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2018 Hyundai Accent

Expert Rating
Unavailable

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
2018 SE 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $14,995
2018 SEL 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $17,295
2018 Limited 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $18,895

Overview

The Hyundai Accent is the South Korean automaker's smallest offering, making it a good choice for consumers looking for something more compact or for urban streets. With a variety of changes for the 2018 model, the fifth generation of the Accent moves upstream with a new look, more tech features, a revised engine, and an updated chassis. The changes solidify the Accent's position as a value leader in the subcompact segment.

What's New for 2018

The Hyundai Accent is an all-new model for 2018. A new chassis underpins the Accent, the vehicle gets a design overhaul with touches from some of the automaker's larger vehicles, an updated engine, and new tech features.

Hyundai Accent

Choosing Your Hyundai Accent

The 2018 Accent is only available in the sedan body style, as Hyundai has dropped the hatchback body from the lineup. A 1.6-liter inline-four engine is the only available motor for the Accent lineup. Despite being updated from the engine in last year's model, the motor produces less power, putting out 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, while a six-speed automatic transmission is available. The Accent is only available with front-wheel drive.

While power is down, fuel economy figures have improved over last year's model, with an EPA rating of 28 miles per gallon in the city and 38 mpg on the highway for Accents with the automatic transmission. Models equipped with the manual gearbox lose one mpg on the highway.

Hyundai has made a name for itself by packing its vehicles with a lengthy list of standard features and it's the same case with the new Accent. Higher trim levels comes with forward collision-avoidance assist, which is a rare feature in the segment, a driver's blind spot mirror, and a remote keyless entry system. Other notable features on the Accent include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, a seven-inch touchscreen display, and automatic temperature control.

The 2018 Accent is available in three trims, and as if that doesn't make it easy enough to configure, there are no packaged options to choose from. Simply pick an interior and exterior color, and be on your way.

Hyundai Accent

SE

The base SE trim costs $15,880, including the destination fee. The base Accent is the only model in the lineup to offer a six-speed manual transmission. Replacing this standard setup with a six-speed automatic adds $1,000 to the price tag.

Standard features include bodycolor exterior mirrors, 15-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth, power windows (something its corporate cousin, the equally new Kia Rio does without) and door locks, a remote keyless entry system, a five-inch color touchscreen, and a four-speaker audio system.

Hyundai Accent

SEL

The SEL trim is the middle child and costs $18,180. Hyundai replaced the steel wheels for 15-inch alloys, and added automatic headlight control and heated exterior mirrors. On the inside, the sedan has a driver's sliding armrest storage box, a seatback pocket, an exterior temperature display, Bluetooth connectivity, a seven-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, and dual USB charging as standard.

The SEL is a smart staring point in the Accent range, as it's the first model available with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Hyundai Accent

Limited

The Limited trim is the range-topping model in the Accent lineup and has a price tag of $19,780. It adds 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, a sunroof, chrome window belt molding, and side mirrors with integrated turn signals on the outside. The interior features premium cloth seats, heated front seats, automatic temperature control, and push-button start. A 3.5-inch display pops into the instrument cluster, displaying relevant information on fuel economy and other driving data.

Notably, the Limited is the only Accent available with rear disc brakes, provided more sure-footed stopping power than the rear drums in the SE and SEL.

CarsDirect Tip

While the Hyundai Accent comes with a lot of standard features as standard, moving up to the SEL trim is a worthy upgrade as it brings more creature comforts. Consumers wanting features that aren't normally found in a subcompact vehicle, like forward collision warning and automatic temperature control can move up to the Limited trim and still have a good value proposition on their hands.

Get your price on a Hyundai Accent »

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Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

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
Contributing Writer

Along with a contemporary and upscale look, the all-new 2018 Hyundai Accent offers nimble urban handling, improved rear seat head room, and excellent fuel economy. But the latest iteration lacks a hatchback, is noisy at full-throttle acceleration, and automatic emergency braking is only available on the most expensive model.

Best Value

Starting at $15,880 for an SE equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and rising to $19,780 for the Limited model, all 2018 Accents are equipped with the same 130-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The six-speed manual is standard on the SE, while an additional $1,000 gets you a six-speed automatic transmission that's standard on the mid-range SEL and top-level Limited.

Standard equipment on the base model – in addition to the usual power features – includes a five-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth, a rearview camera, a tilt steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, and remote keyless entry.

At $18,180, the SEL offers a larger seven-inch touchscreen with satellite radio, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, 15-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, automatic headlights, heated outside mirrors, and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel. But it's the range-topping Limited that offers the best value proposition, as the $1,600 premium includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, heated front seats, a sunroof, projector headlights, and automatic climate control. No option packages are offered on any model, and all Accents come with Hyundai's five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.

Here's how we'd build our Accent:

  • Model: 2018 Hyundai Accent Limited
  • Engine: 1.6-liter four-cylinder
  • Output: 130 hp / 119 lb-ft
  • Transmission: Six-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • Fuel Economy: 28 City / 38 Hwy
  • Options: None
  • Base Price: $19,780 (including an $885 destination fee)
  • Best Value Price: $19,780

Performance

Hyundai Accent

With a curb weight of just 2,500 pounds in base trim, the Accent's modest 130 hp – down from last year – isn't the disappointment it appears to be on paper. Accelerating from zero to 60 mph happens in less than 10 seconds, the chassis feels nimble on city streets, and its small footprint makes zipping in and out of traffic easy and city parking a breeze. The suspension does a decent job absorbing minor bumps and road imperfections, steering is relatively light, and the brakes are easy to modulate. Finally, fuel economy from the 1.6-liter naturally-aspirated engine is excellent, with an EPA-estimated 28 miles per gallon city, 38 mpg highway, and 32 combined with the six-speed automatic.

At the same time, the Accent is built to a price point: the base model features less-efficient rear drum brakes, the narrow and mileage-friendly tires do the suspension no favors (especially during cornering), while ordinary speed bumps reveal the limitations of its torsion-beam rear suspension. In addition, the electric power steering, though light and well sorted for around-town duties, doesn’t track well, especially on-center, with a tendency to wander at highway speeds.

Style

Without the reference point of one of the brand's larger sedans, the 2018 Accent – with its all-new look – could easily be mistaken for an Elantra or possibly even a Sonata. It stands out in its class with a more sophisticated and upscale look. The resemblance is most apparent up front, where it wears Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille, bracketed by narrow headlights, a pair of fog light surrounds, and a more aggressive lower lip spoiler. The roofline is more drawn-out – terminating nearly at the edge of the deck lid – while the taillight enclosures are higher, narrower, and lit by LEDs.

The new exterior design is wrapped around a redesigned cabin that's quieter and offers space up front for two adults, and – courtesy of the new roofline – enough head room in back for two more. The trim, although executed in hard plastics, features nice grains and textures, while overall fit and finish is excellent. At this price point, we'd expect the simple knobs and gauges found here, but each one operates smoothly. Likewise, the infotainment software is simple and intuitive to use, while the trunk with its 13.7 cubic feet of storage is larger than that of the Cadillac ATS or Mercedes-Benz E-Coupe. The rear seats fold forward, revealing a large opening to the trunk – a configuration that allowed us to transport a 52cm road bike without having to remove the front wheel.

But the redesign also scraps the hatchback model, leaving just the sedan (although the Kia Rio hatchback is still offered). That's a big loss in versatility, as the hatchback offered an additional eight cubic feet of cargo space. Further, the knit upholstery lacks grip and seat bolsters are on the soft side, offering little resistance to lateral movements, while lumbar support is also poor. Finally, despite three seat belts, a like number of adults will find accommodations in back extremely tight.

The Best and Worst Things

In a class where boring is the norm, the Accent borrows styling cues from the upmarket Elantra and Sonata, offers a nimble ride, and comes with a host of features – especially on the Limited model.

At the same time, full-throttle drone is annoying, the versatile hatchback has been eighty-sixed, while automatic emergency braking is absent on SE and SEL models.

Right For? Wrong For?

Hyundai Accent

In Limited trim, the nimble and affordable Hyundai Accent offers single or first-time buyers a compelling answer to the new-or-used question.

The limited number of advanced safety features on even the most expensive model could prove to be a turn off to safety-conscious buyers looking for value.

The Bottom Line

Although unavailable as a hatchback, noisy at full throttle, and lacking a number of advanced safety features, the all-new 2018 Hyundai Accent is a nimble urban handler. It's well equipped in Limited trim, has great fuel economy and an excellent warranty, and offers a strong value proposition.

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.6L I-4 / 130 HP / 119 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard: 6-spd man w/OD
Available: 6-spd SHIFTRONIC w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
28 / 37 / 32 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.6L I-4 / 130 HP / 119 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
28 / 37 / 32 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. / 2,679 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
Black W/chrome Surround
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
Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Not Yet Available
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
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
84 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles

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