2022 Hyundai Accent

2022 Hyundai Accent Highlights

The 2022 Hyundai Accent is an affordable subcompact that exists to provide basic transportation to those who need it. While this model year doesn't introduce significant changes, it did add an engine immobilizer anti-theft system as standard. The six-speed manual is gone for 2022, and the Accent was gone the following year.

Key Details

• Subcompact four-door sedan body style
• Two-row seating for up to five passengers
• 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT) standard on all trims
• Front-wheel drive (FWD)

Benefits

• Excellent fuel economy
• Affordable pricing
• User-friendly technology features
• Compact exterior with surprisingly spacious interior
• Competitive warranty coverage
• Low cost of ownership

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2022 Hyundai Accent Overview

Performance

The 2022 Hyundai Accent offers one engine option:

1.6-liter four-cylinder engine

• 120 horsepower at 6,300 rpm
• 113 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

This powertrain is not intended to win races or provide exhilarating performance on winding roads. Instead, the Accent’s 1.6-liter four-cylinder and CVT prioritize efficiency over high performance, which suits the Accent's role as an economical commuter car.

Performance figures for the Accent are modest but adequate for its class:

• 0-60 mph: approximately 8.5 seconds
• Top speed: around 115 mph (electronically limited)

While not designed for sporty driving, the Accent's powertrain is adequate for daily commuting and city driving. The CVT helps keep the engine in its optimal power band, contributing to efficiency and drivability.

Hyundai has tuned the Accent's powertrain to prioritize low-end torque, which helps with initial acceleration from a stop and enhances the car's responsiveness in city driving conditions.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated the 2022 Hyundai Accent four out of five stars.

Standard safety features across all 2022 Hyundai Accent models include:

• Six airbags (front, front side-impact, and side-curtain)
• Vehicle stability management (VSM)
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Traction control system (TCS)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

Higher trims offer additional safety features such as:

• Forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA) (standard on 2022 Hyundai Accent Limited)

Driving

The 2022 Hyundai Accent is what you get when you ask the dealer for “a car.” It performs all of its commuting tasks with competence and comfort.

While not particularly powerful, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine provides sufficient acceleration for merging onto highways and navigating city traffic, though drivers shouldn't expect sporty performance. The CVT operates smoothly, helping to keep the engine in its optimal power band and contributing to the Accent's excellent fuel efficiency.

The Accent's steering feel is light, making it easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces and parking lots. The car's compact dimensions further enhance its agility in city driving scenarios. Feedback is minimal, but it's well-suited to the Accent's intended purpose as a practical, easy-to-drive commuter car.

Handling is competent for a subcompact sedan. The Accent maintains its composure through corners, with body roll being well controlled for a vehicle in this class.

Interior

The 2022 Hyundai Accent's interior is simple, functional, and surprisingly roomy. While not luxurious, the interior design and materials are appropriate for the car's price point.

Key interior features include:

• Cloth seating surfaces (upgraded cloth on higher trims)
• 60/40 split-folding rear seatback
• Tilt steering wheel
• Available leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob (Limited trim)
• Available automatic climate control (Limited trim)
• Available heated front seats (Limited trim)

The Accent's front seats offer good comfort and support for daily driving, with adequate adjustability to accommodate drivers of various sizes. Rear seat space is impressive for a subcompact, with enough legroom and headroom for average-sized adults on shorter trips.

Cargo space is a strong point for the Accent:

• 13.7 cubic feet of trunk space
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats for additional cargo flexibility

Material quality is decent for the class. Hard plastics are present, but they're generally well-textured and don't detract significantly from the cabin's overall feel.

Technology

The 2022 Hyundai Accent comes with tech that aligns with its position as an entry-level vehicle. The level of technology varies by trim, with higher trims offering more advanced features.

Key technology features include:

• 5-inch color touchscreen audio system (SE trim)
• 7-inch touchscreen display audio system (SEL and Limited trims)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (SEL and Limited trims)
• Bluetooth hands-free phone system
• USB and auxiliary input jacks
• Available SiriusXM satellite radio (SEL and Limited trims)
• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines (all trims)

The Accent's infotainment system is user-friendly, with responsive touch inputs and intuitive menu layouts. 2022 Hyundai Accent SEL and Limited models get a larger 7-inch screen with better visibility and more effortless operation.

Additional technology features on higher trims include:

• Proximity keyless entry with push-button start (Limited trim)
• Automatic climate control (Limited trim)
• Bluelink Connected Car System (Limited trim, includes remote start via smartphone app)

Fuel Economy

The 2022 Hyundai Accent offers impressive fuel economy ratings, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers and those prioritizing efficiency. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

1.6-liter four-cylinder engine

• FWD (mpg): 33 city / 41 highway / 36 combined

2022 Hyundai Accent Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book gave the 2022 Hyundai Accent an overall rating of 4.1 out of five. Owners praise the Accent for its reliability and value.

Reasons to Buy It

• It’s inexpensive
• It’s reliable
• It’s cheap to own and repair
• It’s efficient
• It’s surprisingly spacious for a subcompact
• It’s tech is user-friendly and reliable

Problems

• Limited advanced safety features on lower trims
• Engine power may feel inadequate for some drivers
• No hatchback option is available (unlike some competitors)
• Road noise can be noticeable at highway speeds
• Limited rear seat space compared to larger sedans

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CoPilot's Take

The 2022 Hyundai Accent is practical, inexpensive, efficient, and sensible. Fuel efficiency is a standout feature, with EPA ratings of up to 41 mpg on the highway. This, combined with its low starting price, makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers and those seeking to minimize fuel costs.

While not luxurious, the interior is well-designed and offers more space than one might expect from a subcompact sedan. Features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trims enhance the car's appeal to tech-savvy buyers.

There are a few compromises to discuss. The engine, while efficient, is breathless and bereft of horsepower. The limited availability of advanced safety features on lower trims is also worth considering, as some competitors offer these more broadly across their lineups.

The ride quality and handling are adequate for daily driving, but those seeking a more engaging driving experience may want to look elsewhere. Road noise can also be noticeable, particularly at higher speeds.

2022 Hyundai Accent FAQs

What are the issues of the 2022 Hyundai Accent?

While the 2022 Hyundai Accent is generally reliable, some reported issues include:

• Limited power, especially for highway passing
• Road noise at higher speeds
• Limited availability of advanced safety features on lower trims
• Tight rear seat space for taller passengers
• Some users find the infotainment system basic compared to competitors
• Lack of all-wheel drive option (typical for this class)

Is the 2022 Hyundai Accent a good car?

Yes, the 2022 Hyundai Accent is generally considered a good car within its class. It offers:

• Excellent fuel economy
• Affordable pricing
• Reliable performance
• Surprisingly spacious interior for a subcompact
• User-friendly technology features

Given the low MSRP of 2022 Hyundai Accents (generally under $21,000), quality and amenities are impressive.

Is the 2022 Hyundai Accent still available?

As of 2024, the 2022 Hyundai Accent is no longer available as a new car, as newer model years have been released. However, it can still be found on the used car market. It's worth noting that Hyundai discontinued the Accent in the North American market after the 2023 model year, making the 2022 model one of the last available years for this vehicle.

Is there a recall on the 2022 Hyundai Accent?

There are two recalls on certain 2022 Accents. The first recall addressed a problem with the front occupant seatbelt pretensioners, which can explode when deployed. The second recall had to do with some 2021 and 2022 Accent steering columns, some of which were not properly secured.

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