2020 Hyundai Accent Gets Big Mileage Boost, Small Price Bump
Not giving up on small cars, Hyundai has updated its 2020 Accent sedan with a new automatic transmission and revised engine that boost gas mileage ratings past 40 mpg on the highway — as well as pricing that starts a little higher at each trim level.
Related: 2020 Hyundai Elantra Steps It Up in MPG, Safety Tech (and Price)
The big change for 2020 is the switch from a six-speed automatic to a continuously variable automatic transmission. It’s the Hyundai- and Kia-design CVT first seen on the updated Kia Forte, which uses a change drive rather than a belt to alleviate some of the most egregious droning noise and rubber-band feel of many CVTs. Both the Accent’s new CVT and standard six-speed manual also are mated to a new and more efficient version of the 1.6-liter four-cylinder. It puts out slightly less horsepower at 120, down from 130, and torque at 113 pounds-feet, down from 119.
The changes bring a big boost in mileage for the CVT models that most people will buy to an EPA-rated 33/41/36 mpg city/highway/combined, up 4 mpg combined from 32 for the 2019 model. But even the base model’s standard six-speed manual sees a boost from 31 mpg combined to 33. You can compare the full 2020 and 2019 EPA ratings here.
The 2020 Accent otherwise carries over in specs and features. The Accent was redesigned for the 2018 model year and has been one of our best-reviewed small cars, as has the latest version of its corporate cousin, the Kia Rio.
But while the 2020 version will cost less at the pump, it will cost a little more to buy. The base Accent SE with the manual transmission will start at $16,125 (all prices include a $930 destination charge), up $200 from 2019, and $17,225 with the CVT, an increase of $230. The nicer and CVT-only SEL trim level will start at $18,480, a $205 bump. And the top-level Limited trim level will start at $20,230, a rise of $220. The 2020 will go on sale this summer.
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