The subcompact segment is uncommonly pleasing in a market where the latest tech, most powerful engines, and eye-watering MSRPs are standard. A dozen or so four-door economy cars battle against each other to show which is the cheapest and most cheerful to own. Luckily, a decent amount of creature comforts and safety features have trickled down into the smallest examples in manufacturers’ lineups. The recently discontinued 2022 Hyundai Accent is one that can satisfy lower budgets. But is it a good car?  

2022 Hyundai Accent performance figures and fuel economy

Economy cars aren’t known for dazzling performance, and the Accent is built for fuel efficiency. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder has an EPA rating of 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. But the Accent’s powerplant isn’t as weak as one may think. 120 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque make for a 7.5-second 0-60 mph sprint. However, Hyundai dropped the engaging six-speed manual for 2022, thereby absolving itself of its surprisingly quick status. When merging on the highway, there shouldn’t be an issue, but the engine may feel anemic at high rpm. Its continuously variable transmission makes it about one second slower to 60 mph, but it did achieve the aforementioned fuel economy figures. The stick-shift model dips efficiency by four mpg in the city and two mpg on the highway.

The Hyundai Accent will gladden potential buyers with its agility and ride comfort. Standard Advanced Dynamic Control will help all four wheels grip the road in various conditions. Edmunds says it’s stable in the bends and traveling over bumps, potholes, or uneven pavement, despite “vague steering.” The Accent is also quiet, with little road noise leeching into the cabin. 

2022 Hyundai Accent interior amenities and cargo space 

Economy cars also aren’t known for their cabin accommodations. But the Hyundai Accent won’t leave anyone begging for more features. The base SE with a $17,740 MSRP is utilitarian, but everything inside is sharp-looking and well-built. The Bluetooth-capable five-inch touchscreen is easy to use with physical knobs and buttons. Car and Driver asserts that the optional beige interior livens up the rather serious-looking black-on-black appearance. Irrespective of the upholstery, however, reviewers say the Accent’s seats are only comfortable enough to tolerate shorter trips.

The $18,995 mid-level SEL trim gains a seven-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also swaps the base’s four-speaker stereo for a six-speaker system and includes satellite radio. The top-of-the-line Accent Limited starts around $20,000 and features automatic climate control, heated front seats, a hands-free trunk lid, a push-button start, and a sunroof.

Despite its subcompact status, the Hyundai has adequate room for four adults. The Accent’s trunk offers a relatively average 13.7 cubic feet of space. Cargo capacity can be enhanced with a split-folding backseat, but they fail to fold flat, thus defeating welcome utility.

2022 Hyundai Accent safety rating and driver assistance features 

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Hyundai Accent a four-star safety rating. Such is a shallow point for the vehicle, as many other subcompact sedans offer better crash test results.

A rearview camera is standard on all Accent trim levels. However, only the Limited has additional driver assistance features. Potential buyers will only have automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning.

Is the 2022 Hyundai Accent a good car to own?

J.D. Power gives the Accent quite a high quality and reliability score. With less technical sophistication comes fewer things to break down, presumably. The consumer research firm also shores up safety concerns. They also report that customers “give high ratings for feeling that the vehicle would protect them in an accident.”

Hyundai also offers the best warranty in the business, including a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain guarantee. Be aware, though, the full warranty is for those who purchase the car new. On the used market, it’s cut in half.

As a means of transportation, the Hyundai Accent ticks all the boxes. Most other sedans are more expensive to buy, own, fill up, and fix. Potential buyers looking for no-frills driving can indulge their desires with incredible value. Moreover, there are still some brand-new examples with that spectacular warranty floating around.