How can I calculate the mpg for a 2004 Hyundai Elantra towing about 2,500lbs?

Asked by Gabrielle Mar 02, 2013 at 09:14 AM about the 2004 Hyundai Elantra

Question type: General

I am moving cross-country and found that it may be cheaper to just tow a trailer than to rent a
truck. I drive a 2004 Manual Hyundai Elantra and found that it can tow over 3,000lbs. This
would be great, however I'd like to budget for the trip. I need to find out what the mpg would
be if I were towing this much so that I can estimate how much I need to have saved up for gas
costs.

4 Answers

177,545

Regular MPG's are around 27. Towing a trailer I would estimate a decrease of 30-40%. Figure around high teens for your budget. Keep it slow and allow plenty of room for braking.

18,835

Double check that weight rating with Hyundai. Start with the owner's manual. I am betting that the weight rating you were given came from U-Haul. They have their own rating system that has nothing at all to do with the factory ratings on vehicles. Their system says any vehicle can tow up to its own weight, but no more. I saw them rent a 3,500 trailer to a guy with a Windstar (rated for 2,500) and try to deny me a 5,000 pound trailer for a Grand Marquis with towing package (rating 6,000). My bet is that your Elantra is actually rated for no more than 1,500, is that.

1 people found this helpful.

Actually, that is the rating from Hyundai themselves. I like to make sure I do all my research first, hence why I thought it might be helpful to ask all of your professional opinions. Thank you both for your help. If anyone else had other thoughts, they are welcome as well

18,835

In Europe, it is rated for 1,250 kgs. That is 2,500. In North America, it is not rated at all. If you are involved in a crash, at fault or not, your insurance may well be null and void because the car is not rated to tow the trailer attached. Also, watch your weights. There is a little under 500 kgs between the curb weight and the gross vehicle weight. The weight of all passengers, and what ever else is in the car, PLUS the tongue weight has to be withing that 500 kg window. You could overload the tires or stress other parts of the car by exceeding this rating. It may cost more, but for safety, you would do better to rent a truck and tow the car. For one, the clutch is going to take one HELL of a beating, especially if there are hills on your route, and replacing the clutch is going to be more than the cost of the truck.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Elantra

Looking for a Used Elantra in your area?

CarGurus has 3,498 nationwide Elantra listings starting at $2,995.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    G. Jacob Durbin
    Reputation
    3,620
  • #2
    Taku Zhou
    Reputation
    3,100
  • #3
    Pirdman
    Reputation
    2,900
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Hyundai Sonata
34 Great Deals out of 1,110 listings starting at $3,112
Used Honda Civic
176 Great Deals out of 3,690 listings starting at $1,995
Used Toyota Corolla
122 Great Deals out of 1,994 listings starting at $2,795
Used Honda Accord
43 Great Deals out of 907 listings starting at $1,599
Used Toyota Camry
48 Great Deals out of 979 listings starting at $2,212
Used Nissan Altima
22 Great Deals out of 709 listings starting at $1,400
Used Nissan Sentra
70 Great Deals out of 1,802 listings starting at $2,195
Used Hyundai Accent
42 Great Deals out of 429 listings starting at $1,990
Used Mazda MAZDA3
73 Great Deals out of 1,498 listings starting at $2,495
Used Hyundai Tucson
95 Great Deals out of 2,220 listings starting at $3,990

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.