If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient gas-powered vehicle, compact and subcompact cars are the way to go. With a smaller body, modest engine, and less weight, these vehicles need less gas to get the job done. Buyers looking for a fuel-efficient subcompact car should consider the 2021 Hyundai Accent. It might not be the most exciting to drive, but it saves money with its great gas mileage.

The 2021 Hyundai Accent’s efficient powertrain

The 2021 Hyundai Accent is available with either a continuously variable transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. The manual is standard on the base trim, and the CVT is standard on the other two trims and available on the base one.

The Accent also packs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that pairs with either transmission. The engine produces 120 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque. MotorTrend found the automatic a bit “lethargic,” so it’s not as exciting to drive as some competitors. Though the Accent sacrifices power, that helps make it a fuel-saving (and money-saving) car.

Exactly how great is the 2021 Hyundai Accent’s gas mileage?

The EPA defines combined fuel economy as “a weighted average of city and highway mpg values that is calculated by weighting the city value by 55 percent and the highway value by 45 percent.” The 2021 Hyundai Accent, with its continuously variable transmission, is rated for 36 mpg overall. It gets 33 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway.

These ratings place the 2021 Accent among the most fuel-efficient small cars of 2021, MotorTrend reports. The fuel efficiency with the manual transmission isn’t quite as good as with the CVT. With the manual, the Accent gets 29 mpg in the city, 39 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined.

More about this 2021 subcompact car

The current generation of the Hyundai Accent has been around since 2017. MotorTrend proclaims it “one of the better subcompacts you can buy.” It has a good-looking exterior and a spacious cabin. The interior design isn’t that interesting, though.

In addition, the trunk offers almost 14 cubic feet of space — less than some competitors. Also, the Accent isn’t currently available as a hatchback, which many other subcompact cars offer, U.S. News points out. Typically, hatchbacks offer more cargo room than sedans.

The Accent has a basic but easy-to-use infotainment system, U.S. News says. It comes standard with a 5.0-inch touchscreen, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, a USB port, and a four-speaker audio system. A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is available. Also optional are a six-speaker sound system, two extra USB ports, satellite radio, and the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system, U.S. News reports. The 2021 Accent comes with a rearview camera, but forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are optional advanced safety features.

The Accent offers good value with plenty of features for the price. The base SE trim starts at $15,395, and adding the CVT costs an extra $1,100.

The SEL trim starts at $17,750. This model comes with the CVT and provides the larger touchscreen, additional tech features (except Hyundai Blue Link), and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

The Limited trim starts at $19,500. It provides Hyundai Blue Link, an app that offers functions such as remote start. It also adds the aforementioned advanced safety features. Plus, it boasts heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a hands-free trunk lid.

Overall, the 2021 Hyundai Accent saves money with its lower purchase price and keeps saving with its great fuel efficiency. It might not have much engine power, but it earned a spot on MotorTrend’s list “Small Cars With the Best Gas Mileage in 2021.”