BMW 5 Series vs Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 54 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the BMW 5 Series, a 23 mpg advantage and costs about $1,300 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Hyundai Elantra leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Hyundai Elantra
Midsize Cars · 93 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 5 Series | Hyundai Elantra |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 31 mpg | 54 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 29 mpg | 53 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 38 mpg | 58 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,450 | $1,150 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 133 g/mi ✓ | 165 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0 | 2.0, SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, with Stop-Start |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8) | Automatic (AV-S1), Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (AM-S6) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium and Electricity, Premium, Diesel | Regular, Premium |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 85 | 93 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
5 Series vs Elantra: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 5 Series or the Hyundai Elantra?
The Hyundai Elantra is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 54 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the BMW 5 Series, a 23 mpg advantage and costs about $1,300 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Hyundai Elantra runs about $1,150 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,450 for the BMW 5 Series — a difference of roughly $1,300 per year.
What engines do the 5 Series and Elantra offer?
BMW 5 Series: SIDI & PFI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0. Hyundai Elantra: 2.0, SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, with Stop-Start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 5 Series and the Hyundai Elantra as Midsize Cars, so they compete directly.
More 5 Series comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-5-series-vs-hyundai-elantra