Hyundai Accent: generations, engines, MPG and recalls (1995–2022)

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Hyundai Accent was Hyundai's entry-level subcompact in the US from the 1995 to 2022 model years, across five generations of sedans and hatchbacks. The last cars (2020–2022) use a 120-hp 1.6L four; with the IVT automatic, EPA rates them 33/41/36 mpg. The final 2022 sedan listed from $16,645 to $19,600 before freight.

Type
Subcompact sedan; 3-door hatchback (1995–2011) and 5-door hatchback (2012–2017); front-wheel drive
Price (MSRP)
$16,645–$19,600 (2022 MY) · Final-year MSRPs from Hyundai's 2022 Accent price sheet effective May 20, 2022, excluding $1,095 freight. Low = Accent Sedan SE IVT, high = Accent Sedan Limited.[1]
Powertrains
1.5L SOHC four (first generation), 1.5L SOHC four (second generation), 1.6L DOHC four (second generation), 1.6L DOHC CVVT four (third generation), 1.6L GDI four, 6-speed manual (fourth generation), 1.6L GDI four, 6-speed automatic (fourth generation), 1.6L GDI four (2018–2019), Smartstream 1.6L DPI four, IVT (2020–2022), Smartstream 1.6L DPI four, 6-speed manual (2020–2021) · 105–137 hp
Current generation
First generation, 1995–1999

Hyundai Accent engines, horsepower and mpg

Hyundai did not publish horsepower in the first- and second-generation 1.5L documents we found, so those figures are left blank. The 2012 Accent launched at 138 hp; Hyundai's 2015–2016 releases list 137 hp. EPA mpg shown for older years is the current EPA rating, which may differ from the figures Hyundai quoted at launch.

Hyundai Accent powertrains with Hyundai-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
1.5L SOHC four (first generation)L, GL, GSi1.5L SOHC inline-4[2][3][4][5]——5-speed manual or 4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive24/34/281999 MY[4]
1.5L SOHC four (second generation)L, GS, GL1.5L SOHC 12-valve inline-4, aluminum head[2][6]——5-speed manual or 4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive24/33/282005 MY[6]
1.6L DOHC four (second generation)Accent 3-door, GL, GT1.6L DOHC inline-4[7][2][8][9]105—5-speed manual or 4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive25/30/272005 MY[9]
1.6L DOHC CVVT four (third generation)GL, GS, GLS, SE1.6L DOHC CVVT inline-4 (Alpha)[10][11][12][13][14][15]1101065-speed manual or 4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive27/35/302011 MY[15]
1.6L GDI four, 6-speed manual (fourth generation)SE Sedan, SE Hatchback, Sport Hatchback1.6L direct-injected DOHC inline-4 (Gamma)[16][17][18][19]1371236-speed manualFront-wheel drive27/37/312017 MY[19]
1.6L GDI four, 6-speed automatic (fourth generation)SE Sedan, SE Hatchback, Sport Hatchback1.6L direct-injected DOHC inline-4 (Gamma)[16][17][20]1371236-speed automatic with SHIFTRONICFront-wheel drive26/36/302017 MY[20]
1.6L GDI four (2018–2019)SE, SEL, Limited1.6L GDI DOHC inline-4 with dual CVVT[21][22][23][24][25]1301196-speed manual or 6-speed automaticFront-wheel drive28/38/322019 MY[24]
Smartstream 1.6L DPI four, IVT (2020–2022)SE, SEL, LimitedSmartstream G1.6 dual-port-injection inline-4[26][27][1][28][29]120113Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)Front-wheel drive33/41/362022 MY[29]
Smartstream 1.6L DPI four, 6-speed manual (2020–2021)SESmartstream G1.6 dual-port-injection inline-4[26][27][30]1201136-speed manualFront-wheel drive29/39/332021 MY[30]

Output is as rated by Hyundai; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

Last Accent vs today's smallest Hyundais

There is no Accent after 2022. The closest new Hyundais are the Venue small SUV and the Elantra sedan, both with IVT automatics. Prices are each model's dated MSRP, before freight.[1][27][44][45][46][47]

Last Accent vs today's smallest Hyundais
ModelModel yearStarting MSRPBase engineBase transmission
Accent Sedan SE2022$16,645 (+$1,095 freight)1.6L four, 120 hpIVT
Venue SE2026$20,550 (+$1,600 freight)1.6L four, 121 hpIVT
Elantra SE2026$22,625 (+$1,245 freight)2.0L four, 147 hpIVT
  • A used 2020–2022 Accent has a similar engine and transmission to the 2026 Venue, but in a sedan body.
  • The 2026 Elantra SE is the nearest new Hyundai sedan, with a larger 2.0L engine.

What to check on a used Accent

Most Accent shopping comes down to which generation and which transmission you get. These points come from Hyundai's own documents and the recall record:

  • Transmission: 2006–2011 cars have a 4-speed automatic, 2012–2019 cars a 6-speed automatic, and 2020–2022 cars Hyundai's IVT. Manuals ran through 2021.
  • Body style: hatchbacks are 2011-or-older three-doors or 2012–2017 five-doors. Every 2018–2022 Accent is a sedan.
  • Equipment by trim: on 2018 cars, four-wheel disc brakes, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and alloy wheels start at SEL; Forward Collision-avoidance Assist and a sunroof are Limited-only.
  • Open recalls: several campaigns cover brake-light switches, seat-belt pretensioners and the ABS module (listed below). Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • [10][16][33][23][26][30][29][35]

Hyundai Accent recalls by model year

The NHTSA recall dataset lists these Hyundai campaigns naming the Accent. For 23V651, Hyundai told owners to park outside until the fix is done.

  • 00V314 (Accent GT with the DOHC engine built December 1996–June 1997, 1998 Accent, and 1997–1998 Sonata): the evaporative-emission system could pull too much vacuum on the fuel tank and crack it. Dealers pressure-checked the tank, replaced it if cracked, and installed a new filler cap.
  • 09V122 and 13V113 (2006–2009 Accent among many Hyundais): the stop lamp switch may malfunction, affecting brake lights and the shift interlock. Dealers replace the switch.
  • 15V566 (2009–2011 Accent built March 1, 2009 to February 11, 2011; 99,500 vehicles): the brake light switch may fail, which can also stop the shifter leaving Park. Dealers replace the switch.
  • 15V218 (2015 Accent; 2,580 vehicles): in very cold weather the passenger occupant detection system may not detect a child seat. Dealers update the software.
  • 21V619 (2018–2020 Accent, with Sonata and Azera): the trunk latch can be damaged so the inside emergency release does not work. Dealers replace the latch base.
  • 22V354 (2020–2022 Accent, with 2021–2022 Elantra; 230,233 vehicles): front seat-belt pretensioners may explode when they deploy. Dealers fit a cap over the pretensioner.
  • 23V651 (2012–2015 Accent, among 1,649,478 Hyundais): the ABS module may leak brake fluid internally and short, causing an engine-compartment fire. Dealers replace the ABS fuse.
  • [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43]

Accent MPG by generation

Fuel economy improved with each generation. The 2020–2022 IVT cars have the best EPA rating, at 36 mpg combined, while 2018–2019 automatics are rated 32 mpg combined and 2017 automatics 30. Among older cars, EPA rates a 2011 automatic at 30 mpg combined and a 1999 manual at 28.[29][24][20][15][4]

Hyundai Accent generations by year

Every US Hyundai Accent generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
First generation1995–19991.5L SOHC I4; 1.6L DOHC in the 1996–1997 Accent GTOffered as a three-door and a four-door sedan with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The GT (1996) used an early 1.6L DOHC; its 1998 GSi replacement went back to the 1.5L and was dropped for 1999. For 1999 Hyundai listed the three-door at $8,999–$10,699 and the four-door at $9,899–$10,699, plus $435 destination.[2][31][3]
Second generation2000–20051.5L SOHC I4; 1.6L DOHC I4 (105 hp)Longer wheelbase and wider body than the first generation. Air conditioning became standard for 2001. The 2003 facelift brought the 1.6L DOHC (105 hp) and the return of the GT. Cars built after January 3, 2003 have standard front side airbags. EPA listings for 2001–2005 include both a 1.5L and a 1.6L.[2][7][8][6]
Third generation2006–20111.6L DOHC CVVT I4, 110 hp / 106 lb-ftLaunched as a GLS sedan for 2006, with a three-door hatchback added for 2007. For 2011 Hyundai priced the line from $9,985 (GL 3-door manual) to $16,145 (SE 3-door automatic), excluding $720 freight.[10][11][12]
Fourth generation2012–20171.6L GDI I4 (Gamma), 138 hp at launch / 137 hp later; 6-speed manual or 6-speed automaticSedan plus a new five-door hatchback. 2012 MSRPs ran from $12,545 (GLS sedan manual) to $16,895 (SE five-door automatic), excluding $775 freight. For 2016, GLS and GS became SE Sedan and SE Hatchback, with Sport as the top hatchback.[16][32][17]
Fifth generation2018–20221.6L GDI I4, 130 hp (2018–2019); Smartstream 1.6L DPI I4, 120 hp (2020–2022)Sedan only; Hyundai dropped the hatchback for 2018. 2018 MSRPs were $14,995–$18,895 excluding $885 freight. The 2020 update switched to the Smartstream engine and the IVT automatic. EPA lists no manual for 2022, the last model year it rates.[33][21][23][26][1][29][34]

More Accent research

See how an Accent was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Hyundai build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Hyundai build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Hyundai Accent sold in the US?

EPA lists the Accent from the 1995 through 2022 model years. Hyundai sold it across five generations: 1995–1999, 2000–2005, 2006–2011, 2012–2017 and 2018–2022.

What is the best MPG Hyundai Accent?

The 2020–2022 Accent with the IVT automatic, rated 33 mpg city, 41 highway and 36 combined by EPA. The 2020–2021 six-speed manual is rated 29/39/33.

Does the Hyundai Accent have a CVT?

From the 2020 model year, yes. Hyundai calls it the Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Earlier Accents used conventional 4-speed or 6-speed automatics, and manuals were offered through 2021.

Was there an Accent hatchback?

Yes. Hyundai sold a three-door hatchback through the 2011 model year and a five-door hatchback from 2012 to 2017. It dropped the hatchback when the fifth generation arrived for 2018.

How much horsepower does a Hyundai Accent have?

It depends on the year: 105 hp for 2003–2005 1.6L cars, 110 hp for 2006–2011, 137–138 hp for 2012–2017, 130 hp for 2018–2019 and 120 hp for 2020–2022, according to Hyundai.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Hyundai for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. 2022 Pricing: Accent (effective May 20, 2022, PDF) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/50096-2022MYAccentPriceSheet20May2022.pdf)
  2. Hyundai Accent Backgrounder — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/20173-HYUNDAIACCENTBACKGROUNDER.txt)
  3. EPA fuel economy: 1995 Hyundai Accent 1.5L, 5-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. EPA fuel economy: 1999 Hyundai Accent 1.5L, 5-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. EPA fuel economy: 1999 Hyundai Accent 1.5L, 4-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. EPA fuel economy: 2005 Hyundai Accent 1.5L, 5-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. 2003 Accent (press kit) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/20221-2003Accent.txt)
  8. EPA fuel economy: 2001 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, 5-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  9. EPA fuel economy: 2005 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, 5-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. All-New 2006 Hyundai Accent (Oct. 4, 2005) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/18443-ALL-NEW2006HYUNDAIACCENT%3ACLASS-LEADINGSAFETYTECHNOLOGIESANDUPSCALEFEATURESWITHENTRY-LEVELAFFORDABILITY.txt)
  11. 2007 Hyundai Accent GLS: Comfort, Safety and Performance at an Entry-Level Price — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/13342-2007HYUNDAIACCENTGLS%3ACOMFORT%2CSAFETYANDPERFORMANCEATANENTRY-LEVELPRICE.txt)
  12. Hyundai Announces Pricing for the 2011 Accent — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/19435-HYUNDAIANNOUNCESPRICINGFORTHE2011ACCENT.txt)
  13. EPA fuel economy: 2006 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, 5-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  14. EPA fuel economy: 2011 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, 5-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  15. EPA fuel economy: 2011 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, 4-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  16. Hyundai Revolutionizes the Subcompact Car with the All-New Accent (2012 Accent, New York show release) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/21937-HYUNDAIREVOLUTIONIZESTHESUBCOMPACTCARWITHTHEALL-NEWACCENTATTHENEWYORKINTERNATIONALAUTOSHOW.txt)
  17. 2016 Hyundai Accent Hits Dealerships This August (Aug. 26, 2015) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/24141-2016HYUNDAIACCENTHITSDEALERSHIPSTHISAUGUST.txt)
  18. EPA fuel economy: 2012 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  19. EPA fuel economy: 2017 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  20. EPA fuel economy: 2017 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, 6-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  21. Hyundai Introduces All-New 2018 Accent (release, PDF) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/29308-4+48829HYUNDAIINTRODUCESALLNEW2018ACCENTATTHEORANGECOUNTYINTERNATIONAL.pdf)
  22. 2018 Accent Specifications (PDF) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/30308-2018AccentSpecificationsFINAL.pdf)
  23. 2018 Pricing: Accent (effective Nov. 17, 2017, PDF) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/30350-2018ACCENTPriceSheet.pdf)
  24. EPA fuel economy: 2019 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, 6-speed automatic — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  25. EPA fuel economy: 2019 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  26. 2020 Hyundai Accent overview press release (July 22, 2019, PDF) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/37915-2020AccentOverviewPressRelease71619finalabdocx.pdf)
  27. 2021 Accent Product Guide: Specifications (PDF) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/42767-2021AccentProductGuidespecs.pdf)
  28. EPA fuel economy: 2020 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, IVT — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  29. EPA fuel economy: 2022 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, IVT — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  30. EPA fuel economy: 2021 Hyundai Accent 1.6L, 6-speed manual — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  31. Hyundai Lowers Prices on 1999 Accent (Oct. 1, 1998) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/18703-HYUNDAILOWERSPRICESON1999ACCENTANDMAINTAINSPRICESONOTHERMODELS.txt)
  32. Hyundai Announces Prices for All-New Accent (2012 model year) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/11846-HYUNDAIANNOUNCESPRICESFORALL-NEWACCENT.txt)
  33. MY18 Hyundai Accent: What's New — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com (archived copy) (archived copy of https://www.hyundainews.com/assets/documents/original/25889-MY18HyundaiAccent-What%27sNew.txt)
  34. EPA fuel economy model listings by year (Hyundai) — U.S. DOE / EPA (fueleconomy.gov)
  35. NHTSA recalls dataset (6axg-epim): Hyundai campaigns naming the Accent — U.S. DOT / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  36. Recall 00V314: Accent/Sonata fuel tank cracking from evaporative-system vacuum — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  37. Recall 09V122: Stop lamp switch (multiple Hyundai models) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  38. Recall 13V113: Stop lamp switch may function intermittently — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  39. Recall 15V566: 2009–2011 Accent brake light switch — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  40. Recall 15V218: 2015 Accent occupant detection system — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  41. Recall 21V619: Trunk emergency release may fail — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  42. Recall 22V354: Seat belt pretensioners may explode (2020–2022 Accent) — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  43. Recall 23V651: ABS unit may cause engine compartment fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  44. 26MY Venue Pricing (effective Sep. 8, 2025) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com
  45. 2026 Venue Specifications & Features (July 2025) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com
  46. 26MY Elantra Pricing (effective Oct. 9, 2025) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com
  47. 2026 Elantra Specifications & Features (July 2025) — Hyundai Motor America, HyundaiNews.com

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Hyundai Motor America, Hyundai Motor Company or Hyundai Motor Group. Hyundai and the model names are trademarks of their owners.