30 MPG combined. That’s the average fuel economy for the 2017 Hyundai Accent 1.6L 4-cyl, a number suitable for its target buyer. This isn’t a car striving for hybrid-level efficiency; it’s a reliable, affordable subcompact designed for budget-conscious buyers who want value and ease of use over exceptional fuel efficiency. The Accent delivers on that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates of 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway reflect the Accent’s capabilities. The 1.6L engine, paired with the S6 automatic transmission, provides enough power for city driving and highway cruising. The city MPG is good for a non-hybrid, helped by the car’s light weight and responsive throttle. On the highway, the Accent cruises comfortably, allowing drivers to reach 36 MPG if they drive at reasonable speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Hyundai Accent 1.6L 4-cyl at $1,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using current national average fuel prices. Actual costs will vary depending on driving habits and local fuel prices, but this $1,450 gives a baseline for comparison. For buyers focused on running costs, this is a key number.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a benchmark, but real-world fuel economy varies. Driving aggressively, stop-and-go traffic, and bad weather can all impact efficiency. However, most drivers report numbers near the EPA estimates, suggesting the Accent’s ratings are accurate. Drivers who prioritize fuel efficiency through good driving habits often see MPG numbers that meet or exceed the official ratings. For those interested in seeing ACCENT MPG across all years, there is more information readily available.

How it compares

The 2017 Hyundai Accent is in a competitive segment. The Honda Fit, often praised for its versatility and interior space, gets slightly better fuel economy, a combined 33 MPG for the LX trim with the CVT. The Nissan Versa, known for its low price, offers a similar combined rating of 31 MPG. These are alternatives, but the Accent competes well, especially considering its real-world price after incentives. If you want the best MPG numbers, a Honda Fit LX might appeal to you, but the Accent provides a good mix of features and value.

You can find all Hyundai fuel economy data on our website.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently and brake smoothly to maximize fuel efficiency in the Accent. Avoid fast starts and stops, which waste fuel. Watch traffic and keep a steady speed to reduce acceleration and deceleration.

Proper tire inflation is a good way to improve fuel economy. Check your tire pressure often and make sure it is at the level on the driver’s side doorjamb. Tires with not enough air increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel efficiency.

Don’t let the car idle. Running the engine while stopped uses fuel without moving the car. If you will be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Restarting the engine doesn’t use much more fuel than idling.

Don’t carry extra weight in the car. More cargo adds weight, which requires more energy to accelerate and keep up speed. Remove items from the trunk or back seat that aren’t needed to reduce the load on the engine.

Use cruise control on the highway to keep a speed consistent, which can improve fuel economy. It reduces the need to speed up or slow down, which wastes fuel. Use cruise control and watch the traffic to save even more fuel.