Hyundai has gone from being an unknown automaker to one of the best all-around car brands on the market since it entered the U.S. market in 1986. While a lot of automakers are starting to ditch small cars in favor of tiny SUVs, Hyundai continues to stick with small sedans. Not only that, but Hyundai offers some of the better small sedans on the market.
Consumers looking for a small car will find two options in Hyundai’s lineup – the Accent and Elantra. The smaller, more affordable Accent is classified as a subcompact, while the larger, more stylish Elantra competes in the compact class. While there are obvious differences between the two, like size and price, there are smaller nuances that may make one option better for you than the other.
If you find yourself cross-shopping the Accent against the Elantra and are wondering which one stands out as the better choice, read below to find out based on our comparison of some of the key specs and features.
See a side-by-side comparison of the Hyundai Accent & the Hyundai Elantra »
What The Accent Gets Right
Against the Elantra, the Hyundai Accent gets an immediate edge when it comes to pricing. The Accent starts at $16,400 (including destination), while the Elantra costs $20,655. At the high end of the range, the Accent tops out at $20,505, which means you can get into a range-topping Accent for less than a base Elantra.
For consumers that live in cities, the Accent’s smaller size makes it the easier option to drive. The Accent is 11.5 inches shorter in length and 3.8 inches shorter in width than the Elantra. For urbanites, its smaller proportions make it easier to park and maneuver on tight roads.
What The Elantra Gets Right
As the more expensive vehicle, the Elantra comes with more tech features than the Accent. Standard features on the Elantra include an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports, voice recognition, and Bluetooth. The Accent comes with a 5-inch touchscreen that doesn’t include smartphone compatibility. The largest touchscreen the Accent can be fitted with is a 7-inch unit, while the Elantra has an available 10.25-inch touchscreen.
It’s a similar story on the safety front. The only standard safety feature on the Accent is a rearview camera. The Elantra comes with nearly every safety feature under the sun as standard, except for adaptive cruise control, Hyundai’s highway driving assist system, and cyclist detection. These are all optional.
Hyundai offers three powertrains with the Elantra. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 147 horsepower, while the available turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder generates 201 hp. A hybrid powertrain is also available in the Elantra Hybrid, coming with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor for a combined output of 139 hp. The only engine that’s available for the Accent is a 120-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder.
Who’s the Accent For?
The recent redesign for the Elantra puts it in a completely different category than the Accent, but that doesn’t mean the subcompact sedan is a bad vehicle. For consumers on a budget that live in a city, the Accent’s more affordable price tag and smaller size make it a better option than the Elantra.
Our Verdict: Hyundai Elantra
If you have the budget for it, the Hyundai Elantra is the better vehicle. It comes with far more tech features, more standard safety features, and a wide range of powertrains. It’s well worth the extra money.
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