2021 Hyundai Accent: No Nonsense Value
What do our experts think of the 2021 Hyundai Accent? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New or the 2021 Hyundai Accent?
After a significant overhaul last year, the 2021 Hyundai Accent is virtually identical to the 2020 model with the only updates happening on the color palette – Beige is gone and Urban Gray becomes New Forge Gray.
Sharing underpinnings with the Kia Rio, a comparison of which you can read here, the Accent is part of a dying breed of tiny cars with equally tiny price tags. However, in the Hyundai fashion, low cost does not translate to a lame car. In fact, the 2021 Accent is quite nicely equipped across the board.
2021 Hyundai Accent – hyundainews.com | Shop 2021 Hyundai Accent on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Standard 6-speed manual
Miserly fuel consumption
Clean good looks
Smartphone mirroring not standard
Very limited advanced safety
Cheap-looking steel wheels
Excellent low-cost transportation
2021 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
- Available Bluelink Connected Car tech
- Six standard airbags
- Three years of included service
2021 Hyundai Accent Powertrain
Under the hood of every 2021 Hyundai Accent you’ll find a naturally aspirated 1.6L four-cylinder making 120 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. That may not sound like much but keep in mind this subcompact weighs in around 2,600 pounds. Part of the automakers’ Smartstream engine series, it is a well-engineered mill with dual-port injection, variable valve timing, and all-aluminum construction. Base Accents come standard with a 6-speed manual or a CVT for an extra thousand bucks. Every other model comes with the CVT only.
All models are front-wheel-drive, there is no AWD, which helps keep the cost – and weight – down. Up front, the Accent rides on a MacPherson strut setup with coupled torsion beam axles out back. Entry SE models make do with rear drum brakes to go with the front discs, which is perhaps unsurprising given its $16,000 price tag.
Disc brakes are fitted all around on the top two models but you ought to be fine in either configuration given you’re not likely to generate all that much speed with such a wee motor. Of course, speed and handling aren’t really the point of this car. It is intended as a competent and reliable transportation pod, and on that front the Accent acquits itself rather well.
2021 Hyundai Accent Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2021 Accent may not be on our list of low-cost fuel efficiency, but considering it is rated for 41 mpg on the highway, perhaps it should be. To achieve that, you’ll need the CVT, which is estimated to hit 33 mpg in the city. Those who choose to row their own way can expect to see a reduction here with ratings of 29 mpg in city driving and 39 on the highway. In either case, the Accent easily bests the Mazda 3’s ratings of 28/36 mpg in city/highway driving, a car you read up on here.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Spending less than $20,000 on a new vehicle means you can expect a relatively sparse cabin. And while that’s somewhat true of the 2021 Hyundai Accent, there are several features that were extra-cost premium amenities on a car like this not too long ago. That would include things like standard power windows and locks, as well as a multi-function steering wheel and cruise control. It’s a cloth-only affair across the board with most models slathered in black, though a two-tone tan-and-black scheme is available.
You can put five people in an Accent, but again, this is a little car so four adults are more realistic. Compared to a Nissan Versa, the 2021 Accent stacks up nicely with three more inches of rear legroom and an extra inch of hip room on that back bench. Said bench can be split-folded in a 60-40 configuration for more cargo flexibility and while it does fold flat, you are of course limited by the rear parcel shelf structure running side-to-side.
With the seats up, trunk volume maxes out at 13.7 cubic feet, which is down one whole cube to the Versa. Once upon a time, the Accent was available as a hatchback for those requiring more stowage space, but it is currently sedan-only. Check out our car types explained article for more on this distinction.
Entertainment & Technology
One of the many reasons the Accent makes this list of best 2021 Hyundais is that it offers a well-rounded level of technology content. Base models do not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capability but they do offer Bluetooth connectivity and a backup camera. SEL and Limited trim both feature a 7-inch color touchscreen display that integrates the aforementioned smartphone software along with satellite radio.
Especially nice at this price point is the availability of Hyundai’s Bluelink Connected Car tech that enables remote engine start, app-based door locking, and a car finder feature. Limited models come with a 3-year trial subscription to this service.
Safety Features
Every 2021 Accent comes with four airbags up front and a pair of full-length curtain airbags. On the vehicle side of the house, Hyundai equips all models with ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Stability and Traction Control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Hill Start Assist is included when the 6-speed manual is fitted.
These are all highly useful systems but when it comes to advanced safety systems, the Accent comes up a bit short. forward collision warning with automated emergency braking is the only one available, and can only be had on the top-spec Limited model.
2021 Hyundai Accent Trims & Pricing
SE – $16,400
Steel wheels with hubcaps give away the Accent SE as the bargain model, but hey, for 16 grand it’s all good. This model does feature body-color exterior bits and keyless entry. Inside, cloth upholstery is your only option but amenities like power accessories and cruise control are included. The 5-inch color touchscreen displays the view from the backup camera and one USB is on hand along with Bluetooth phone connectivity.
SEL – $18,755
A significant step up in content, the SEL sports alloy rims, fog lamps, and heated side mirrors. It also features the larger 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto baked in. A pair of tweeters are added, bringing the speaker count to six and the steering column has tilt-and-telescope functionality.
Limited – $20,505
Fully-loaded Limited models have sharp 17-inch wheels, LED lighting all around, a sunroof, and smart trunk release to go with the proximity entry system. Heated front seats and leather hides on the steering wheel and shifter add a touch of class to the cabin, while FCW with AEB lend a hand with safety.
Warranties
Hyundai continues their long run of auto industry warranty dominance with the recent addition of three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary factory-scheduled maintenance. Toyota does offer free service as well, but only for two years. This is on top of the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage and 5-year/60,000-mile basic vehicle warranty. Five years of roadside assistance are also included with no mileage limit.
What we think
2021 Hyundai Accent – hyundainews.com | Shop 2021 Hyundai Accent on Carsforsale.com
You really can’t go wrong with the 2021 Hyundai Accent; I’d recommend it to anyone. The SE is dirt cheap and comes with a manual transmission. The SEL adds a couple thousand dollars to the bottom line but piles on a relatively huge level of upgrades like alloy wheels and smartphone integration.
The 2021 Hyundai Accent Limited looks far pricier than its $20,000 sticker with nice rims, a sunroof, and leather cabin surfaces. The Accent is light on advanced safety systems but its also light on the wallet so perhaps that’s not such a big deal. On the whole, it’s a great car in any form.
