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