If you think it's impossible to be frugal and also park a nicely equipped new car in your driveway, you need to test-drive the 2020 Hyundai Accent. Offered in three distinct trims—from the price leader SE to the loaded Limited—the Accent provides something for everyone's budget. Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is as efficient as the car's base price would suggest. We've found the lightweight Accent fun to drive and easy to pitch into corners with enough speed to make the tires squeal. In this case, the old saying is true: It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than to drive a fast car slow.
Pros Sophisticated styling, eager handling, businesslike cabin
Cons Noisy powertrain, cramped rear-seat passenger space, no hatchback body style.
The 2020 Hyundai Accent comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic, 6-speed manual.Improved fuel economy from a new, less powerful four-cylinder engine.Continuously variable automatic transmission replaces traditional automatic.
Pros Comfortable ride and impressively quiet cabin Spacious interior with solid, rattle-free build quality Long warranty coverage provides peace of mind Excellent real-world fuel economy
Cons Lacks onboard navigation but connects to smartphone nav apps Cloth seats are uncomfortable and trap heat USB port struggles to charge a phone Enhanced safety aids only available on top trim level
The 2020 Hyundai Accent is about as basic as new cars get, and that’s where its appeal lies.
Pros City-friendly size Handsome, if forgettable Good value even at top trim More efficient new engine
Cons No hatchback version Base trims lack safety features Rough acceleration noise Un-fun driving dynamics
The 2019 Kia Rio gives used cars a run for their money with its great warranty, good ride, safety tech, and spacious interior.
Pros Great safety scores Good value Quality ride and handling Spacious interior
Cons Slim options Base Rios lack active safety tech Fuel efficiency could be better Manual transmission dropped
The 2019 Kia Rio Sedan comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.Base-level LX gets automatic transmission as standard.Midlevel S gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.Top-level EX trim removed from lineup
Pros Sporty handling makes it entertaining to drive Solid build quality for such a price-conscious car Long warranty coverage for peace of mind
Cons Standard equipment is a bit bare-bones No telescoping steering wheel available Sedan has subpar cargo space Feature-laden Touring trim sacrifices fuel efficiency
Pros Solid build, compliant ride, spacious front seat.
Cons Manual transmission limited to base trim, dearth of rear legroom, no navigation option.
