“Compact and spacious. I love the sport mode. There isn't enough storage space. Only an overhead in the front middle and the glove compartment.”
2020 Hyundai Accent: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
For 2020, the Hyundai Accent’s main change is a revised 1.6-liter engine paired with a new continuously variable automatic transmission. The update improves fuel economy, while the three-trim lineup and most equipment carry over from 2019.
About the 2020 Hyundai Accent
5th generation (2018-2022 U.S. Accent sedan), third model year.
Hyundai positions the Accent as a small sedan that feels more polished and useful than its size suggests. The official brochure leans on its clean styling, easy city-friendly size, simple tech, and efficiency, while reviewers highlight its comfortable ride and solid cabin feel. For most shoppers, the Accent is the straightforward commuter choice: easy to park, inexpensive to run, and available with the core convenience features people use every day.
The 2020 Accent lineup ranges from the straightforward SE to the better-connected SEL and comfort-focused Limited. The SEL has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Limited adds heated front seats, LED lighting, push-button start, and forward collision avoidance.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Every trim gets a revised Smartstream 1.6-liter four-cylinder, with output changing from 130 to 120 horsepower and from 119 to 113 lb-ft of torque. Automatic models replace the 6-speed automatic with a continuously variable transmission. Automatic fuel economy improves to 33 mpg city, 41 highway, and 36 combined; the manual SE rises to 29 city, 39 highway, and 33 combined.
Tech
On the SE, the USB port changes from standard equipment to optional equipment.
2020 Hyundai Accent specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, IVT w/Shiftronic | Automatic, IVT w/Shiftronic | Automatic, IVT w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 39 mpg | 41 mpg | 41 mpg |
| Horsepower | 120 hp | 120 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 113 lb-ft | 113 lb-ft | 113 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.7 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft | 13.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.5 in | 33.5 in | 33.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Hyundai Accent?
The biggest change is the revised 1.6-liter engine and new continuously variable automatic transmission. It replaces the previous engine and 6-speed automatic setup, with better fuel economy as the main benefit.
Is the 2020 Hyundai Accent more fuel-efficient than the 2019 model?
Yes. Automatic 2020 Accents are rated at 33 mpg city, 41 highway, and 36 combined, up from 28 city and 38 highway in the comparable 2019 SEL and Limited. The manual SE improves to 29 city, 39 highway, and 33 combined.
Does the 2020 Hyundai Accent still have a manual transmission?
Yes. The 2020 Accent SE retains a manual transmission, while automatic versions use the new continuously variable transmission.
Did the 2020 Hyundai Accent trim lineup change?
No. The 2020 Accent keeps the SE, SEL, and Limited trim structure from 2019. Most equipment also carries over, although the SE’s USB port changes from standard to optional.
Did the 2020 Hyundai Accent add new safety features?
No major safety-equipment change was made for 2020. The Limited continues as the safety-focused trim with forward collision avoidance, while the year’s main update is mechanical.
2020 Hyundai Accent Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Hyundai Accent.
4.0
2020 Hyundai Accent
(149 reviews)
“I love my Accent Great Car Great Value really great ease of operating and maintaining”
“Don't. Get a different model if looking for the same make. Try a different year and get an upgraded version if you must have an Accent. Kia and Toyota both have great cars similar to an Accent but get better gas mileage and have more features.”