2020 Hyundai Accent

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Rating6.5

Ranked #3 in 

Subcompact Sedan
Write Review
$15,295 - $19,400
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Beautiful and classy styling

The engine is not insulated well enough

New I-4 gas engine

Handling which makes it a treat to drive every day

Rear seat space is on the down-low

The New CVT gearbox replaces the automatic gearbox

Excellent warranty coverage

No manual transmission option available with the higher trims

Excellent fuel economy

Specs & Features

$15,295

price

120 hp @ 6300 rpm

horsepower

113 lb.-ft. @ 4850 rpm

torque

6-Speed Manual

transmission

1.6L 4cyl FWD 6M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

We associate good-looking, nicely equipped cars with a lot of money, but the new Hyundai Accent changes that notion. It is offered in three different trims- the SE which is the easiest on the wallet, the SEL which is quite fairly equipped as per its price tag, and the Limited trim which has all the features integrated into it. But the main caveat is, the SE is the only trim that comes with the Manual transmission, every other trim needs to be had with the CVT.

Buying Advice

The trim to opt for would be the SEL. No matter how much we’d love the manual SE, some of the features from the SEL trim make a case for themselves. It comes with 16-inch alloys, an infotainment screen with smartphone integration, automatic headlights, and quite importantly, rear disc brakes. But if you still want the manual, it wouldn’t be unwise to go for the SE and swap those aluminum rims for some sweet aftermarket alloys.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Hyundai is one of those brands that still thinks about the general public and that’s why it still manufactures small cars like Accent. The 2020 Accent features a spacious and utilitarian cabin, and it is an amazing commuter from every aspect. The Accent has been around for quite a while, but Hyundai has managed to refine its design language and has updated the car to make it look like it’s fresh. The Hyundai Accent rivals the likes of the Mitsubishi Mirage G4, Toyota Yaris Sedan, and Nissan Versa.

Features
6.0/10

Hyundai has replaced the old automatic transmission with a new CVT gearbox or 6-speed manual transmission options. The three trim levels come standard with the new 1.6-L, I-4 gas engine, and base trim SE gets the combination of 1.6-L I-4 & 6-speed manual transmission. But the main trade-off with the base SE trim would be the aluminum wheels with wheel covers easily. They are sore to look at and make picking the SE trim, even with the lustful manual transmission, not justifiable. Standard features include cloth upholstery and a four-speaker audio system with a 5-inch touch screen. SEL adds a six-speaker audio system, a 7-inch touch screen, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Limited trim adds more convenience and safety features.

Trim

SE

SEL

Limited

MSRP (Manual)

$15,295

NA

NA

MSRP (CVT)

$16,395

$17,650

$19,400

Key Features

5 Inch infotainment screen

All the features from the SE+

All the features from the SEL trim+

 

Rear View Camera

16 Inch Alloys

17 Inch alloys

 

Vehicle Stability Management

7-inch infotainment system

Power-operated sunroof

 

6-way adjustable driver’s seat

6-speaker stereo

LED DRLs

 

Rear window defroster

Automatic Headlights

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist

 

Cruise Control

Heated exterior mirrors

 
 

Remote keyless entry

   
 

4-speaker stereo

   

We Recommend

The trim to opt for would be the SEL. No matter how much we’d love the manual SE, some of the features from the SEL trim make a case for themselves. It comes with 16-inch alloys, an infotainment screen with smartphone integration, automatic headlights, and quite importantly, rear disc brakes. But if you still want the manual, it wouldn’t be unwise to go for the SE and swap those aluminum rims for some sweet aftermarket alloys.

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The changes that Hyundai made to the Accent for the 2020 model year, made the car a lot more efficient. The 10 hp drop in power and the engine being mated to a CVT gearbox means that it will gain a lot when it comes to fuel economy even if it loses some in acceleration. The reworked heat management system and injection system improvements of the engine have helped its case too.

It results in lower energy loss as heat. The fuel-conscious CVT gearbox aids its case. The Manual model is rated at 33 MPG and the CVT has a higher claim of 36 MPG combined. Smaller and lighter cars are expected to deliver good fuel economy numbers and the Accent does just that.

Models

2020 Hyundai Accent

2020 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

2020 Toyota Yaris Sedan

2020 Nissan Versa

MPG (City)

33

35

32

32

MPG (Highway)

41

41

40

40

MPG (Combined)

36

37

35

35

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

11.9

9.2

11.6

10.8

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

392 / 488 / 428

322 / 377 / 340

371 / 464 / 406

345 / 432 / 486

All these vehicles have been designed and manufactured to obtain the best fuel economy figures while going light on the rider’s pocket as well. It makes complete sense that Mitsubishi Mirage G4 claims the best fuel efficiency of 37 mpg in combined conditions as it has the lowest power figures and pathetic performance, after that in the list comes the Nissan Versa followed by the Hyundai Accent with the economy numbers of 35 mpg and 36 mpg respectively. The most interesting thing is that Hyundai Accent has the biggest fuel tank of 11.9 gallons capacity.

Interior
5.0/10

The 2020 Accent from the inside is purpose-built and simple. There is no extravagance that can be seen in a couple of cars from this segment which makes them look a bit overly done. It is very businesslike and functional. One could blame it for not inducing the same amount of excitement as some of its rivals do, and that claim is just. It does the job, it fits the bill, but that’s about it. There is no flair or extravagance as there is on the outside of the car.

The interior of the car should have been slightly more upscale considering the cars that the Accent is rivaling. On the seating front, four adults can travel comfortably as there is enough space for the two people at the back to not be fighting for shoulder space. It is spacious when compared to its other sedan rivals. The window sills are large enough and it does allow enough light to enter the cabin, and makes it feel airy and fresh.

Models

2020 Hyundai Accent

2020 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

2020 Toyota Yaris Sedan

2020 Nissan Versa

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/ Shoulder /Leg) (in)

38.9 / 54.2 / 42.1

38.9 / 51.7 / 41.7

38.2 / 53.2 / 41.9

39.5 / 53.1 / 44.5

Rear Row (Head/ Shoulder /Leg) (in)

37.3 / 53.7 / 33.5

36.8 / 51.2 / 37.3

36.8 / 50.0 / 34.4

36.3 / 53.6 / 31.0

Cargo Capacity (cu ft)

13.7

12.6

13.5

14.7

All four sedans can occupy 5 passengers in them and out of all four, Nissan Versa has the best and spacious front row seats while Hyundai Accent falls just behind Nissan, whereas the other sedans lack shoulder & legroom. In the second row, Hyundai Accent takes the lead in terms of comfort and spaciousness and now Nissan falls behind the Accent. Hyundai & Nissan not only offers a spacious and roomy cabin but they also provide a decent cargo capacity too. Standout interior features in the 2020 Hyundai Accent are:

  • 6-way adjustable driver’s seat
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Heated Front seats
  • 60/40-split folding rear seats
  • Automatic climate control

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The SE model comes with a 5-inch touchscreen and the SEL and Limited come with a 7-inch infotainment screen. The higher SEL and Limited trims also have 6 speakers and built-in Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, whereas the base SE gets 4 speakers and no Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Other infotainment features include dual USB ports, satellite radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. Standout infotainment features in the 2020 Hyundai Accent are:

  • 7-inch infotainment screen (higher trims)
  • Bluetooth wireless connectivity
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • 6-speaker stereo (higher trims)
  • AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system
  • Satellite radio

Exterior
5.0/10

The 2020 Hyundai Accent is based on a tried and tested design language by the Korean manufacturer. It is subtle when it comes to its design language, and there is hardly any bit that makes you stop and wrinkle your eyebrows. It is beautiful to see Hyundai refreshing the design with modern bits to make it period correct.

It comes with a trapezoidal grille and chrome inserts to highlight the edges. The higher trims get a LED DRL which does improve the presence of the car. Along with fresher-looking tail lamps. The larger alloys on the higher trims compared to the steel wheels on the lower trim make a lot of difference too.

Models

2020 Hyundai Accent

2020 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

2020 Toyota Yaris Sedan

2020 Nissan Versa

Curb Weight (lbs)

2679

2172

2432

2650

Length (inches)

172.6

169.5

171.2

177

Width (inches)

68.1

65.7

66.7

68.5 

Height (inches)

57.1

59.2

58.5

57.3

Ground Clearance (inches)

5.5

6.3 

5.9

6.8

Wheelbase (inches)

101.6

100.4

101.2

103.1

The Accent does an amazing job at being a perfect size. It has ample interior room as well as city maneuverability. Which is something which cannot be said about the Versa. Though the Versa tops the charts when it comes to interior space and cargo capacity, it is slightly harder to manage in day-to-day city conditions. The Hyundai Accent’s design language is refreshing yet not too bold for people to have a bad opinion about it of any sort. Standout exterior features in the 2020 Hyundai Accent are:

  • Chrome Grille
  • LED DRLs 
  • LED Taillamps
  • 16-inch alloys on the SEL
  • Diamond-cut 17-inch alloys on the Limited trim

Safety
9.2/10

The safety feature list is not something that is the standout feature of the Hyundai Accent. But it is certainly respectable and understandable for a car at this price range and size. Hyundai provides front and rear collision crumple zones that absorb most of the impact to keep the passengers safe. But the higher trims, like the Limited trim, come standard with a forward-collision warning system and automatic emergency braking as standard. Standout safety features in the 2020 Hyundai Accent are:

  • Vehicle Stability Management System
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Traction Control System
  • Electronic Brake Force Distribution
  • Forward-collision warning system
  • Automatic emergency braking

Competition
8.0/10

2020 Hyundai Accent vs 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage G4

The Hyundai Accent is arguably a class above the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 but since they are at similar price points and appealing to the same buyers, we are comparing them here. The Mirage G4 is extremely small, the interior room is not that much, and the engine in the mirage is not powerful enough when compared to the Accent. The Mirage has its size as an advantage in the city, but that is it.

2020 Hyundai Accent vs 2020 Toyota Yaris Sedan

The Toyota Yaris comes with a lesser-powered engine and in its sedan form, the Yaris does not make much sense to buy over the Accent. The Accent still offers more space and other interior creature comforts. But one way the Yaris aces is by providing a lot more safety equipment even at its base trim which is seriously commendable. The bigger Yaris might not be the better option, but if driving dynamics are your thing and you want a peppy city commuter that is fun to drive, then the Yaris might interest you. 

2020 Hyundai Accent vs 2020 Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa is the toughest competitor the Accent has and it overshadows the Accent by quite a margin. It is more powerful, faster, more engaging to drive. It also has a long feature list than the Accent. The Versa also turns out to be larger than the Accent which makes the choice quite easy for all. The only place where the Accent is ahead of the Versa is the efficiency figures. But if you’re ready to live with a lower efficiency number, we think Versa is the better option here.

Final Verdict

The new Hyundai Accent has streamlined a tried and tested formula and it has done that well. It is an extremely good daily commuter, it tries to ace all the aspects of being a small car. The handling is quite good and there is decent power from the 1.6 L 4 cylinder. The efficiency is undoubtedly the strong suit of the Accent. But if one wants a family car that does all of them right, the Nissan Versa edges out slightly. It is powerful and is easier on the wallet. And it does not compromise. It has a very upscale cabin and is arguably more comfortable too. The segment the Accent is in is extremely competitive. So even if Hyundai has done nothing wrong and delivered an amazing car, it still misses out on the prize.

Trims

    SE
    $15,295 onwards
    • Engine: 1.6L 4cyl FWD 6M
    • Horsepower: 120 hp @ 6300 rpm hp
    • Torque: 113 lb.-ft. @ 4850 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.4 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 33 mpg
    SEL
    $17,650 onwards
    • Engine: 1.6L 4cyl FWD CVT
    • Horsepower: 120 hp @ 6300 rpm hp
    • Torque: 113 lb.-ft. @ 4850 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.9 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 36 mpg
    Limited
    $19,400 onwards
    • Engine: 1.6L 4cyl FWD CVT
    • Horsepower: 120 hp @ 6300 rpm hp
    • Torque: 113 lb.-ft. @ 4850 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 10.2 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 36 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$15,295- $19,400

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.5

Horsepower

120 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque

113 lb.-ft. @ 4850 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$19,750- $28,850

Gasoline

8.53

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

138 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

5

Read Review

$14,830- $18,340

Gasoline

6.63

122 hp @ 6000 rpm

114 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$19,600- $25,550

Gasoline

7.65

139 hp @ 6100 rpm

126 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

$17,890- $23,090

Gasoline

6.64

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$15,850- $16,790

Gasoline

6.93

120 hp @ 6300 rpm

112 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

2020 Hyundai Accent vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    9.4 sec--
    7.7 sec15.8 sec123 mph
    8.7 sec16.6 sec123 mph
    9.7 sec17.1 sec112 mph
    9.8 sec17.5 sec116 mph
    2020 Kia Rio

    Ranked #6

    10.5 sec17.8 sec-

    2020 Hyundai Accent vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      33 mpg39 mpg33 mpg11.9 gal.345.1/464.1 mi.
      2020 Kia Rio

      Ranked #1

      33 mpg41 mpg36 mpg11.9 gal.392.7/487.9 mi.
      30 mpg38 mpg33 mpg13.2 gal.396/501.6 mi.
      31 mpg37 mpg31 mpg14 gal.378/518 mi.
      32 mpg35 mpg30 mpg10.8 gal.291.6/378 mi.
      30 mpg36 mpg29 mpg12.4 gal.310/446.4 mi.

      2020 Hyundai Accent vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        172.6 in.68.1 in.57.1 in.5.5 in.101.6 in.
        182.7 in.70.9 in.56.5 in.5.3 in.106.3 in.
        182.7 in.70.9 in.55.7 in.6.7 in.106.3 in.
        182.3 in.70.1 in.56.5 in.5.1 in.106.3 in.
        177 in.68.5 in.57.3 in.6.8 in.103.1 in.

        2020 Chevrolet Sonic

        Ranked #4

        173.9 in.68.3 in.59.7 in.-99.4 in.

        2020 Hyundai Accent vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          13.7 cu.ft.90.2 cu.ft.75.1 cu.ft.
          2020 Kia Rio

          Ranked #1

          13.7 cu.ft.89.9 cu.ft.87.6 cu.ft.
          15.3 cu.ft.96 cu.ft.80.1 cu.ft.
          15.1 cu.ft.97.8 cu.ft.61.2 cu.ft.
          14.7 cu.ft.88.9 cu.ft.14.7 cu.ft.
          13.1 cu.ft.88.6 cu.ft.-

          2020 Hyundai Accent vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            75.1 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.75.1 cu.ft.-
            -13.1 cu.ft.--
            60.6 cu.ft.14.7 cu.ft.14.7 cu.ft.63 ft.
            61.2 cu.ft.15.1 cu.ft.61.2 cu.ft.-
            2020 Kia Rio

            Ranked #5

            87.6 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.87.6 cu.ft.-
            80.1 cu.ft.15.3 cu.ft.80.1 cu.ft.-

            2020 Hyundai Accent vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              937 lbs.2502 lbs.
              862 lbs.2599 lbs.
              825 lbs.2910 lbs.
              2020 Kia Rio

              Ranked #1

              -2767 lbs.
              889 lbs.2707 lbs.
              -2762 lbs.

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              #10

              2020 Hyundai Accent User Reviews

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              2019 Hyundai Accent

              SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 28, 2024

              Great little car

              Pros - ["gas mileage is great", "very dependable"]

              Cons - ["kind of smaller inside than I would prefer", "closed transmission system, can't check/change fluid"]

              Has a lot of get up n go when you need power it's there. We tend to average about 38 mpg because we do mainly highway driving. Interior is nice, and easy to clean and maintain. We've had no problems with it in the 2 years we've owned it.

              Not Rated
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              Not Rated
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              Not Rated
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              Not Rated
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              Not Rated
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              Not Rated
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              Not Rated
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