For 2019, even the base Hyundai Accent adopts the slick, cascading chrome grille that was only available on premium versions last year. You’ll still have to spend a bit more money for upscale touches like the Limited’s LED headlights and turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, however. The Limited also adds 17-inch wheels and a Hyundai-unique hands-free trunk that pops open if you approach it with the key.
ANDROID AUTO AND APPLE CARPLAY
These two smartphone systems are quickly moving from “nice to have” to “must have” in cars, and once you experience their seamless integration it’s hard to go back. While other automakers are still implementing them even in larger and more expensive models, Hyundai makes it readily available in its least expensive car.
AMERICA’S BEST WARRANTY
A name like that might come across as a bunch of marketing hype, but Hyundai is serious here. It’s there for five years and 60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, with the powertrain covered for 10 years and 100,000 miles. For budget-minded buyers, that’s really reassuring.
The 2019 Hyundai Accent is offered in three trims: SE, SEL and Limited. Other than an automatic transmission on base SE models, there are no major options or packages. This makes it blessedly simple for choosing the right Accent for you: Just look at what each has and determine if that’s what you want and can afford. The least expensive Accent includes the basics like air conditioning, power windows and door locks, plus cruise control and a rearview camera. Its infotainment system features a 5-inch touch screen and a 4-speaker AM/FM radio with Bluetooth connectivity and USB/auxiliary ports. Like all new Hyundais, the Accent has an excellent warranty: a 5-year/60,000-mile transferable new-vehicle warranty, plus a powertrain that’s guaranteed for 10 years or 100,000 miles.
Unless your budget has you tied to the base model or you really want a manual transmission, we suggest skipping the Accent SE and stepping up to the SEL or Limited. Mid-trim SEL models gain important features like an upgraded 7-inch infotainment system with CarPlay/Android Auto and voice recognition, rear disc brakes, automatic headlights, alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, and a steering wheel that tilts and telescopes. The top-line Hyundai Accent Limited adds a sunroof, LED daytime running lights and taillights, automatic climate control, heated front seats, proximity key with push-button start, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. If you want the forward-collision warning system with automatic braking, the Limited trim is the only way to get it. The Limited model is also the only trim to offer the Blue Link smartphone-enabled connected-services system (3-year subscription is standard).
Hyundai went with a single powertrain option for the 5th-generation Accent, its 1.6-liter inline-4 making 130 horsepower. That’s actually a bit less than with the previous generation but the trade-off is a bit better fuel economy. At as much as 38 mpg on the highway, it’s a reasonably efficient offering. That 4-cylinder comes with two available transmissions — a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.
1.6-liter inline-4
130 horsepower @ 6,300 rpm
119 lb-ft of torque @ 4,850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/37 mpg (manual), 28/38 mpg (automatic)
Our Expert Ratings come from hours of both driving and number crunching to make sure that you choose the best car for you. We comprehensively experience and analyze every new SUV, car, truck, or minivan for sale in the U.S. and compare it to its competitors. When all that dust settles, we have our ratings.
We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.
Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.
Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)
We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.
Curb Weight | 2679 lbs. | ||
---|---|---|---|
EPA Passenger | 90.2 cu.ft. | ||
EPA Total Interior | 103.9 cu.ft. | ||
Fuel Capacity | 11.9 gallons | ||
Front Head Room | 38.9 inches | ||
Front Leg Room | 42.1 inches | ||
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | ||
Minimum Ground Clearance | 5.5 inches | ||
Overall Length | 172.6 inches | ||
Front Shoulder Room | 54.2 inches | ||
Trunk or Cargo Capacity | 13.7 cu.ft. | ||
Turning Diameter | 33.5 feet | ||
Wheel Base | 101.6 inches | ||
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 3638 lbs. |
Number of Doors | 4 doors |
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City | 28 mpg | ||
---|---|---|---|
Highway | 38 mpg | ||
Combined | 32 mpg |
Drivetrain | FWD | ||
---|---|---|---|
Transmission Type | Automatic | ||
6 speed | Available | ||
Recommended Fuel | Regular | ||
Hill Start Assist | Available |
Horsepower | 130 @ 6300 RPM | ||
---|---|---|---|
Torque | 119 @ 4850 rpm | ||
Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
Basic | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
---|---|---|---|
Powertrain | 5 years / 60000 miles | ||
Corrosion | 7 years / Unlimited miles |
Used 2019 Hyundai Accent | Used 2022 Hyundai Accent | Used 2019 Toyota Yaris | Used 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $12,740 | $17,452 | $12,692 | $9,878 | |
KBB.com Rating | 4.3 | 4.4 | 3.5 | 3.0 | |
Consumer Rating | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.1 | |
Fuel Economy | City 28/Hwy 38/Comb 32 MPG | City 33/Hwy 41/Comb 36 MPG | City 32/Hwy 40/Comb 35 MPG | City 33/Hwy 40/Comb 35 MPG | |
Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | N/A | N/A | |
Safety Rating | N/A | 4.0 | N/A | N/A | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | |
Basic Warranty | 5 years or 60000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | 3 years or 36000 miles | 5 years or 60000 miles | |
Horsepower | 130 @ 6300 RPM | 120 @ 6300 RPM | 106 @ 6000 RPM | 78 @ 6000 RPM | |
Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.5 Liter | 3-Cyl, 1.2 Liter | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
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