The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL with front-wheel drive and a 3.3L V6 engine gets 21 MPG combined. It’s not a fuel-efficient vehicle, which is expected in a spacious, three-row SUV. However, it offers reasonable comfort for passengers and cargo at a price lower than many competitors.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL FWD 3.3L gets 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects typical stop-and-go driving. The highway number is attainable on long trips at consistent speeds. The Santa Fe XL’s six-speed automatic transmission is geared for decent acceleration, contributing to the lower city MPG. On the highway, it cruises more efficiently after the initial acceleration.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL FWD 3.3L will cost $2,100 per year in fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year using national average fuel prices, which can vary. Your actual fuel costs will depend on your driving habits, city versus highway driving, and local fuel prices. Expect to spend more if you drive aggressively, drive mostly in stop-and-go traffic, or live in an area with high gas prices.

Real-world expectations

Real-world fuel economy usually differs from EPA estimates. Some drivers might achieve 25 MPG on the highway, but consistently reaching 18 MPG in the city can be hard, especially during rush hour. Tire pressure, vehicle maintenance, and cargo weight all affect fuel consumption. Regular maintenance, like oil changes and tire rotations, is critical for maximizing fuel economy among other things. SANTA MPG across all years shows varied results. User data often indicates a slight decrease compared to EPA claims.

How it compares

The 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe XL’s fuel economy is in the middle of the three-row SUV class. The Toyota Highlander LE V6 FWD gets slightly better fuel economy at 23 MPG combined, and the Honda Pilot LX 2WD achieves 22 MPG combined. The Nissan Pathfinder S 2WD matches the Santa Fe XL’s 21 MPG combined. Choosing all-wheel drive in any of these SUVs usually reduces fuel economy by 1-2 MPG in combined driving. If fuel efficiency is your priority, a hybrid minivan like the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (82 MPGe combined) could be a better choice, depending on your needs for cargo capacity and ruggedness.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid accelerating quickly, as this greatly increases fuel consumption. The 3.3L V6 engine has enough power to move the Santa Fe XL without needing to press hard on the gas pedal. Accelerate gently and maintain a constant speed to improve fuel efficiency, especially when driving in the city.

Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure, found on the driver’s side door jamb. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. Check your tire pressure often, especially when the temperature changes, as pressure fluctuates.

Reduce extra weight inside the vehicle. Remove unnecessary cargo, like items left in the trunk or unused gear, to improve fuel economy. The less weight the engine must carry, the better the fuel consumption.

Use cruise control on the highway to keep a constant speed and prevent unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. This helps to optimize fuel efficiency and lower fuel use, especially on long trips where you can drive at a steady speed.

If your Santa Fe XL has ECO mode, consider using it, as it can improve fuel efficiency by optimizing engine performance and transmission mapping. The throttle response might be slightly reduced, but it could save you gas, particularly during commutes. Check all Hyundai fuel economy data to see if later Santa Fe year models offered this feature.