Hyundai Elantra vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Hyundai Elantra is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 54 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a 26 mpg advantage and costs about $1,550 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
2015–2027
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Midsize Cars · 136 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Hyundai Elantra | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 54 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 53 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 58 mpg ✓ | 33 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,150 ✓ | $2,700 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 165 g/mi | 115 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | 2.0, SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, with Stop-Start | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AV-S1), Automatic (AM-S7), Automatic (AM-S6) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Premium | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Premium or E85 |
| EPA class | Midsize Cars | Midsize Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 93 | 136 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Elantra vs E-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Hyundai Elantra or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class?
The Hyundai Elantra is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 54 mpg combined versus 28 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a 26 mpg advantage and costs about $1,550 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 $2,700 for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class — a difference of roughly $1,550 per year.
What engines do the Elantra and E-Class offer?
Hyundai Elantra: 2.0, SIDI, SIDI; Hybrid, with Stop-Start. Mercedes-Benz E-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; FFV.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Hyundai Elantra and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as Midsize Cars, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: hyundai-elantra-vs-mercedes-benz-e-class