The 2017 Hyundai Accent isn't that economical as it seems. For daily driving, it offers a refined 1.6L DOHC 4 cylinder. With its 137 hp power at 6,300 RPM and 123 lb-ft torque, the Accent has a satisfactory throttle response, considering its segment. Still, you cannot expect an entry-level sedan to deliver crazy performance numbers. The engine is either mated to a 6-Speed manual transmission or a 6-Speed automatic transmission with sequential shift control. So, you have a clutchless automatic with the thrill of manual shifting. The Accent sprints from 0-60 MPH in 8.9 seconds, where it reaches a quarter-mile in 16.7 seconds. It has a top speed of 120 MPH, which is not the best figure in the competition.
Models
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2017 Hyundai Accent
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2017 Chevrolet Sonic
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2017 Kia Rio
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2017 Ford Fiesta
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MSRP
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$14,745
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$15,145
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$14,165
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$13,660
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Engine
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1.6L DOHC I-4 Regular
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1.4L ECOTEC I-4 Regular
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1.6L GDI I-4 Regular
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1.6L Ti-VCT I4 Regular
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Drivetrain
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FWD
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FWD
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FWD
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FWD
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Transmission
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6-Speed manual transmission
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5-Speed manual transmission
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6-Speed manual transmission
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5-Speed manual
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Power
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137hp @ 6300 RPM
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138hp @ 6300 RPM
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138hp @ 6300 RPM
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120hp @ 6350 RPM
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Torque
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123lb-ft @ 4850 RPM
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125lb-ft @ 3800 RPM
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123lb-ft @ 4850 RPM
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112lb-ft @ 5000 RPM
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0-60 MPH (seconds)
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8.9
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8.7
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8.9
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9.1
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Quarter mile (seconds)
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16.7
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16.5
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16.8
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17.0
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Top Speed (MPH)
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120
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122
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120
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112
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The Hyundai Accent ties with the cheaper Kia Rio in terms of performance as they have identical powertrains. The expensive Chevrolet Sonic offers similar power output, but it has much better acceleration and performance. And then we have the cheapest sedan of the lineup, the Ford Fiesta, which has an underpowered engine and is the slowest car in the segment. When comparing the top speed, again Chevrolet Sonic is the fastest at 122 mph.
How well does the 2017 Hyundai Accent handle?
The Hyundai Accent handles better than most of its rivals. Still, it is not made for performance driving. You may get good results from steering around the corners, but it could have been better. Some may recommend the Accent for its mild sporty handling. With its front strut and torsion beam rear suspension, it offers a surprisingly comfortable ride. As the powertrain is already refined, you have a quiet and nimble ride. The stability control and the traction control will keep you away from trouble at high speeds.
Braking Performance
For a budget sedan, the Accent offers decent braking. The base SE trim gets ventilated disc brakes up front and rear drums with 4-wheel ABS and brake assistance. The Value Edition trim gets better braking with 4-wheel disc brakes with hill hold control. The Accent with manual transmission weighs 2,480 pounds and stops in 115 feet of distance from 60 MPH. With its 2,546 pounds weight, the automatic Value Edition with its 4-wheel discs stops at 112 feet from 60 MPH.
Models
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2017 Hyundai Accent
|
2017 Chevrolet Sonic
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2017 Kia Rio
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2017 Ford Fiesta
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Brake rotors: Front (inches)
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10.1
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10.8
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10.1
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10.9
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Brake rotors: Rear (inches)
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NA
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NA
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10.3
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7.2
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Curb weight (lbs)
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2,480
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2,773
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2,494
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2,578
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60-0 MPH (Feet)
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112
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118
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113
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116
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In terms of braking performance, the Accent stops the fastest with its less weight and strong braking performance. It is followed by the Kia Rio, which is similar to Accent both in terms of weight and braking. The Ford Fiesta and the Chevrolet Sonic are comparatively heavy and stop at greater distances, where the Fiesta stops quicker than the Sonic. When comparing the curb weight, the Chevrolet Sonic is the heaviest and that shows in its stopping distance.