The Hyundai Accent is a five-passenger subcompact sedan competing with the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and Ford Fiesta. Every Accent model comes with a 120-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine for an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined. Trim levels include the SE, SEL, and Limited. So, which one is the best? Critics agree it’s the mid-range SEL. Here’s why.

2022 Hyundai Accent SEL trim offers more bang for your buck

If you’re looking for a car that’s stylish yet practical, the 2022 Hyundai Accent SEL is a great option. Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Edmunds all recommend the SEL, with the last saying this trim gives “the most bang for [the] buck.”

It boasts a sleek design, plenty of cargo space, and plenty of features that make driving more enjoyable. You get all of that for under $19,000.

The Accent SEL shares a sleek, aerodynamic design with the SE and Limited trims. And the SEL’s 15-inch alloy wheels add a touch of sophistication.

Inside, the Accent SEL is equally impressive. The cabin is surprisingly spacious and comfortable for a subcompact car, with plenty of room for five passengers. 

In addition, the SEL comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen display audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Also, expect remote keyless entry, cruise control, upgraded cloth upholstery, automatic halogen headlights, and electronic stability control.

What features come with the Limited trim?

Starting at $20,645, the Limited comes with all the features of the SEL plus the following, according to Edmunds:

• LED projector headlights
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Keyless entry
• Push-button ignition
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Leatherette upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Automatic climate control
• Sunroof

Safety features include forward-collision avoidance assist with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera.

What is the difference between the 2022 Hyundai Accent SE and SEL?

The Hyundai Accent SE is the entry-level trim, priced at $17,690. It comes with 15-inch steel wheels, manual front seats, air conditioning, cloth upholstery, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat.

Additional features include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. 

The Accent SE also comes with front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, front airbags, side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control, a rearview camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system, among other safety features.

The 2022 Hyundai Accent is a competent car that does everything just right. Its SEL trim is a can’t-miss for reviewers when it comes to choosing the best trim in terms of value. For the cost of a little more, you’ll get a lot of extras.