Elantra vs Sonata: MPG

Are you constantly monitoring your fuel-tank levels when you drive, and want a car that can provide better fuel efficiency? Your search is over, as the Elantra and the Sonata both get incredible MPG outputs that far outpace many of their competitors.

The Elantra gets up to an EPA-estimated 33 city/43 highway/37 combined MPG and has a 12.4-gallon gas tank.¹ In the Sonata, you’ll get a little bit less MPG, as it gets an EPA-estimated 28 city/38 highway/32 combined MPG.²

Although the Elantra gets better overall mileage, the Sonata has a bigger fuel tank. The SE trim in the Sonata features a 14.8-gallon fuel tank, while all other trims feature a 15.9-gallon tank. Both vehicles do an impeccable job at maximizing fuel efficiency with Idle Stop & Go, which is engine technology that is designed to save fuel by preventing idling.

The engine will shut itself off when the car isn’t moving, and automatically turn back on when you take your foot off the brake. So, if you want the higher MPG output, go with the Elantra. If you want a bigger fuel tank, go with the Sonata.

Are the Elantra and Sonata Spacious?

Yes! Both vehicles let you stretch out and relax without getting in the way of other passengers. In the front of the Elantra, you’ll get 40.6 inches of headroom, 42.3 inches of legroom, 56.5 inches of shoulder room, and 53.4 inches of hip room. In the rear, passengers will get 37.3 inches of headroom, 38 inches of legroom, 55.6 inches of shoulder room, and 50.5 inches of hip room.

In the Sonata, the driver and front passenger will get 40 inches of headroom, 46.1 inches of legroom, 57.9 inches of shoulder room, and 54.6 inches of hip room. In the rear, passengers will enjoy 38.4 inches of headroom, 34.8 inches of legroom, 56.1 inches of shoulder room, and 54.4 inches of hip room.

Overall, the Sonata offers bigger interior dimensions than the Elantra, aside from front headroom and second-row legroom. We’d recommend the Sonata over the Elantra if interior dimensions are important to you.

How Safe Are These Hyundai Vehicles?

Protection in all driving situations is important, and Hyundai vehicles are beloved for helping keep occupants safe. The Elantra and Sonata are no different, as they offer many of the same safety features, including:

• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Lane Following Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist

Because both vehicles offer the same features, you can go with either one if you want the best in safety. However, if you want more standard safety features, go with the Elantra, as things like the Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist feature are standard, whereas you’d need to upgrade in the Sonata to get it.