Hyundai has always been synonymous with producing inexpensive vehicles in almost every category in the market. And while the brand has done a lot to change its lineup and brand image over the past 10 years, some things tend to stay the same. And for Hyundai, the name of the game has always been “value,” as the vehicle prices have always been low and the feature list is high, so we had to wonder what the cheapest model in the Hyundai lineup is.

Of course it’s a subcompact

Scrolling through the seemingly bottomless list of Hyundai models on the automaker’s website, it’s not hard to find the least expensive vehicle since they sorted by price. Lo and behold, it’s the trusty Accent subcompact sedan that will save you the most and take you from A to B in the most economical way.

And while it’s no secret that the Hyundai Accent is an unassuming, no-frills compact car, that can actually work in your favor. When is the last time you really needed ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel? Those are just luxuries, the Accent has everything you need and nothing that you don’t.  

What does the Hyundai Accent have?

The 2021 Hyundai Accent comes in three different trim levels: SE, SEL, and Limited. All three of these choices are powered by the same 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 120 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque and is mated to either a six-speed manual transmission (SE only) or what Hyundai calls an “Intelligent Variable Transmission,” which is the brand’s lingo for CVT.

Otherwise, the base SE trim comes with the bare necessities including air conditioning, power locks and windows, a rearview camera, a 5-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth, and a four-speaker audio system. Stepping up to the SEL will give you a little more via a larger seven-inch touchscreen, heated side mirrors, alloy wheels, auto headlights, and smartphone integration.

But if you want some type of luxury, then you can opt for the Limited model which includes a sunroof, auto climate control, heated front seats, keyless ignition, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Is the Hyundai Accent worth buying?

According to KBB, the Accent offers a good amount of zip for the class, however, it tends to drone under hard acceleration. If anything, the Hyundai Accent is great for a first-time driver or college student that really just needs a set of wheels to get around in. Again, don’t expect any frills or thrills with this car.

Fortunately, you won’t be paying too much for it as the base Hyundai Accent is priced at around $16,000 and can top out at around $20,000 for the top-trim Limited with all of the option boxes checked. The Accent might the brand’s cheapest car, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t get the job done when you need it to. But if you need something a little more substantial, then we suggest getting the Elantra instead.