The upcoming 2026 Hyundai Accent facelift model has been spotted road testing in India recently. The new model will bring new design and cabin refreshments to Hyundai’s popular mid-size sedan. Check its complete details below.
You can also buy the best certified pre-owned Hyundai Accent cars with CARS24 UAE.
Also read: 2026 Chery Tiggo 8 SUV debuts in China, UAE launch next year?
What to expect from the 2026 Hyundai Accent?
The recently spotted test mule of the upcoming Accent facelift hints at a radical design improvement. The completely camouflaged test car faintly shows the rear design highlights, which include the new LED taillights and a reworked bumper design with a squared-off shape.
However, a close look at the spy image shows the new alloy wheels, which are likely to be offered on the Accent facelift model. Overall, the shape and size are likely to remain identical to the current car.
At the front, which is not visible in the image here, a new set of LED headlights, a new grille, and a new bumper will enhance its appearance. As of now, Accent has a polarising design, which keeps potential customers away. Hyundai will convert the design of the new Accent into a more conventional and widely acceptable one.
New interiors and more features
The updated Accent will not only get a new exterior design, but will also feature an updated cabin. This will include the new door panels, more cubby holes for storage, and a new dashboard design with a connected screen display.
The UAE-spec Accent comes loaded with a semi-digital instrument console. However, the new 2026 Accent is likely to offer a digital console, which will be connected to a big infotainment screen.
New features inside the cabin are also expected to elevate the luxury quotient of the Accent facelift. These will include the ambient lights, ventilated and memory functionality for the front seats, wireless charging with cooling, AI-assisted voice commands, and more.
Engine and specifications
Under the bonnet, the 2026 Accent facelift is likely to be unchanged. This will include the use of the current 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which offers a modest 115 bhp of power.
This engine is mated to an IVT automatic transmission. However, the Accent facelift might get a re-tuned ECU for improved fuel efficiency.
When will the 2026 Hyundai Accent launch in the UAE?
The new 2026 Accent facelift is expected to launch in India first. It will be launched in the first half of next year in India, and later, the UAE market launch will follow.
We expect the new Accent facelift to debut in the UAE by late 2026. The pricing of the facelifted model will likely be higher than the current version.
Our verdict
The Hyundai Accent is a popular sedan in the UAE due to its comfortable and silent cabin experience. However, it falls short in terms of modern features when compared to rivals like the Toyota Corolla sedan. The 2026 Accent facelift is likely to iron out the shortcomings of the current model in the UAE.
