BMW 7 Series vs Hyundai Sonata

The Hyundai Sonata is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 52 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the BMW 7 Series, a 24 mpg advantage and costs about $1,500 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Hyundai Sonata leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2027

BMW 7 Series

Large Cars · 69 configurations

28mpg combined (best)
All BMW 7 Series specs

2015–2027

Hyundai Sonata

Large Cars · 81 configurations

52mpg combined (best)
All Hyundai Sonata specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricBMW 7 SeriesHyundai Sonata
Best combined MPG28 mpg52 mpg
Best city MPG25 mpg50 mpg
Best highway MPG31 mpg56 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$2,700$1,200
Lowest CO2 output130 g/mi100 g/mi
Engines offeredSIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDISIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start
TransmissionsAutomatic (S8)Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AM-S8), Automatic (S8)
DrivetrainsRear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel DriveFront-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesPremium, Premium and Electricity, DieselRegular, Regular Gas and Electricity
EPA classLarge CarsLarge Cars
Years covered2015–20272015–2027
Configurations on record6981

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

7 Series vs Sonata: common questions

Which is better on gas, the BMW 7 Series or the Hyundai Sonata?

The Hyundai Sonata is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 52 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the BMW 7 Series, a 24 mpg advantage and costs about $1,500 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Hyundai Sonata runs about $1,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,700 for the BMW 7 Series — a difference of roughly $1,500 per year.

What engines do the 7 Series and Sonata offer?

BMW 7 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI. Hyundai Sonata: SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 7 Series and the Hyundai Sonata as Large Cars, so they compete directly.

More 7 Series comparisons

Comparison id: bmw-7-series-vs-hyundai-sonata