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Five stars, front impact protection; three and four stars, side impact
“Acceptable” front impact protection; “poor” side impact protection
one-ups most subcompact rivals
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.
