2018 Hyundai Accent Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What's New for 2018?
Virtually everything feels new on the 2018 Hyundai Accent. The vehicle is more sedan-like and less of a hatchback thanks to its redesigned exterior. It is .6 inches longer and over an inch wider than the 2017 model. The taillights, headlights, and grille have also been redesigned with a slimmer appearance similar to that which can be found on other 2018 Hyundai vehicles.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Hyundai Accent – The Pros
1. Fuel Economy
Hyundai has boosted the fuel economy on the 2018 Hyundai Accent by about 7 percent. This is all due to the engine being re-tuned and given upgraded engine software. There are also a new variable fuel pressure model and low-friction piston rings that help to boost the car's fuel economy.
2. A Standard Rearview Camera
Regardless of whether you get the 2018 Hyundai Accent SE, SEL, or Limited trim, the vehicle will come equipped with a standard rearview camera. Dynamic parking guidelines are included with the camera, which helps to enhance your view of what is behind your vehicle.
3. Smart Trunk is Available On Higher Trims
The hands-free Smart Trunk technology was implemented on higher trim levels of Hyundai vehicles starting in 2015. The trunk can be unlatched with the simple push of a button and is available on the higher Accent trim levels.
4. BlueLink Telematics
If you opt for the line-topping Limited trim, you get BlueLink Telematics. BlueLink is free for the first three years, and it offers roadside assistance and emergency assistance, as well as providing the driver with a detailed report of how the vehicle is performing.
5. More Interior Space Than Before
The Hyundai Accent isn't known for being the most spacious car, and many cars in its class struggle with interior space. However, with the size tweaks that Hyundai made for 2018, there seems to be slightly more head, shoulder, and legroom to be found throughout the cabin.
6. A Quiet Ride
Hyundai has upgraded to using very high-quality steel in its construction, so the 2018 Hyundai accent gives a pretty noiseless ride. The cabin feels well-insulated, so not much road noise will seep in even at higher speeds.
7. The Revised Engine
The 1.6-L I-4 engine has been tweaked to generate 130 hp and 119 lb-ft of torque. This is slightly less torque than the previous engine, but Hyundai has updated the engine so that it is altogether more drivable.
8. Drive Mode Selector On the Automatic Transmissions
All powertrains equipped with automatic transmissions have drive mode selector. This feature allows drivers to easily switch between Normal mode and Sport mode. Regardless of which automatic transmission you choose, this feature is standard.
9. A Sportier Exterior
Hyundai ditched the rather outdated-looking exterior on the 2017 Accent and opted to do a major facelift. The 2018 Hyundai Accent looks much sportier with its slimmed-down headlights and taillights and its brand new grille. The LED daytime running lights look sophisticated and contemporary and work well.
10. High-Quality Interior Materials
Another one of the Accent's former problems has been fixed for this model year. The interior materials look like they are high-quality. Even though the interior design itself is somewhat minimalistic compared to its competitors, the materials look durable, and the design itself seems well-thought-out.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Hyundai Accent – The Cons
1. A Hatchback Form is Not Available
Hyundai has officially dropped the hatchback style on the Accent, and they don't seem keen on adding back in on the American versions anytime soon. While the Accent Hatchback has been around since 1995, American drivers who want a hatchback version will have to look for an entirely different vehicle. The hatchback is now reserved for the Canadian market only.
2. There Might Be Serious Safety Issues
While ratings from IIHS and NHTSA are not yet available for the 2018 Hyundai Accent, last year's safety ratings were subpar (especially from IIHS's small overlap front crash test, which was labeled "Poor") and were cause for concern. While the 2018 model offers a lot of great safety features, Hyundai will need to have done a lot of work to make the body safer than last year's model.
3. Rear Visibility is Limited
Thick roof pillars in the rear and a small rear windshield limit the driver's rear visibility. Thankfully, the standard rearview camera can assist with getting a better idea of what is behind you.
4. The Steering Feels Light
While upgrades have been made to the vehicle's steering and handling, steering the Accent might still feel too light for some drivers. It can be difficult to tell just how well the wheels are grasping the road surface, although the vehicle does not truly feel unstable or insecure while on the road. While this isn't a major gripe, it could decrease the driver's confidence in their vehicle.
How it stacks up to the competition:
2018 Hyundai Accent vs. 2018 Nissan Versa
The 2018 Nissan Versa is very competitively priced and provides a ton of space and comfort. The CVT gives the Versa an impressive fuel economy, but the engine tends to run a bit loud. Also, there is no telescoping steering wheel, which can make it difficult for some drivers to find the right driving position.
2018 Hyundai Accent vs. 2018 Ford Fiesta
The 2018 Ford Fiesta is also competitively priced. It handles turns with ease and comes loaded with a ton of wonderful advanced technology and safety features. However, the Fiesta lacks space in the rear and cargo area. Also, it doesn't stack up in terms of comfort.
Conclusion
The 2018 Hyundai Accent is a vast improvement over the outgoing 2017 model. It offers up a better fuel economy and stronger powertrain performance than what we have seen from Accent models in the past. While you can't find it as a hatchback in America, the sedan version offers a ton of comfort, an intuitive and contemporary design, and packs in plenty of desirable safety and technology features. Overall, drivers can expect a solid performance from this vehicle.
