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 Niro isn't our favorite car to drive, but it's perfect for drivers who care as much about fuel efficiency as they do about their budget.
Pros Efficiently rated up to 52 mpg, affordable, practicality of a crossover.
Cons Some trims lack basic amenities, uninspiring performance, plug-in hybrid has limited EV range.
The 2020 Kia Niro's #7 ranking is based on its score within the Hybrid and Electric SUVs category. It was a finalist for our 2020 Best Hybrid or Electric SUV for the Money award. Currently the Kia Niro has a score of 7.5 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 17 pieces of research and data elements using various sources..
Pros Excellent fuel economy Spacious interior when compared with subcompact SUVs Intuitive infotainment system
Cons Not available with all-wheel drive Interior not as upscale as rivals’ Unimpressive acceleration
The 2020 Kia Niro is a compelling eco-friendly car for those opposed to Prius-like looks.
Pros Oh so frugal Comfortable, roomy interior Excellent value SUV-ish looks
Cons No AWD option Light on thrills High-trim version uses more fuel Automatic emergency braking should be standard
