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Tesla’s Wild Ride Continues2020 Hyundai Accent Review: A Frugal Driver’s Dream
What do our experts think of the 2020 Hyundai Accent? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2020 Hyundai Accent?
If you’re a penny pincher (aren’t we all these days?) but want a nice looking, economical, and fun-to-drive car, then you owe it to yourself to check out the 2020 Hyundai Accent.
Let’s first talk about the engine replacement in the 2020 Hyundai Accent. Hyundai used a new Smartstream 1.6L inline four-cylinder this time around, pushing 120 horsepower and 112 ft. lbs. of torque. While it isn’t a powerhouse, it provides a very fun ride for a car in this class.
All three trims include the new Smartstream Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that replaces the automatic 6-speed of previous models. When combined with the new engine, it delivers 4 mpg more than previous Accent models.
Hyundai also upgraded the infotainment from a 5.0-inch display to a more robust 7.0-inch display.
Overall, these updates brought a much more mature feel to the Accent which was mainly viewed as a “first car” in previous generations.
2020 Hyundai Accent – hyundainews.com | Shop 2020 Hyundai Accent on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Great fuel efficiency
Sporty handling
Simple interior design
Plastic wheel coverings
Manual transmission not offered on all trims
No hatchback model
A fun, economical sedan to rival Kia and Honda’s lineups
2020 Accent Specs
- 120 horsepower from base engine
- 113 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 13.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 7-inch screen with Bluetooth, Android, and Apple
- NHTSA rating of 4 out of 5 stars
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
2020 Hyundai Accent Powertrain
The powertrain redesign in 2020 starts with the Smartstream 1.6L in-line four-cylinder engine and flows back to the brand new Smartstream continuously variable transmission. The SE model comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and is the only model available with it.
This means that manual transmission lovers will appreciate the SE model but at the expense of the amenities and options of the more robust SEL and Limited trims.
The name “Smartstream” says it all. Drivers get a buttery smooth ride and power transfer from this new powertrain. There’s plenty of get-up-and-go power right out of the gate and simply put: it’s a blast to drive fast.
The suspension is a simple front strut/rear torsion bar configuration. This gives the driver and passengers a safe and comfortable ride even when pushed a little in the corners. This suspension setup adds stability and comfort even when handling tight turns, and it is quite fun to throw around.
The response is light and sporty which is a surprise from a car in this price range. While it isn’t a race track queen, it is certainly more fun to drive than many other cars in its class.
The 2020 Hyundai Accent will surprise you with its overall smoothness, and it makes for a very fun ride when you push it a bit. Overall, it is one of the best Hyundai models that we have had the pleasure of reviewing.
Fuel Economy and MPG
Since there are no costly flex fuel or hybrid options that only add to the price tag, Hyundai stepped up its game when it comes to fuel economy. The 2020 Hyundai Accent gives drivers a very reasonable 33 MPG combined on SE models equipped with a manual transmission.
For a bit more efficiency, drivers should go with models equipped with the Smartstream CVT transmission. This will increase the fuel efficiency to 36 MPG combined. This puts the 2020 Hyundai Accent right in line with its competitors – the Honda Fit and the Kia Rio.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The interior has been given a more grown-up feel for 2020. It is well built and business-like without a lot of frills. The black interior gives drivers the most stripped-down feel, while the tan interior adds a bit of flair with its black accents. The cloth coverings are a nice touch as opposed to a cheaper vinyl interior and add to the business-like feel.
The driver and front passenger have ample room for comfort, but that’s where it ends. It seems that the rear legroom is lacking especially compared to the Honda Fit which gives rear seated passengers an additional six inches of legroom.
The trunk provides a spacious 13.7 cubic feet of storage space. While it’s not quite up to par with the hatchback version of the Kia Rio or the Honda Fit, most drivers should not find it awkward for everyday use.
When the backseats are folded down, the cargo space increases nicely and rivals the Kia Rio in terms of overall space. However, it falls a bit short of the bar that the Honda Fit has set in both legroom and cargo space.
If you aren’t loading it down or carrying taller passengers in the backseat, you’ll find that the 2020 Hyundai Accent is a perfectly capable sedan with just enough cargo room to get you by.
Entertainment & Technology
The standard 5.0-inch touchscreen provides Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and auxiliary ports. The 7.0-inch touchscreen in the SEL and Limited trims gives drivers even more technological goodies. However, the six-speaker sound system could use some improvements when it comes to sound quality.
The larger display provides Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options and an additional USB port on the center console. In addition, drivers can start their car, adjust the climate control, and more from their smartphone thanks to the Hyundai Blue Link app.
The 7.0-inch touchscreen radio also comes standard with SiriusXM radio.
With no navigation system available, the 2020 Hyundai Accent gives drivers just enough to work with when it comes to infotainment.
Safety Features
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 Hyundai Accent a 4 out of 5-star overall rating. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a Top Safety Pick.
Standard features include front, side, and rear airbags and ABS brakes. Drivers can opt for more safety features if they choose including forward collision avoidance assist, vehicle stability management, hill start assist control, and a weight-sensing occupant classification system.
2020 Hyundai Accent Trims and Pricing
The 2020 Hyundai Accent was designed for drivers who are looking for a comfortable commuter sedan with a reliable powertrain and smooth driving capabilities. Let’s take a look at the trims and pricing:
SE – $16,270
The SE trim is the base model of the 2020 Hyundai Accent. It comes standard with a manual six-speed transmission (optional CVT upgrade available) and a no-frills 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment package.
If you’re looking for your next daily commuter, you’ve just found it.
SEL – $18,625
When drivers step up to the SEL, Hyundai’s new Smartstream CVT transmission is the only option when it comes to powertrain features. As for the infotainment, it is equipped with the more robust 7.0-inch touchscreen standard.
Limited – $20,375
The Limited offers the most features for Accent lovers. These include the Smartstream CVT transmission, the 7.0-inch touchscreen radio, ABS with traction control, electronic stability control, and a backup camera.
The disappointing part of the Limited is that it isn’t truly “fully loaded” with all of the additional safety options – such as the tire-specific low-pressure warning, forward collision avoidance assist, and collision mitigation capabilities.
Warranties
Hyundai offers a great warranty package for the 2020 Accent. The basic warranty is 5 years/60,000 miles. The powertrain carries a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. Roadside assistance is available for 5 years (unlimited mileage), and maintenance is available for 3 years/36,000 miles. Hyundai also offers a corrosion warranty for 7 years/unlimited miles.
What we think
2020 Hyundai Accent – hyundainews.com | Shop 2020 Hyundai Accent on Carsforsale.com
The 2020 Hyundai Accent may be minimal when it comes to technology, but the overall verdict is that it is a very capable, comfortable, and fun-to-drive sedan that is perfect for drivers who are looking for a new car on a budget. Although we would like to see more standard features on the Limited trim and more passenger legroom, Hyundai really improved the Accent’s driving abilities.
Sporty handling and a smooth ride are enough to hold the attention of most drivers who are looking to get into a new car without breaking the bank, and the optional safety features make it a top choice for small families to enjoy as a daily driver.
The 2020 Hyundai Accent is a formidable opponent of the Kia Rio and the Honda Fit, and it should certainly be considered a top pick for cars in its price range.
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