2019 Hyundai Accent Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
If you’re looking for a new compact car this year, then the 2019 Hyundai Accent could be an intriguing choice. With plenty of cutting-edge technology packed into the standard package, comfortable and stable driving, and the reliable Hyundai brand backing it up, the Accent is a unique choice with multiple aspects that could set it above its competitors. But what exactly about the new Hyundai Accent makes it stand out? There are many fantastic aspects to the 2019 Accent - but there are also some features that may be unappealing for certain drivers.
What's new for 2019
Hyundai mostly stuck with the same Accent formula as in 2018 but made many of the more exclusive features from the previous models standard in 2019. For example, the chrome grille that was exclusive to the highest Accent trim level (the Limited trim) is now available on all models. The exterior has also received some slight updates to make it sleeker and more aerodynamic on the road.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Hyundai Accent – The Pros
1. Extremely Large Interior
Compact and subcompact cars are notorious for their lack of interior space. This is not something the Hyundai Accent struggles with - its interior is surprisingly large, offering plenty of space for the driver, the front passenger, and the backseat passengers. Though not comparable to that of SUVs or larger cars, the Accent’s interior space certainly is larger than many of its competitors.
2. Fantastic Fuel Economy
Many compact and subcompact cars feature extreme fuel efficiency. The 2019 Hyundai Accent certainly is one of those vehicles, boasting a certified efficiency of 28 miles per gallon in the city and 38 miles per gallon on the highway. It’s common to see the official fuel efficiency numbers not hold up in real life, but the Accent’s numbers hold true in most situations.
3. Quiet Interior
In order for compact cars to be lightweight and fuel efficient, they usually sacrifice some of the features on the body that keep the interior quiet. As a result, many passengers in compact cars experience a noisy ride - particularly on highways or on poorly maintained roads. The design and engineering teams at Hyundai clearly recognized this flaw in compact car design and kept it in mind when making the Accent. The 2019 Hyundai doesn’t suffer from a noisy ride even at high speeds, remaining surprisingly quiet throughout most driving situations.
4. Above-average Engine
All three trim levels of the 2019 Hyundai Accent feature the same engine. This is a 4-cylinder 1.6L engine, offering 130 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque. This means that the car can accelerate quite comfortably, a factor that helps when merging onto highways or when road speeds change dramatically. It also helps the car feel more comfortable on the road, giving you ultimate control over the car’s speed without having to worry about the car’s ability to accelerate.
5. Ride Stability
Compact cars do not normally feel unstable on the road in normal conditions, but can feel a bit hard to control when packed full of passengers or cargo, or when road conditions are not stellar. The 2019 Hyundai Accent seems to perform well in all testable conditions, able to still maintain control on the road even in rainy conditions. At high speeds, the car doesn’t get wobbly - in part due to the built-in vehicle stability management system and in part due to the vehicle's electronic stability monitoring.
6. Standout Safety Features
Hyundai has always been known for its attention to detail in safety features, and the 2019 Hyundai Accent lives up to that standard. The base trim is packed full of technologically-advanced safety features, and the top Limited trim adds even more safety features onto that. On the base model, you’ll find features like an advanced tire pressure monitoring system, a built-in system to assist with starting your car on hills, an anti-lock tracking system that includes braking assistance and brake-force distribution across the entire car, and specially engineered front and rear crumple zones in the event of a crash. The Limited trim includes a special blind spot mirror and collision avoidance systems that assist if the car detects a crash is imminent.
7. Exterior Styling
The Hyundai’s exterior is instantly noticeable on the road, though not overly flashy or displeasing to the eye. Its curves and lines extend throughout the entire body of the car, without getting interrupted by the doors or trunk. This exterior styling isn’t just for aesthetic purposes, though - it’s also functional, as each design choice was also implemented to help with the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency.
8. Interior Technology
Like most cars sold in 2019, the Hyundai Accent features a Bluetooth-connected infotainment system. But unlike many vehicles, the Accent can be controlled from your smartphone. The Blue Link app is part of the Hyundai ecosystem, letting you unlock, lock, and start your car via the app. It also lets you evaluate the health of your car, delivering full vehicle reports monthly through the app or via email. The infotainment system integrates fully with the app, letting you navigate from your phone through the Bluetooth link.
9. Powerful LED Headlights
Subcompact and compact cars sometimes struggle at night with visibility, as the headlight position and power can keep drivers from being able to see far enough ahead safely. The 2019 Hyundai Accent doesn’t follow that trend, using powerful LED headlights to illuminate the road ahead very clearly. The car also boasts LED taillights so those trailing you can see when you’re braking as well as daytime LED running lights.
10. Multiple Model Levels
The 2019 Hyundai Accent isn’t limited to just one potential model or trim, offering three distinct models. The base model is the Accent SE, which comes with a manual transmission and the smallest infotainment system of the three levels at just 5 inches in diagonal screen size. The middle choice is the Accent SEL, which ups the ante with 15-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch infotainment display and multiple USB charging ports. The top model choice for the Accent is the Accent Limited, which contains all of the features included in the Accent SEL along with enhanced safety features (mentioned above) and heated front seats. The Accent Limited also includes 17-inch alloy wheels, an upgrade from the SEL’s 15-inch wheels. All models come with the same standard 130-hp engine. There are multiple upgrades available at all trim levels, like a rearview camera for backup assistance, a power sunroof, and more.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Hyundai Accent – The Cons
1. Mildly Uncomfortable Seating
Though the 2019 Hyundai Accent’s interior is quite roomy, the seats can become uncomfortable on long trips. The seats are made with cloth, making them particularly likely to trap heat in and stick to you more than seats made of other materials. On shorter trips, this isn’t a big deal, but on longer trips can become an issue.
2. Bare-bones Infotainment System
Hyundai didn’t put significant effort into the apps included in the Accent’s infotainment system. For example, the system doesn’t include a navigation app for onboard navigation. however, this is easily mediated by the Bluetooth capabilities of the infotainment system - you can simply sync your phone’s navigation to the Accent’s system and it will alert you through the car’s speakers.
3. Average Speaker System
The Accent’s speaker system leaves much to be desired. Low frequencies tend to be somewhat muddy, and high end can be very shrill. It takes some tweaking to get the sound system to sound decent for all passengers and finding that sweet spot for the driver can be frustrating.
How it stacks up to the competition:
The 2019 Hyundai Accent is in a class with some formidable competitors, like the Chevrolet Sonic and the Ford Fiesta. Its roomy interior and its stability on the road put it above many of the other compact cars, along with its amazing fuel efficiency and standout interior technology.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient subcompact or compact car, the 2019 Hyundai Accent is one you absolutely need to consider. It’s a solid, stable car on the road with interior comfort and exterior style that’s both subtle and classy. The only cons of the 2019 Hyundai Accent are easily overlooked as they can be fixed quite easily. In general, the latest Accent is a top-tier compact car that you’ll be sure to enjoy driving.
