Hyundai Sonata vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Hyundai Sonata is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 52 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a 26 mpg advantage and costs about $1,700 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
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Large Cars · 106 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Hyundai Sonata | Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 52 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 50 mpg ✓ | 24 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 56 mpg ✓ | 31 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,200 ✓ | $2,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 100 g/mi ✓ | 106 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, 6.0, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AM-S8), Automatic (S8) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd |
| Drivetrains | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Regular Gas and Electricity | Premium, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Large Cars | Large Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 81 | 106 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Sonata vs S-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Hyundai Sonata or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The Hyundai Sonata is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 52 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a 26 mpg advantage and costs about $1,700 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 $2,900 for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class — a difference of roughly $1,700 per year.
What engines do the Sonata and S-Class offer?
Hyundai Sonata: SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start. Mercedes-Benz S-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, 6.0, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Hyundai Sonata and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as Large Cars, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: hyundai-sonata-vs-mercedes-benz-s-class