- Yearly updates
- Temperature gauge and heating
- Dash rattles
- Fuel injectors and engine care
- Infotainment checkup
- Final thought
The fifth and final generation of Hyundai’s affordable Accent compact debuted for model-year 2018. With an eye for improved driving dynamics, efficiency, and engineering, the most affordable Hyundai never looked or drove better. Shoppers found a long list of modern must-haves, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Forward Collision Avoidance, LED lighting, a 7-inch display, and more.
The Accent’s new body structure was made of over 54 per cent high-strength steel, adding rigidity and to help improve noise levels, dynamics, and refinement. Under the hood, a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) technology spun up 130 horsepower and 119 lb-ft of torque. A lower ride height, more aerodynamic underbelly, and retuned steering and suspension gave this generation Accent its quietest and most upscale drive yet, and shoppers will find nearly 104 cubic feet of passenger volume, good for a compact size classification despite primarily competing with smaller subcompact cars like the Yaris and Fiesta.
Whether you’re looking for your first car or a second family runabout that’s well-equipped and easy on fuel, a fifth-generation Accent should hit the mark. Check the links below for additional reviews, specs, photos and news about the 2018-2022 Hyundai Accent, and read on for five tips to help you find the best used 2018-2022 Hyundai Accent you can for the dollar.
Yearly updates
The Accent launched for model-year 2018. Over the next five years, two major updates were applied.
For model-year 2019, minor cosmetic tweaks saw more of the upscale touches fitted to higher-end Accent models applied more widely throughout the product lineup. If you’re after a flashier-looking car for less money, opting for a 2019 or newer Accent from this generation is the way to go.
For model-year 2020, fuel efficiency was improved with a new engine from Hyundai’s Smartstream family, which featured various fuel management and thermal control tweaks to help squeeze out improved fuel mileage, while a new Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) helped further improve fuel mileage.
Put another way, 2020 and newer Accents from this generation make better use of your fuel dollars, while delivering stronger styling for the buck thanks to tweaks applied the previous year.
- 2019: Styling upgrade applied.
- 2020: More efficient engine and transmission.
Temperature gauge and heating
2018 Hyundai Accent GLS sedan Photo by Jil McIntosh
Some owners have reported issues with inaccurate engine-temperature gauges, and difficulty in getting the Accent’s engine to warm up on the coldest days of the year. Most have not.
The ability of a car’s engine to warm up quickly and properly heat its cabin is affected by several variables, and problems in this area usually point to one of a few specific issues. On your test drive, monitor the temperature gauge, ensuring it reaches about halfway up the dial within a minute or two of driving.
Confirm that you’re able to blast hot air into the cabin by maxing out the heater, and confirm that hot air is readily available and consistent. If the engine fails to warm up or heat the cabin, have the vehicle’s cooling system (including thermostat and coolant level) inspected professionally, and ensure the cabin air filter isn’t plugged or clogged.
A healthy cooling system, thermostat, and cabin air filter are vital to adequate performance of your vehicle’s heater and defroster, especially in wintertime. A technician can quickly uncover and diagnose problems with these systems, if you have any concerns.
- Engine warm up should take 1-2 minutes.
- Plugged cabin air filter reduces heater performance.
- A healthy cooling system is vital, especially in winter.
Dash rattles
2018 Hyundai Accent GLS sedan Photo by Jil McIntosh
Some fifth-generation Accent owners have reported an irritating, sporadic rattle from their dashboards that seems to come and go at will, and may be aggravated by certain temperature or road surface conditions; many have not. The owner’s community has documented various cases of annoying dash rattles in the Accent (and other models), with some owners suggesting the formation of a ‘dash rattle’ therapy group.
On your test drive, quiet the cabin and listen closely for any sign of this loud rattle, or a ticking or popping sound — especially over rough surfaces. The likely culprit is a worn-out piece of cushioning foam that isolates the defroster vent trim from the windshield on the forward dash. When this foam wears out, contact between the two hard surfaces is possible. Many owners have had this problem fixed with removal of the trim piece and replacement of the sound-deadening foam inside.
- Quiet the cabin.
- Listen for annoying rattles.
- Worn out foam cushion may cause part contact.
- This problem is relatively easy to fix.
Fuel injectors and engine care
2018 Hyundai Accent GLS sedan Photo by Jil McIntosh
Some Accent owners from this generation have reported bad fuel injectors which can become stuck open or fail to operate properly, causing a variety of issues with drivability and performance. Most have not.
If the Accent you’re driving seems to hesitate, stumble, or fail to deliver adequate, smooth power at full throttle, be sure to have a technician investigate further. The owners’ community reports that a small number of cars seems to have been built with a bad batch of fuel injectors, which can cause issues like these. If an injector is stuck open, you may notice smoke from the Accent’s tailpipe as well.
Though a Check Engine Light (CEL) is common when an engine isn’t running properly, it may not illuminate in this situation. For maximum peace of mind, consider a diagnostic scan in a dealer setting before you buy, whether or not a CEL is illuminated. Out-of-warranty injector repair can be pricey, so be on the lookout for this rare but noteworthy problem.
- Fuel injector problems can cause poor performance.
- Be on the lookout for weak acceleration and tailpipe smoke.
Infotainment checkup
2018 Hyundai Accent GLS sedan Photo by Jil McIntosh
Common issues with modern cars tend to be electronic and not mechanical in nature, with the infotainment system being a key culprit in some circles. Though most Hyundai Accent owners from this generation do not report infotainment system issues, test-driving shoppers are advised to make a few specific checks to ensure they don’t face any surprises or headaches after purchase.
Start by confirming an adequate number of USB connectors and charge ports, and ensuring each works as expected. Inspect the factory navigation system for outdated maps or software. Connect your smartphone via Bluetooth and confirm acceptable audio quality for both music playback and phone calls.
If you’ll use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, confirm that the system loads up and works as expected after the initial setup procedure. If that’s not the case, a new data connection cable often fixes connectivity issues.
- Check for sufficient, functional charging ports.
- Check for outdated maps.
- Confirm that Apple CarPlay / Android Auto are working properly.
Final thought
These tips are designed for test-driving shoppers to more easily identify problems reported by some owners. A careful and attentive test drive that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand Hyundai Accent.
Keyword: Used Car Guide: 2018-2022 Hyundai Accent