Hyundai Elantra
31 MPG The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is EPA-rated at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 35 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 484 gallons, $1548 a year in fuel, or $0.103 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1993–2026 run it averages 27.8 MPG, improving by 9.3 MPG over 34 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.081 | $806 | $1210 | $1613 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.097 | $968 | $1452 | $1935 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.103 | $1032 | $1548 | $2065 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.113 | $1129 | $1694 | $2258 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.129 | $1290 | $1935 | $2581 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.145 | $1452 | $2177 | $2903 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.161 | $1613 | $2419 | $3226 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $2000 | 288 | 1 |
| 2025 | 33.7 MPG | 30 | 38.3 | $1867 | 266 | 3 |
| 2024 | 33.7 MPG | 30.3 | 38.7 | $1867 | 264 | 3 |
| 2023 | 34 MPG | 30.3 | 39.3 | $1850 | 265 | 3 |
| 2022 | 32.8 MPG | 29.3 | 38.5 | $1925 | 277 | 4 |
| 2021 | 32.8 MPG | 29.3 | 38.5 | $1925 | 277 | 4 |
| 2020 | 32.3 MPG | 28.8 | 37.8 | $1963 | 281 | 4 |
| 2019 | 30 MPG | 26.8 | 35.2 | $2110 | 300 | 5 |
| 2018 | 30 MPG | 26.8 | 35.2 | $2110 | 300 | 5 |
| 2017 | 30 MPG | 26.8 | 35.2 | $2110 | 300 | 5 |
| 2016 | 29.3 MPG | 25.8 | 35.5 | $2125 | 302 | 4 |
| 2015 | 29.3 MPG | 25.5 | 35.5 | $2125 | 302 | 4 |
| 2014 | 29 MPG | 25.5 | 35 | $2150 | 304 | 4 |
| 2013 | 32 MPG | 28 | 38 | $1950 | 284 | 2 |
| 2012 | 32 MPG | 28 | 38 | $1950 | 278 | 2 |
| 2011 | 32 MPG | 28 | 38 | $1950 | 278 | 2 |
| 2010 | 29 MPG | 25.5 | 34 | $2150 | 306 | 2 |
| 2009 | 27.5 MPG | 24.5 | 33 | $2250 | 323 | 2 |
| 2008 | 27.5 MPG | 24.5 | 33 | $2250 | 323 | 2 |
| 2007 | 27.5 MPG | 24.5 | 33 | $2250 | 323 | 2 |
| 2006 | 24.7 MPG | 21.7 | 29.7 | $2533 | 361 | 3 |
| 2005 | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $2500 | 356 | 2 |
| 2004 | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $2500 | 356 | 2 |
| 2003 | 25 MPG | 21.5 | 30 | $2500 | 355 | 4 |
| 2002 | 25 MPG | 21 | 30 | $2500 | 355 | 2 |
| 2001 | 25 MPG | 21 | 30 | $2500 | 355 | 2 |
| 2000 | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 1999 | 23 MPG | 20 | 29 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 1998 | 23 MPG | 20.5 | 28 | $2725 | 387 | 2 |
| 1997 | 23.3 MPG | 20.3 | 28.7 | $2667 | 381 | 3 |
| 1996 | 23.5 MPG | 20.5 | 29 | $2650 | 378 | 2 |
| 1995 | 21.6 MPG | 18.8 | 26.2 | $2890 | 412 | 5 |
| 1994 | 21.7 MPG | 19.3 | 26 | $2883 | 410 | 3 |
| 1993 | 21.7 MPG | 19.3 | 26 | $2883 | 410 | 3 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 261 midsize cars models tracked here, the Hyundai Elantra ranks 39 on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Honda Accord (32), Toyota Camry LE/SE (32), Nissan Altima Hybrid (33), Nissan Sentra FE (33), Nissan Sentra SR (33).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 288 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Hyundai Elantra get?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is rated at 31 MPG combined by the EPA — 28 city and 35 highway. Across all 34 model years in the database it averages 27.8 MPG, ranging from 21 to 37 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Hyundai Elantra cost in fuel per year?
At 31 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 484 gallons — roughly $1548 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.103 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2000.
Has the Hyundai Elantra become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 21.7 MPG in 1993 to 31 in 2026 — an improvement of 9.3 MPG, or 43% across 34 model years.
Is the Hyundai Elantra efficient for its class?
It ranks 39 of 261 in the Midsize Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 27.2 MPG. That is 3.8 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.