Hyundai Sonata
30.3 MPG The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is EPA-rated at 30.3 MPG combined (26.3 city / 36.3 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 495 gallons, $1584 a year in fuel, or $0.106 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1989–2023 run it averages 23.8 MPG, improving by 10.6 MPG over 35 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 | $0.083 | $825 | $1238 | $1650 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.099 | $990 | $1485 | $1980 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.106 | $1056 | $1584 | $2112 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.116 | $1155 | $1733 | $2310 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.132 | $1320 | $1980 | $2640 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.149 | $1485 | $2228 | $2970 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.165 | $1650 | $2475 | $3300 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 30.3 MPG | 26.3 | 36.3 | $2063 | 301 | 4 |
| 2022 | 30.3 MPG | 26.3 | 36.3 | $2063 | 301 | 4 |
| 2021 | 30 MPG | 26.3 | 36.3 | $2088 | 301 | 4 |
| 2020 | 31.3 MPG | 27.3 | 37 | $1983 | 289 | 3 |
| 2019 | 28.3 MPG | 25.3 | 34 | $2200 | 315 | 3 |
| 2018 | 28.3 MPG | 25.3 | 34.7 | $2200 | 314 | 3 |
| 2017 | 28.7 MPG | 25 | 34.3 | $2183 | 313 | 3 |
| 2016 | 28.7 MPG | 25 | 34.3 | $2183 | 313 | 3 |
| 2015 | 28.3 MPG | 24.7 | 34.3 | $2200 | 315 | 3 |
| 2014 | 25.5 MPG | 22.5 | 32.5 | $2450 | 343 | 2 |
| 2013 | 26.7 MPG | 23.3 | 33.7 | $2333 | 332 | 3 |
| 2012 | 26.7 MPG | 23.3 | 33.7 | $2333 | 333 | 3 |
| 2011 | 26.3 MPG | 22.7 | 33.3 | $2367 | 338 | 3 |
| 2010 | 24 MPG | 20.7 | 31 | $2617 | 372 | 3 |
| 2009 | 24 MPG | 20.7 | 31 | $2617 | 372 | 3 |
| 2008 | 23.7 MPG | 20.3 | 29.7 | $2650 | 377 | 3 |
| 2007 | 23.3 MPG | 20 | 29.3 | $2683 | 383 | 3 |
| 2006 | 23.3 MPG | 20 | 29.3 | $2683 | 383 | 3 |
| 2005 | 21.3 MPG | 18.5 | 26.3 | $2938 | 420 | 4 |
| 2004 | 21.3 MPG | 18.5 | 26.5 | $2938 | 420 | 4 |
| 2003 | 21.3 MPG | 18.5 | 26.5 | $2938 | 420 | 4 |
| 2002 | 21.3 MPG | 18.8 | 26.3 | $2938 | 420 | 4 |
| 2001 | 21 MPG | 18.3 | 26 | $2963 | 424 | 4 |
| 2000 | 21 MPG | 18.3 | 26 | $2963 | 424 | 4 |
| 1999 | 21.3 MPG | 18.3 | 26.3 | $2925 | 418 | 4 |
| 1998 | 19.7 MPG | 17.3 | 24 | $3167 | 454 | 3 |
| 1997 | 19.7 MPG | 17.7 | 24.3 | $3167 | 454 | 3 |
| 1996 | 20.7 MPG | 17.7 | 25 | $3033 | 432 | 3 |
| 1995 | 20 MPG | 17.7 | 24.7 | $3117 | 447 | 3 |
| 1994 | 19.7 MPG | 17.3 | 23.7 | $3167 | 454 | 3 |
| 1993 | 19.3 MPG | 17.3 | 23.7 | $3217 | 461 | 3 |
| 1992 | 19.3 MPG | 17.3 | 23.7 | $3217 | 461 | 3 |
| 1991 | 19.7 MPG | 17.3 | 24 | $3167 | 454 | 3 |
| 1990 | 19.7 MPG | 17.3 | 24 | $3167 | 454 | 3 |
| 1989 | 19.7 MPG | 17.3 | 23.7 | $3167 | 454 | 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 149 large cars models tracked here, the Hyundai Sonata ranks 9 on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Honda Civic 5Dr (35.3), Ford C-MAX Hybrid FWD (40), Honda Accord Hybrid (48), Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Blue (51), Hyundai Ioniq (55).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 301 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 4.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Hyundai Sonata get?
The 2023 Hyundai Sonata is rated at 30.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 26.3 city and 36.3 highway. Across all 35 model years in the database it averages 23.8 MPG, ranging from 18 to 32 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Hyundai Sonata cost in fuel per year?
At 30.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 495 gallons — roughly $1584 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.106 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2023 model is $2063.
Has the Hyundai Sonata become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 19.7 MPG in 1989 to 30.3 in 2023 — an improvement of 10.6 MPG, or 54% across 35 model years.
Is the Hyundai Sonata efficient for its class?
It ranks 9 of 149 in the Large Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 21.5 MPG. That is 8.8 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.