I just double-checked, and while that may have been true in 2011 model year, it DOES appear that for 2012 it is not the case. Statement retracted. The 2010 Accent, which is NOT the current model, had a healthy amount of interior room for the driver.
Most of the space subtracted from the Elantra when you drop down to the Accent appears to be stolen from the back seat.
I bought a 2011 Scion xD a while back for my wife. I’m 6’4" and I fit in it comfortably, it has a lot of room, it was decently priced, and it gets good gas mileage. Plus, the Scion dealership was nice to deal with, no hassle or haggling, no blatant attempts to rip you off, no shenanigans.
Thanks everyone for the advice and info. I haven’t been shopping for a car in 20 years, so I haven’t any idea what’s out there. I’ve browsed only for Nissan models, but I’ll follow your advice and check the others you mention.