2020 Hyundai Accent Performance

The 2020 Hyundai Accent isn't quick to accelerate, but its four-cylinder engine has enough power for most driving situations. When equipped with the continuously variable automatic transmission, the Accent gets good fuel economy for the subcompact car class. This Hyundai doesn't have the handling chops of some rivals, but it feels poised around turns, and the ride is comfortable over smooth pavement.

• "Overall, we'd not call the Accent a driver's car, but we wouldn't call it a car built to disappoint drivers, either." -- Car and Driver (2018)
• "The Hyundai Accent is all-new for 2018 with updated styling, tech-savvy features, and a surprisingly fun drive that proves an affordable compact doesn't have to be boring." -- Boston Globe (2018)
• "… the Accent isn't supposed to be a speedster. It's meant to be a commuter, and it does that just fine. There was a bit of body roll when encountering the more interesting turns along our drive route but nothing alarming or even unexpected. And we passed many a towing trailer and looky-loo SUV to not be deemed the slowest thing on four wheels." -- New York Daily News (2018)

Acceleration and Power

The Accent features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 120 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, and a continuously variable automatic transmission is available. The engine's power output is fine for most driving situations, but acceleration is middling, and the Accent never feels fast. You should allow plenty of time and space when merging onto the highway and passing cars.

According to EPA estimates, the Accent gets 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. Those are decent ratings for the class. Upgrade to the CVT, and ratings jump to 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

• "… you'll need to plan ahead for passing and merging since the engine feels weak at high rpm. The Accent went 0-60 mph in 8.5 seconds in our testing, which is average for an economy compact." -- Edmunds
• "A Sport mode enlivens responses of the throttle, transmission and steering, but don't get your hopes up. There's only so much excitement 120 horsepower can muster. … The engine has a passable amount of zip for the class. The main complaint about it is that it tends to drone under hard acceleration. And with such modest power, the accelerator tends to get used more than in a gutsier car." -- Kelley Blue Book

Handling and Braking

This Hyundai isn't as sporty as some class rivals, but it handles well enough in everyday driving situations. It's also easy to drive, making it a great daily commuter vehicle. The ride is smooth over most road surfaces, but on rough pavement, you’ll feel those bumps and potholes. Front-wheel drive comes standard. All-wheel drive is not available.

• "Economy cars such as the Accent aren't known for performance, but the Accent will surprise you with its nimble nature. Despite vague steering, this Hyundai is agile and stable when going around turns. It remains stable even when cornering on bumpy surfaces, too, which isn't always the case with this class of car" -- Edmunds
• "Hyundai has done a good job enhancing the driving dynamics of its sedan lineup over the last few years, though if you want a really dynamic ride you'll probably want to stretch your budget to move up to the Hyundai Elantra." -- Kelley Blue Book (2019)
• "After exiting the freeway, we encountered some winding roads that are more ideal for a sport sedan; however, the 2018 Accent performed admirably. It's no sport sedan, but it handles securely. … The car's steering is reasonably weighted but could use a little more feedback. Ride comfort, on the other hand, has been improved. … However, because it retains the torsion beam out back, the rear end has a tendency to get unsettled and bounce around over less-than-perfect pavement." -- Motor Trend (2018)