2015 Hyundai Accent Hatchback

Apr 26, 2024, 2:42am ET

Hyundai's fourth-generation Accent hatchback offers a roomy interior and a strong powertrain and a more premium feel than its modest pricetag would suggest. Also available in sedan form, the Accent represents a strong value in the growing subcompact segment.

Recent Changes

For the latest model year, the Accent gets minor visual tweaks, new alloy wheels and a handful of additional standard features.

Overview

Outside, the Accent hatchback features Hyundai's "Fluidic Sculpture” design language, with touches like an upswept beltline and a hexagonal grille giving the car a sporty look. The roomy cabin boasts a class-leading 21.2 cubic feet of cargo room along with more passenger space than many competing models - although priced like a subcompact, the Accent is classified as a compact by the EPA thanks to its interior volume.

The Accent is powered by a 1.6-liter direct injected four-cylinder engine that puts out 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 123 lb-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. It is the first car in its class to feature direct injection technology, and one of the few to offer a six-speed manual transmission (the automatic gearbox also has six cogs).

Fuel economy is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway with either gearbox.

The car rides on a fully independent suspension with a MacPherson strut setup in front and a torsion beam at the rear. The arrangement isn't overtly sporty but does provide a comfortable freeway ride.

Standard and Optional Features

The Accent hatchback is offered in two trim levels: SE and Sport.

The entry-level SE model comes standard with power heated door mirrors, tinted windows, 14-inch steel wheels with plastic hubcaps, two sunvisors, A/C, a 12-volt power outlet in the center stack,

Sport models get a sport-tuned steering system, fog lights, projector headlights, automatic headlights, an integrated spoiler out back, 16-inch alloy wheels, model-specific trim inside, a leather-upholstered shift knob, a leather-upholstered steering wheel,

Highlights from the list of standalone options include an automatic transmission, a power sunroof (Sport models only), carpeted floor mats, cruise control and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel.

Occupant Safety

Standard safety equipment includes front, side and head curtain airbags, traction and stability control systems, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and active front head restraints.

Key Competitors

The Accent Hatchback plays in the increasingly competitive subcompact segment against new or improved rivals like the Chevrolet Sonic Hatchback, the Honda Fit, the Ford Fiesta Hatchback and the Mazda Mazda2.