MPGTerminal
40/100
1996Midsize CarsRegular

1996 Hyundai Sonata

EPA ID: 12826
19
City MPG
22
Combined MPG
22MPG· Average
26
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 1996 Hyundai Sonata achieves an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 2L 4-cylinder engine paired with a manual 5-spd, this midsize cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 1996 Sonata produces approximately 404 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Sonata has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $2,700, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $2,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassMidsize Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine2L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionManual 5-spd
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions404 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score-1/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$2,700
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $2,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
21.6
Impact vs EPA
+$42
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$616/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$16,000
43.3%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$11,932
32.3%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$8,600
23.3%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.1%
Total 5-Year Cost$36,932

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #97V026000·1997-04-28
critical
Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WERE CONTAMINATED DURING ASSEMBLY.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: THIS CONTAMINATION INTERFERES WITH THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT CONTINUITY AND PREVENTS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FROM OPERATING. INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO REDUCED VISIBILITY DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CONTAMINANTS FROM THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTACTS.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Hyundai Sonata configurations.

View Model History

Similar 1996 Midsize Cars Alternatives

1996 Dodge Stratus

2L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

22MPG
City: 19Hwy: 28$2,700/yr

1996 Plymouth Breeze

2L 4-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

22MPG
City: 19Hwy: 28$2,700/yr

1996 Buick Century

3.1L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

21MPG
City: 18Hwy: 26$2,850/yr

1996 Buick Regal

3.1L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

21MPG
City: 18Hwy: 26$2,850/yr

1996 Buick Regal

3.8L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

21MPG
City: 17Hwy: 27$2,850/yr

1996 Buick Riviera

3.8L 6-cyl Front-Wheel Drive

21MPG
City: 17Hwy: 27$2,850/yr

Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$2,700
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $2,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City19 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Combined22 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

80.8 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 100 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 6.7 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.