“Excellent fuel mileage, surprisingly roomy trunk. Realistically seats four adults.”
2016 Hyundai Accent: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The main change for the 2016 Hyundai Accent is simpler trim naming: SE replaced GLS on the base sedan and GS on the base hatchback. Otherwise, this is a light-update year with minor package adjustments and no major mechanical or technology upgrades.
About the 2016 Hyundai Accent
4th generation (2012-2017 U.S. market), lightly updated for 2015; 2016 is the second year after that refresh and the last full model year before the all-new 2018 redesign.
Hyundai positioned the Accent as a small car that felt more useful and more substantial than its price suggested. The brand leaned on strong value, a peppy 1.6-liter engine, easy city-friendly size, and more cargo room than many shoppers expect from a subcompact—especially in the hatchback. For most buyers, the Accent’s appeal was simple: affordable daily transportation with better interior space and a less stripped-down feel than many bargain rivals.
The SE remained the straightforward commuter, sold as a sedan or a more cargo-friendly hatchback, with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Sport sat above it as the more expressive hatchback, adding projector headlights with LED accents, Bluetooth audio streaming, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and sport-tuned steering.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
SE replaced the GLS sedan and GS hatchback names, giving both base body styles one common trim name. Hyundai also made minor package adjustments without changing the basic hardware.
2016 Hyundai Accent specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Auto, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 137 hp | 137 hp |
| Torque | 123 lb-ft | 123 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.7–21.2 cu-ft | 21.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.3 in | 33.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Automatic Headlights | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Fog Lights | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Bluetooth | ||
| Satellite Radio | ||
| USB Ports | ||
| Tilt Wheel | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Hyundai Accent?
The biggest change is the base-trim name. SE replaced GLS on the sedan and GS on the hatchback, while the vehicles themselves remained largely unchanged.
Was the 2016 Hyundai Accent redesigned?
No, the 2016 Accent was not redesigned. It remained part of the fourth generation and carried over the front-end and lighting updates introduced for 2015.
Did the 2016 Hyundai Accent get a different engine?
No, the 2016 Accent kept the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual or automatic transmission choices.
How is the 2016 Accent Sport different from the SE?
The Sport is the more fully equipped hatchback. It adds projector headlights with LED accents, fog lights, a rear spoiler, Bluetooth audio streaming, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and sport-tuned steering.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Accent much different from the 2015 model?
No, the 2016 Accent is largely the same as the 2015 model. The notable differences are the standardized SE name for both base body styles and minor package reshuffling.
2016 Hyundai Accent Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Hyundai Accent.
4.0
2016 Hyundai Accent
(235 reviews)
“You will like the way it runs. You will love the audio it has. One the CD and getting the chance of getting Sirius too. I am sure you would love the Bluetooth the wireless calling. The driving wheel is adjustable. The gas mileage is good. The trunk is big and the back seat comes down and makes it bigger.”
“Great car for the price. Bought it for my 17 year old son to drive to school and his part-time job approximately 55 miles round trip from our house. Good on gas, safe, and reliable car.”