The 2022 Hyundai Sonata 1.6L 4-cylinder gets 31 MPG combined, making it a good choice for drivers who want good fuel economy in a stylish and spacious mid-size sedan. This isn’t a performance version; it’s the model with the best mileage in the Sonata lineup, made for daily driving, long trips, and the practical needs of families and individuals. Buyers of this version usually care more about being able to afford it and low fuel costs than fast acceleration, and appreciate the Sonata’s comfort, technology, and attractive design and also its fuel efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates show the Sonata 1.6L’s fuel economy in detail. The city rating is 27 MPG, a respectable number showing the efficiency-focused design of the engine and transmission. Stop-and-go traffic will affect fuel consumption, but the Sonata’s responsive throttle and well-tuned automatic transmission help prevent using too much fuel. The Sonata excels on the highway, getting 37 MPG. This highway rating makes it an excellent choice for road trips and commutes where you drive at consistent speeds. The automatic transmission with eight speeds helps with efficiency at higher speeds and while cruising. This transmission also provides better acceleration and smoothness for city driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Hyundai Sonata 1.6L is $1,400. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. This cost is a useful way to compare the Sonata’s running costs to other vehicles. Individual fuel costs will change depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and how much you drive in the city versus on the highway. Someone who drives mostly in the city and drives more aggressively might see their annual fuel cost go over $1,400, while a driver who mostly drives on the highway or drives more carefully might pay less.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a standard, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Things like driving style, traffic, terrain, and even tire pressure can change gas mileage. Accelerating quickly, braking hard often, and idling for a long time will all hurt fuel efficiency. If you drive more smoothly, anticipate traffic, and keep your tires inflated properly, you can get the EPA estimates or even better. Because of its position as a practical choice, many owners likely will get better efficiency; this vehicle isn’t usually bought by driving enthusiasts.

How it compares

The mid-size sedan category includes several fuel-efficient alternatives to the Sonata 1.6L. The Toyota Camry LE, known for its reliability, gets an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city and 39 MPG highway, giving it a slight edge over the Sonata on the highway; see all Hyundai fuel economy data here. The Honda Accord LX gets 30 MPG city and 38 MPG highway, using a 1.5L turbocharged engine, not the Sonata’s 1.6L. The Nissan Altima S gets 28 MPG city and 39 MPG highway with its base engine. These other vehicles might offer different driving characteristics or features. The Sonata’s 31 MPG combined is competitive in its class given its attractive design and technology features that many families like. For a comparison of SONATA MPG across all years, follow that link. These differences are often small, and driver behavior is the biggest factor in fuel costs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Accelerate gently to get the best gas mileage in the Sonata 1.6L. Don’t press the gas pedal hard, especially when starting from a stop. The engine runs more efficiently when you speed up smoothly.

Drive at a consistent speed on the highway, and use cruise control if you can. Changes in speed require more energy and use more fuel. The Sonata’s adaptive cruise control can also help you stay a consistent distance from other vehicles, reducing the need to speed up and slow down often.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure on the doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check the tire pressure often, especially when the temperature changes.

Reduce extra weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra things adds to the vehicle’s load, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel. Remove anything that you don’t need for everyday driving.

Plan your routes carefully to avoid heavy traffic and congested areas. Stop-and-go driving greatly reduces fuel economy. A navigation system with real-time traffic updates can help you find other routes and spend less time stopped in traffic.