The 2017 Hyundai Elantra 2.0L gets 32 MPG combined, a number that shows this car’s main goal: affordable, reliable, and economical transportation. This isn’t a sporty sedan; it does not try to be luxurious. This Elantra is for a specific buyer: someone who wants value, needs a comfortable and dependable way to get to work, and wants to spend less money on the car and on gas.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2017 Elantra 2.0L gets 28 MPG in the city and 37 MPG on the highway. These numbers are realistic for most drivers. The 2.0L engine, with the six-speed automatic transmission, provides enough power for merging and passing but doesn’t encourage aggressive driving. The car is most comfortable at a steady speed. In city driving, the Elantra’s light weight helps it get decent fuel economy, allowing it to drive around town without using too much gas. The highway number of 37 MPG makes it a good choice for longer trips, balancing comfort and efficiency for those who travel often for work or fun.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra 2.0L at $1,350 per year. This number is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Actual fuel costs will change depending on how someone drives and local fuel prices. Someone who drives mostly in stop-and-go traffic will probably see a higher annual cost, while someone who mainly uses the Elantra for highway commuting may spend less than that. $1,350 is a good way to evaluate the overall cost of owning the car. If you’re thinking about other Hyundai models, you can compare all Hyundai fuel economy data to see how the Elantra compares to others.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates are a helpful guide, but real-world fuel economy often varies. Owners report that getting the advertised 32 MPG combined is possible with careful driving. Fast acceleration and braking will hurt fuel efficiency. Long idling and frequent short trips can also lower MPG. Keeping a steady speed, avoiding unnecessary idling, and checking tire inflation can help drivers get close to or even better than the EPA estimates. Weather conditions (very hot or cold) and terrain (hilly vs. flat) can affect fuel economy. Resources are available if you want to research ELANTRA MPG across all years.

How it compares

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra 2.0L’s fuel economy is competitive in the compact sedan group, but not the best. The Toyota Corolla LE Eco, for example, is EPA-estimated at 34 MPG combined. The Honda Civic LX, another common choice, gets around 31 MPG combined. The Mazda3 i-Touring gets about 32 MPG combined, like the Elantra. Some hybrid models offer much better fuel economy but cost more. The Elantra balances affordability and fuel efficiency, making it a good choice for budget buyers who want a comfortable and well-equipped sedan. The Elantra buyer understands value, so these comparisons are important. They don’t need the best MPG, but they want to be near the top without paying extra.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2.0L engine in the 2017 Elantra works best with a gentle approach. Avoid fast acceleration and braking, and drive smoothly and consistently. This will save gas and make your brake pads last longer. Watch the traffic and keep a steady speed to save gas.

Check your tire pressure regularly for the best fuel economy. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, which is on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which lowers fuel efficiency. The Elantra has a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), but it only warns you when the pressure is very low, so check it yourself regularly.

Remove extra weight from your car. More weight uses more gas, so removing unnecessary items from your trunk or backseat can help. It might not seem like much, but it helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Keep idling time to a minimum. Turn off the engine if you’re stopped for more than a minute. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes fuel. This matters in cities with many stoplights and traffic jams. Even short times of idling add up.

Think about using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps keep a consistent speed, which can save gas. It also helps you avoid speeding up and slowing down too much, which also saves gas. Cruise control on long highway trips will improve your MPGs.