The 2019 Hyundai Elantra SE gets 34 MPG combined. This fuel economy is a major selling point, appealing to pragmatic commuters, budget-conscious students, and anyone seeking reliable, inexpensive transportation. It’s a car designed for efficient travel from point A to point B.

City and highway performance

The Elantra SE’s combined rating is thanks to its balanced drivetrain. The 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission prioritize efficiency. The EPA estimates 30 MPG in the city, which is suitable for driving in urban environments. On the highway, that number rises to 40 MPG. This makes the Elantra SE a good choice for longer commutes or road trips. The 6-speed automatic provides predictable power delivery, contributing to fuel savings. It avoids the potential sluggishness of CVTs used in some other economy cars.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra SE at $1,544. This estimate is based on 15,000 miles of driving per year, using average national fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs may vary depending on driving habits, fuel type, and local fuel prices. Driving more than 15,000 miles annually or living in an area with higher fuel prices will increase your fuel costs. Driving fewer miles or living where fuel is cheaper will likely lower your annual expenses. The EPA estimate assumes 55% city and 45% highway driving.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy can differ from EPA estimates. Driving style, traffic, and tire pressure all affect MPG. With mindful driving habits, achieving close to the EPA estimates is realistic in the Elantra SE. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking will reduce fuel economy. Driving at high speeds on the highway can also lower the observed MPG below the 40 MPG estimate.

How it compares

The 2019 Elantra SE’s fuel economy is competitive in its class. The 2019 Toyota Corolla LE achieves about 33 MPG combined, with similar city and highway numbers. The Honda Civic LX is rated slightly higher, at approximately 35 MPG combined in EPA testing. These differences are often small, and the Elantra SE often provides good value when considering its price and features. The Nissan Sentra S has a fuel economy often cited around 32 MPG combined, highlighting the Elantra SE’s strong position. For an overview of ELANTRA MPG across all years, refer to our comparison tool. Also, check out all Hyundai fuel economy data for deeper research on the brand.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and deceleration maximize fuel efficiency in the Elantra SE. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and anticipate traffic conditions to minimize braking. Smooth, consistent driving will improve your MPG.

Proper tire inflation is important for fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Excessive cargo adds weight, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Remove unnecessary items to improve your MPG.

Minimize idling. If stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling consumes fuel. This is especially important in city driving.