Hyundai Elantra vs BMW 5 Series
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 | Hyundai Elantra | BMW 5 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 54 mpg ✓ | 31 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 53 mpg ✓ | 29 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 58 mpg ✓ | 38 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,150 ✓ | $2,450 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 165 g/mi | 133 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | 2.0, SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, with Stop-Start | SIDI & PFI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0 |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S1), Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (AM-S6) | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Premium | Premium and Electricity, Premium, Diesel |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 93 | 85 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Elantra vs 5 Series: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Hyundai Elantra or the BMW 5 Series?
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 Elantra and 5 Series offer?
Hyundai Elantra: 2.0, SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, with Stop-Start. BMW 5 Series: SIDI & PFI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Hyundai Elantra and the BMW 5 Series as Midsize Cars, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: hyundai-elantra-vs-bmw-5-series