Hyundai Elantra vs BMW 8 Series

The Hyundai Elantra is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 54 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the BMW 8 Series, a 29 mpg advantage and costs about $1,900 less per year to fuel.

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

2015–2026

Hyundai Elantra

Midsize Cars · 93 configurations

54mpg combined (best)
All Hyundai Elantra specs

2019–2026

BMW 8 Series

Subcompact Cars · 64 configurations

25mpg combined (best)
All BMW 8 Series specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricHyundai ElantraBMW 8 Series
Best combined MPG54 mpg25 mpg
Best city MPG53 mpg23 mpg
Best highway MPG58 mpg30 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$1,150$3,050
Lowest CO2 output165 g/mi347 g/mi
Engines offered2.0, SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, with Stop-StartSIDI
TransmissionsAutomatic (AV-S1), Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (AM-S6)Automatic (S8)
DrivetrainsFront-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegular, PremiumPremium
EPA classMidsize CarsSubcompact Cars
Years covered2015–20262019–2026
Configurations on record9364

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

Elantra vs 8 Series: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Hyundai Elantra or the BMW 8 Series?

The Hyundai Elantra is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 54 mpg combined versus 25 mpg for the BMW 8 Series, a 29 mpg advantage and costs about $1,900 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 $3,050 for the BMW 8 Series — a difference of roughly $1,900 per year.

What engines do the Elantra and 8 Series offer?

Hyundai Elantra: 2.0, SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, with Stop-Start. BMW 8 Series: SIDI.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

The EPA classifies the Hyundai Elantra as Midsize Cars and the BMW 8 Series as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.

More Elantra comparisons

Comparison id: hyundai-elantra-vs-bmw-8-series