Despite looking the same, the subcompact Hyundai Accent makes big moves toward improved efficiency for 2020.

Last year’s 1.6-liter engine was completely redesigned. It now makes 120 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. While the 6-speed manual transmission still comes standard, the optional 6-speed automatic transmission has been swapped for a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). These changes boost the Accent’s fuel economy to 33 mpg city, 41 highway, and 36 combined. As before, all Accents are front-wheel drive (FWD).

Hyundai offers the Accent in SE, SEL, and Limited trims. The base SE trim includes a 5-inch touchscreen, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and Bluetooth connectivity. The SEL trim comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and dual USB charging ports. Finally, the Limited trim gets 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, Hyundai's Blue Link telematics, keyless access, and keyless start.

The Accent comes standard with airbags and a reversing camera. Nicer trims include a blind-spot mirror, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Hyundai Accent earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2019.

The Hyundai Accent remains a value-focused subcompact sedan, albeit one that’s quite a bit more efficient than it was last year. It competes with other subcompact sedans like the Nissan Versa and Kia Rio.