2022 Hyundai Accent

The Hyundai Accent is a car that often flies under the radar in the subcompact segment. Quietly rolling into 2022 without any changes, this means you get a subcompact sedan that still comes in with an asking price well under $20k and enough features and ability to keep most commuters more than happy. The Accent won't turn any heads or thrill in the bends, but it does everything relatively well, from using small amounts of fuel to keeping its occupants safe in the event of a crash. This little Korean sedan is a well-rounded piece of equipment. Under the hood lies a 1.6-liter engine producing 120 horsepower. All that power is not sent to a 4WD system, but rather the front wheels via a continuously variable automatic. The Accent's specs don't read like a Mercedes-Benz's, but there's enough to keep most happy against rivals like the Kia Rio and Nissan Versa.

Hyundai has struck a good balance between affordability and quality here, and what impresses most is the Accent's build quality and comfortable ride quality, which is hard to beat at its price point. The price of the new Hyundai Accent starts at an MSRP of $16,645 for the base model SE. The mid-range SEL costs $17,900, and the range-topping Limited will still come in under $20k at $19,600. These prices exclude tax, registration, and a handling fee of $1,025. Looking or something even cheaper? A low-mileage used model could be a great deal, with a number to be found for sale across the USA.

There's no mistaking the Accent for anything other than a budget sedan, which usually means safe and predictable handling, and the majority of drivers will never push this little sedan to its limits or hear the tires squeal around a set of track corners. The Accent delivers a predictable and comfortable driving experience that fits in with the rest of the car's mature and responsible feel. It is clear from the word go that comfort takes priority over dynamic driving capability. The Accent is a comfortable and compliant car to drive and soaks up bumps with ease around town. The steering is light and precise, making city maneuvers as easy as pie. What is noticeable from the start is the lack of steering feedback and a lack of communication from the tires. This shouldn't pose a problem for most, but it is worth noting the numbness and general lack of feel. Pushing the Accent reveals a car with a surprising amount of grip. You'll be surprised at how far you can push the little sedan, but once again, a lack of feel limits the fun factor. The brake pedal feel is firm and predictable but fails to impress in terms of stopping distance.

The Hyundai Accent in the USA enters 2022 with no significant changes, which means you still get a no-nonsense car that offers good value for money, decent levels of safety, and excellent fuel economy. Starting from only $15,395, the Accent is a no-nonsense subcompact sedan that will impress, rather than disappoint. The exterior styling looks as good as ever and now comes with a tasty new color named Forge Gray. The interior might be dark, but it is definitely not dreary and offers an impressive level of build quality and solid materials for the price of the Accent. The rear could provide more space, but the overall experience inside the cabin is a positive one. On the road, the Accent isn't the most exhilarating to drive with its 1.6-liter engine barely providing enough power, but it is still a capable handling car and is comfortable on the open road. It comes with minimal features in base form, but that is to be expected in this price range. The overall experience here is a "cheap and cheerful" one, and we would recommend the Accent to anyone looking for a budget-friendly sedan.

You don't get much better in the budget four-door class than the Hyundai Accent. This little Korean grocery-getter is easy to live with and will certainly not break the bank, which is largely the point of this car: it is meant to be affordable yet capable. Seeing as all three trim levels come with the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, it makes it easier to choose which one will suit your needs best. Starting at $16,645, the SE offers the most basic ownership experience, which might be a little too basic for some, but you still get a five-inch infotainment display and air-conditioning. We would suggest opting for the mid-range SEL, which comes standard with alloy wheels, a much-appreciated seven-inch infotainment system with SiriusXM, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All this can be yours for only $17,900.

The Versa is Nissan's smallest vehicle and has been credited as being one of America's cheapest new cars. This little sedan screams "rental" from any angle, but is it really that bad? The 2020 model saw a complete revamp which stepped things up dramatically with more power and better looks. We still think the Accent looks better, though. Under the hood lies a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with outputs of 122 hp and 114 lb-ft, which is right in the Accent's ballpark. The Versa will manage 32/40/35 mpg city/highway/combined. On the road, the Versa is surprisingly capable as a city car and highway cruiser, and while we found the Accent to be more refined, the Versa comes in a close second. The interior of the Versa features contemporary styling and quality materials, which is equal to that of the Accent. In terms of features, both cars get a similar spread of tech. The Versa does offer more trunk space but suffers with small-item storage. At only $14,980 for the S, the Versa would be our budget sedan choice.

The Kia Rio shares most of its bits with the Hyundai Accent, which means these two cars offer a near-identical driving experience, but there are some noteworthy differences, mainly in the looks and features department. The Kia Rio is arguably the fresher-looking car with a nose resembling the bigger Kia Stinger, particularly with the recent 2021 update. Under the hood lies the same 1.6-liter engine and CVT transmission pairing, which means the Rio will perform similarly to the Accent. Gas mileage figures come in at 33/41/36 mpg, identical to that of the Accent. The Rio's cabin has a slightly more upmarket feel than the Accent, and an eight-inch touchscreen elevates it above the Accent. All panels feel well-fitted, and material quality is up to the same standards. Interior space is also similar, with both cars getting tight rear legroom space. The amount of features is also on par with the Hyundai with little separating the two. The Rio asks slightly less at $16,150 for the base model, and your choice will have to boil down to cost and looks. We would go with the Kia as it's the fresher model, has better infotainment, and is cheaper.