Against 263 other 4-cyl cars rated 1992–1994, the Excel beats their 24 mpg average by 3 mpg, about $178 a year.
Every Hyundai Excel engine, compared
The Hyundai Excel was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 24.8 / 32.4 | 1986–1994 | $1,386 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Honda Civic gets 40.5 mpg, the Nissan Sentra 28.7 mpg and the Honda Prelude 23.3 mpg, next to 27 mpg for the 1994 Excel.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1994) | $0.119 |
| Fuel per year | $1,422 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,110 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 1992–1994 | −$178 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,233 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1994 Hyundai Excel gives up 9 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 23 in the city, $470 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1994) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (39%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Excel changed over the years
The Excel peaked in 1993 at 28 mpg (25 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1994 at 27 — 1 mpg apart, or $51 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1994 car does 27.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1993 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1992 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1991 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1990 | 25 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1989 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1988 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1987 | 25 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1986 | 25 / 31 | 1 | $1,422 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 9 EPA ratings of the Hyundai Excel — 1 engine across 1986–1994. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,233. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1994 Hyundai Excel get?
27 mpg combined, 23 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1986 the Excel has averaged 27.7 mpg.
Is the 1994 Excel more efficient than the 1993?
No: 27 against 28 mpg combined, about $51 a year more to run.
Which Excel year has the best gas mileage?
The 1993, at 28 mpg combined (25 city, 33 highway).
Does the Excel get better gas mileage than the Honda Civic?
No: 27 mpg for the 1994 Excel against 40.5 for the 1995 Honda Civic, about $474 a year more to run.
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