Hyundai Accent vs Hyundai Elantra GT

With a starting price below $15,000, the all-new 2018 Hyundai Accent is one of the most affordable cars on the market. But despite its low cost, Hyundai loaded the Accent with stylish design, desirable options, and a 10-year powertrain warranty.

Yes, similarly priced used cars can also be a great value, and buyers shouldn’t overlook the class-leading Honda Fit. But if you don't want to spend a lot to buy a brand-new car with a traditional three-box sedan design, the Accent is your best bet.

If you’re looking for a reliable car for daily transportation, a sedan may seem like the obvious choice. As you've probably noticed, the conventional four-door has been losing ground in recent years, supplanted by small crossover SUVs. However, if you’re looking for a third option as a daily driver, a hatchback could be the ideal route.

Hatchbacks provide more usable cargo space than sedans, but retain the sporty driving dynamics and fuel efficiency you lose with a crossover. Hatchbacks also cost less than your typical crossover SUV. A hatchback like the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT exists in that perfect sweet spot of enjoyability, affordability, and practicality.

Hyundai has done hatchbacks before, starting with many of its early entries in the North American market. More recently, Hyundai introduced the hip Veloster, as well as a hatchback version of the previous-generation Elantra, also called the Elantra GT.

But that Elantra GT felt more like an afterthought, born out of convenience and a need to expand the lineup. It didn’t feel fully developed and went largely unnoticed. But the new 2018 Elantra GT is a standout small car, and it's perfectly suited to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus hatch, and Subaru Impreza wagon.