27 MPG combined is a reasonable figure for the 2024 Hyundai Sonata FWD 2.5L. It’s right in the sweet spot for a comfortable, spacious, and value-oriented midsize sedan. The typical Sonata buyer prioritizes affordability, reliability, and practicality. They need a dependable daily driver for commuting, running errands, and perhaps the occasional family road trip, and the Sonata delivers that without breaking the bank. Fuel economy is important, but it’s balanced against the car’s long list of other attributes. This isn’t a sports car, and it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s a workhorse designed to provide years of faithful service, and its fuel consumption reflects that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2024 Sonata at 23 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The difference reflects the engine’s tuning and the eight-speed automatic transmission’s programming, which is optimized for different driving conditions. In urban environments, the Sonata will spend more time idling, accelerating, and braking, factors that reduce fuel efficiency. On the open road, the engine can settle into a more efficient cruising speed, and the transmission can use its higher gears to keep engine RPMs low. The 2.5L engine offers adequate power for merging and passing, but it’s not overly aggressive, which also aids in maintaining reasonable fuel consumption. Highway driving is where you’ll see the Sonata operating at peak efficiency because of its design.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Hyundai Sonata FWD 2.5L at $1,600. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the type of fuel used. The “Fuel Type” specification in the original prompt was intentionally left blank, because the Sonata’s 2.5-liter engine doesn’t require (or particularly benefit from) premium-grade gasoline. Sticking with regular unleaded is perfectly acceptable and will help keep your costs down closer to that $1,600 target. Drivers can find all Hyundai fuel economy data on this site.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly based on several factors. Aggressive driving, frequent stop-and-go traffic, and carrying heavy loads can all reduce fuel efficiency.

Conversely, smooth acceleration, consistent speeds, and proper tire inflation can help drivers achieve or even exceed the EPA estimates. The 2024 Sonata’s fuel economy will be heavily influenced by driving style. Someone who accelerates hard from every stoplight can expect to see significantly lower MPG figures than someone who anticipates traffic and drives more conservatively. Likewise, lots of short trips won’t allow the engine to reach its most efficient operating temperature, and that will also impact fuel economy. This is a car aimed at reliability rather than efficiency, so don’t expect hybrid-like performance.

How it compares

In the mid-size sedan segment, the 2024 Hyundai Sonata’s fuel economy stacks up reasonably well against its competitors. The Toyota Camry LE, for example, achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined, 27 MPG city, and 39 MPG highway. The Honda Accord LX offers an EPA-estimated 29 MPG combined, 26 MPG city, and 37 MPG highway. The Nissan Altima S registers around 27 MPG combined, 28 MPG city, and 39 MPG highway.

For buyers deeply concerned with the Sonata’s mileage against competitors, it may be helpful to look at SONATA MPG across all years to see how its efficiency has changed across generations. The slight differences highlight that the Sonata buyer may be willing to accept a small compromise in fuel economy in exchange for the Sonata’s overall value and other distinguishing features. The Sonata Hybrid is also available for buyers who prioritize fuel economy above all.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Smooth and steady acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the 2024 Sonata. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and try to maintain a consistent pace. The 2.5L engine benefits from a gentle touch on the accelerator, and that, combined with the smoothness of the eight-speed automatic, will also improve the in-cabin experience by giving the driver and passengers a less jerky ride.

Proper tire inflation is critical for optimal fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Keep in mind that tire pressures go down in cold temperatures.

Minimize idling time. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle, so avoid unnecessary idling, especially in traffic or when waiting for someone. If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. The Sonata’s engine is quick to restart, so it will be easier than originally imagined to restart it often.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Carrying extra weight in the vehicle reduces fuel efficiency. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk and backseat. Every extra pound contributes to increased fuel consumption, particularly under acceleration.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a constant speed, which can improve fuel efficiency on long trips. The Sonata’s cruise control is intuitive and easy to use, making it a convenient tool for maximizing MPG on the open road.