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Hyundai Sonata MPG

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata gets 41.5 mpg combined (37.5 city, 47 highway): about $925 a year in fuel at $3.20 a gallon and 12,000 miles. Its 2 versions that year range from 32 to 51 mpg.

EPA fueleconomy.gov · 11 engines · 1989–2026 · Updated Nov 3, 2026
Quick answer

Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Sonata beats their 26.3 mpg average by 15.2 mpg, about $535 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1989, the 2L 4-cyl Hybrid (2016–2026), does 47.3 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3L 6-cyl (1989–1998), 18.1: $1,310 a year apart.

Every Hyundai Sonata engine, compared

Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.

FIG.01·Hyundai Sonata gas mileage by engine
EngineCombinedCity / HighwayYearsFuel per year
2L 4-cyl Hybrid47.344.8 / 50.32016–2026$812
2L 4-cyl Plug-in hybrid39.337.5 / 41.32016–2019$977
2.4L 4-cyl Hybrid36.634.6 / 38.42011–2015$1,049
2.5L 4-cyl31.627.6 / 37.72020–2026$1,215
1.6L 4-cyl3128 / 36.42015–2019$1,239
2.4L 4-cyl23.920.7 / 29.71989–2014$1,607
3.3L 6-cyl21.618.6 / 282006–2010$1,778
2.5L 6-cyl2118 / 261999–2001$1,829
2L 4-cyl20.918.4 / 25.41992–1998$1,837
2.7L 6-cyl2017.3 / 252002–2005$1,920
3L 6-cyl18.115.9 / 22.11989–1998$2,122
ROWS 11·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov + ForCar

Is the hybrid worth it? In our listings for 2017–2022 model years, a hybrid Sonata asks a median $3,230 more than a gas one of the same year. At 45.3 against 31.3 mpg it saves about $379 a year in fuel, so the extra pays back in about 8.5 years. Hybrids make up 6% of the gas and hybrid Sonata listings we track from the last ten model years.

What that actually costs

FIG.02·Hyundai Sonata fuel cost
MeasureValue
Cost per mile (2026)$0.077
Fuel per year$925
Fuel over five years$4,625
Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026−$535 a year
EPA's own estimate$2,428 a year
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar, computed from EPA ratings

City or highway — who is this car for

The 2026 Hyundai Sonata gives up 9.5 mpg in town: 47 on the highway against 37.5 in the city, $207 a year if every mile were city driving.

FIG.03·Hyundai Sonata city versus highway
MeasureValueReading
City (2026)37.5 mpg$1,024 a year if you only drive in town
Highway47 mpg$817 a year if you mostly commute
Gap+9.5 mpg (25%)Typical for its type
ROWS 3·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov + ForCar

How the Sonata changed over the years

The Sonata peaked in 2023 at 42 mpg (39 city, 46 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1993 at 19 — 23 mpg apart, or $1,107 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 41.5. The 2026 model gains 2 mpg against 39.5 for the 2025. The biggest single-year change came in 2020: 37.3 to 42 mpg.

FIG.04·Hyundai Sonata gas mileage by model year
Model yearCombinedCity / HighwayEngines offeredFuel per year
202641.537.5 / 472$925
202539.536 / 44.52$972
20243834.5 / 43.52$1,011
20234239 / 462$914
20224239 / 462$914
20214239 / 462$914
20204239 / 462$914
201937.335 / 41.73$1,029
201837.335 / 41.73$1,029
201737.335 / 40.33$1,029
201637.335 / 39.73$1,029
20153431.5 / 372$1,129
20143229.5 / 362$1,200
20133229.5 / 362$1,200
201231.529 / 36.52$1,219
201131.529 / 36.52$1,219
201023.520.5 / 30.52$1,634
200923.520.5 / 30.52$1,634
200823.520 / 29.52$1,634
20072319.5 / 292$1,670
20062319.5 / 292$1,670
200521.518.5 / 26.52$1,786
200421.518.5 / 26.52$1,786
200321.518.5 / 26.52$1,786
200221.519 / 26.52$1,786
200121.518.5 / 26.52$1,786
200021.518.5 / 26.52$1,786
199921.518.5 / 26.52$1,786
199819.517 / 23.52$1,969
199719.517.5 / 242$1,969
ROWS 30·SOURCE EPA fueleconomy.gov + ForCar
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How we count

This page rests on 80 EPA ratings of the Hyundai Sonata — 11 engines across 1989–2026. 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 $2,428. Full method.

Everything on the Hyundai Sonata
Recalls152 campaignsReliability4.5/5Common problems16,220 complaintsCheck a VINAgainst this exact buildDimensionsSize, weight, generationsCargo space16 cu ftUsed prices5,032 listingsWhat yours is worthValue by year & mileageInsurance costEstimated per yearWindow stickerOriginal Monroney labelDecode a VINWhat each character meansAbout this car1989–2026

Frequently asked questions

What mpg does the 2026 Hyundai Sonata get?

41.5 mpg combined, 37.5 city and 47 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 32 to 51. Across every year since 1989 the Sonata has averaged 28.4 mpg.

Is the 2026 Sonata more efficient than the 2025?

Yes: 41.5 against 39.5 mpg combined, about $47 a year less to run.

Which Sonata year has the best gas mileage?

The 2023, at 42 mpg combined (39 city, 46 highway).

Is the Sonata hybrid worth the extra cost?

In our listings a hybrid asks a median $3,230 more than a gas Sonata of the same year and saves about $379 a year in fuel, so it pays back in about 8.5 years.

Gas mileage ratings from EPA fueleconomy.gov, unadjusted. Running cost computed by ForCar at 12,000 miles a year and $3.20 a gallon. Last updated Nov 2026. — ForCar Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
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