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 2020 Mazda CX-5 trades family-ready space for fine handling and good power.
Pros Looks good inside and out Taut ride and handling Available turbo power Decent value in most trims
Cons Turbo lag Inferior infotainment Cramped back seat Average cargo space
Mazda is making only minor changes to the CX-5 for 2020. The company's i-Activsense suite of driver-assistance features is now standard across the lineup and includes automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlamps, and more. All models receive a new key fob we expect to match that of the new Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, as well as Mazda's newly updated fonts on interior switches and exterior badging. Grand Touring Reserve and Signature models receive a new 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen display.
Pros High-end experience, pleasing design, fun-to-drive nature.
Cons Less cargo space than key rivals, outdated infotainment system, punchy turbo four limited to top models.
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 comes with all wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.Improved noise reduction.Advanced safety features are now standard.Minor shuffling of standard and optional features.
PROS Keen handling and steering make the CX-5 enjoyable to drive Attractive and upscale cabin for a premium ownership experience New optional turbocharged engine provides plenty of power Stays quiet at highway speeds
CONS Base engine's lackluster acceleration Ride is a little firm for the class Less rear legroom and cargo room than most competitors
