Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Hyundai Accent Safety Review

July 4, 2009

SAFETY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Five stars, front impact protection; three and four stars, side impact
NHTSA

Acceptable” front impact protection; “poor” side impact protection
IIHS

one-ups most subcompact rivals
ConsumerGuide

The 2009 Hyundai Accent isn't tremendously impressive with respect to safety, and even though side airbags are now standard, Hyundai still skimps on anti-lock brakes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests the four-door version but not the three-door model. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also tests the Accent, and Hyundai may have reason for concern. Frontal crash protection is rated "acceptable," while side impact protection is deemed "poor."

"The 2009 Hyundai Accent sedan scored a perfect five stars for front occupant protection," but "didn't fare as well in the side-impact category," is how Edmunds sums up reviewer sentiments. Still, ConsumerGuide notes that the Hyundai Accent "one-ups most subcompact rivals" in terms of safety—a statement that TheCarConnection.com's editors would dispute.

According to ConsumerGuide, the Hyundai Accent offers "anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes" for the GLS model and makes it standard on the SE hatchback, but unavailable on the GS. Cars.com lists "seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags" as "standard across all trim levels" of the 2009 Hyundai Accent. According to Cars.com, among other standard equipment found on the Accent, Hyundai includes "adjustable head restraints," as well as "front seat belt pretensioners and load limiters," yet the Accent also doesn't fare well in the seat-based IIHS rear-impact test, with an overall score of Poor.

Conclusion

Safety is no reason to consider the 2009 Hyundai Accent, but it might be a reason to dismiss it.

SAFETY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:Five stars, front impact protection; three and four stars, side impactNHTSAAcceptable” front impact protection; “poor” side impact protectionIIHSone-ups most subcompact rivalsConsumerGuide The 2009 Hyundai Accent isn't tremendously impressive with respect to safety, and even though side airbags are now standard, Hyundai still skimps on anti-lock brakes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests the four-door version but not the three-door model. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also tests the Accent, and Hyundai may have reason for concern. Frontal crash protection is rated "acceptable," while side impact protection is deemed "poor." "The 2009 Hyundai Accent sedan scored a perfect five stars for front occupant protection," but "didn't fare as well in the side-impact category," is how Edmunds sums up reviewer sentiments. Still, ConsumerGuide notes that the Hyundai Accent "one-ups most subcompact rivals" in terms of safety—a statement that TheCarConnection.com's editors would dispute. According to ConsumerGuide, the Hyundai Accent offers "anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes" for the GLS model and makes it standard on the SE hatchback, but unavailable on the GS. Cars.com lists "seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags" as "standard across all trim levels" of the 2009 Hyundai Accent. According to Cars.com, among other standard equipment found on the Accent, Hyundai includes "adjustable head restraints," as well as "front seat belt pretensioners and load limiters," yet the Accent also doesn't fare well in the seat-based IIHS rear-impact test, with an overall score of Poor. ConclusionSafety is no reason to consider the 2009 Hyundai Accent, but it might be a reason to dismiss it. 2009 HYUNDAI ACCENT STYLING | [6 out of 10] MyRide.com: "more buttoned-down conservative than the more youthful Kia Rio " Automotive.com: "has a conservative two-tone interior color scheme reminiscent of larger cars" Cars.com: "telltale Hyundai curves" According to reviews read by ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Honda Fit remains the choice vehicle in this class, thanks to its flexible seating arrangement and its smooth four-cylinder engine. In terms of refinement and safety, it truly is a class ahead. The Chevrolet Aveo offers two different body styles and a frugal four-cylinder, but it's still not remotely competitive with the class leaders like the Fit or Yaris. The Yaris has smart style and an enviable reputation behind it, as well as a choice of two- or four-door models. The Kia Rio is essentially the same car as the Hyundai Accent, but it's also offered in a Rio5 wagon format where the Accent offers a three-door coupe.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Hyundai Accent from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Hyundai Accent

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Hyundai Accent

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Hyundai Accent near you

See the Hyundai Accent in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy