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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.6L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S1) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 33 / 41 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 36 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 248 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $15,847–$18,514 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 Hyundai Accent is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.2/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.6/10, while Performance at 5.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.9/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.9/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 5.2/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.2/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $15,847–$18,514, 33 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Accent sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.6/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: The 2021 Hyundai Accent sits in the middle of the field. Until its technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Hyundai Accent ranks #896 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 32% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $15,847 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 43%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $25k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Hyundai Accent scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.2 — and starts roughly $1,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7.3/10 | $16,370 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $15,847 | |
| 2020 | 7.2/10 | $15,325 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.1/10 | $14,802 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.1/10 | $14,280 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.0/10 | $13,757 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $13,235 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $12,712 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Master cylinder 02/12/2021 · 21V937000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Accent vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance. |
|---|---|
| Seat belts / Front 09/02/2022 · 22V069000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Accent vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment. |
| Steering / Column 06/05/2022 · 22V311000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Accent vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control. |
| Seat belts / Front 19/05/2022 · 22V354000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2021 Hyundai Accent's reliability 7.9/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
4 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.2/10 overall, ranking #896 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 32% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2021 Hyundai Accent starts at $15,847 and ranges up to $18,514 across trims (MSRP when new). At 33 MPG, expect roughly $1,591/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.