The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe FWD with the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets 22 MPG combined. It’s an average figure for its class. This Santa Fe is designed for young families and empty-nesters who value cargo space, a comfortable ride, and tech features more than ultimate fuel efficiency. This MPG reflects a trade-off between fuel efficiency and decent power, plus a comfortable interior.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this Santa Fe gets 20 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure represents typical stop-and-go driving. The 2.0L turbo provides good low-end torque, so you don’t have to constantly floor it. The highway figure is fine for road trips, and the Santa Fe’s comfortable seats and compliant suspension make it a pleasant vehicle for long distances. The 8-speed automatic transmission helps keep engine speeds relatively low when cruising, which helps with highway MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for this 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe configuration is $2,000. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. Of course, changing fuel prices will affect this number. Drive more or less, and your actual costs will vary. This estimate provides a useful benchmark, but individual driving habits significantly impact your true annual fuel bill. This information is calculated using the EPA’s standardized testing procedures.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are helpful, but real-world fuel economy always varies. Driving style, traffic, and even tire pressure can influence your MPG. Under normal conditions, expect figures within 1-2 MPG of the EPA estimates. Aggressive acceleration and hard braking will noticeably decrease fuel economy. However, smooth, consistent driving can help you match or even slightly beat the EPA numbers. Check out all Hyundai fuel economy data for comparison.

How it compares

The 2019 Santa Fe’s fuel economy is about average for its class. A comparable Honda CR-V with its 1.5L turbo engine gets a combined 30 MPG in FWD, making it considerably more fuel efficient. The Toyota RAV4, another very popular choice, gets about 28 MPG in a similar configuration. The Nissan Rogue is around 29 MPG. People interested in the Santa Fe 2.0T FWD often prioritize interior space and available features over saving every drop of gas. Explore SANTA MPG across all years for more information.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 2.0L turbo engine delivers strong performance, but frequent hard acceleration uses a lot of fuel. Drive smoothly and predictably to avoid unnecessarily engaging the turbocharger.

Maintain proper tire inflation. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. See the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.

Minimize idling. Idling can waste fuel and produce emissions. If you expect to be stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. The Santa Fe’s engine start/stop system can help, but it doesn’t always activate.

Combine trips. Short trips with a cold engine are inefficient. Combining multiple errands into one trip allows the engine to warm up, which improves fuel economy. Plan your route to minimize backtracking.

Reduce weight. Carrying extra weight in your vehicle reduces fuel economy. Remove any items from the Santa Fe that you don’t regularly need. Extra weight makes the engine work harder, which requires more fuel.