Hyundai Sonata vs BMW 7 Series
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.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Hyundai Sonata | BMW 7 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 52 mpg ✓ | 28 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 50 mpg ✓ | 25 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 56 mpg ✓ | 31 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,200 ✓ | $2,700 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 100 g/mi ✓ | 130 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AM-S8), Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel |
| EPA class | Large Cars | Large Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 81 | 69 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Sonata vs 7 Series: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Hyundai Sonata or the BMW 7 Series?
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 Sonata and 7 Series offer?
Hyundai Sonata: SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start. BMW 7 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Hyundai Sonata and the BMW 7 Series as Large Cars, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: hyundai-sonata-vs-bmw-7-series